Head Carpenter - Live Entertainment Events
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Overview
Job Description
Since 1998, Barney Monk has been a cornerstone of the live entertainment industry, setting the standard for excellence in event staffing and payroll services. We provide seamless, dependable solutions for concerts, trade shows, and large-scale productions across the United States and Canada. Trusted by companies across North America, we empower venues and production companies by managing the complex logistics of their most valuable asset: the people who make the show happen.
Job Summary:
The Head Carpenter serves as the lead authority on scenic construction, stage rigging, and structural integrity within Mystic Lake Amphitheatre. This role oversees the carpentry department in the safe, precise, and efficient execution of all scenic elements from initial drawing review and engineering interpretation through installation, operation, and final strike.
As a department leader, you will supervise a union crew of assistant carpenters and stagehands, ensuring all work meets the highest standards of craftsmanship while remaining fully compliant with union rules, venue policies, and safety regulations. The position requires journey-level expertise, advanced rigging proficiency, and the ability to translate complex technical designs into safe, functional, and visually accurate stage environments.
This is a union stage crew role. Any successful candidate will be required to join IATSE Local #13 and fulfill membership requirements.
In-person interviews will be held the week of May 18-22, 2026. If selected for an interview, the recruitment team will coordinate a time and date with you that week.
General Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead and supervise assistant carpenters and oversee crews in the construction, installation, and strike of all scenic elements, ensuring efficiency and precision at every phase
- Ensure all department operations adhere to the IATSE collective bargaining agreement, including meal breaks, turnaround times, and safety regulations
- Provide hands-on technical leadership, promoting safe tool usage, skill development, and streamlined workflows across the crew
- Translate complex technical drawings, blueprints, and ground plans into accurate layouts, framing, and finished scenic elements
- Coordinate and oversee the safe movement of scenic elements during rehearsals and performances, maintaining consistency and operational precision
- Manage on-deck activity during load-ins and strikes, organizing scenic placement, traffic flow, and storage logistics
- Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage and adherence to shop and stage safety protocols, including OSHA standards
- Conduct routine inspections of scenic elements, rigging hardware, and workspaces to ensure structural integrity and the safety of performers and crew
Qualifications/Skill Requirements:
- Minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in theatrical, film, or live event environments, including at least 2 years in a Lead Carpenter or Master Carpenter role on large-scale productions
- Demonstrated ability to perform under pressure in live performance and broadcast environments
- Experience managing union crews and/or overhire labor
- Demonstrated expert-level craftsmanship in framing, finish carpentry, and scenic construction
- Proven ability to interpret CAD drawings, technical drafting, and ground plans in a production environment
- Extensive working knowledge of scenic materials, with multi-material fabrication experience (plastics, metals, fabrics, and timber)
- A background check will be initiated in accordance with state and federal law after a contingent offer of employment.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Must be comfortable working at heights (ladders, lifts, and grids)
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 80 pounds or more
- Ability to stand for long periods during setup and show execution
- Dexterity and precision required for fine carpentry and hardware installation
The physical demands outlined are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
The US base salary for this part-time position is $38/hour plus benefits as applicable.
Barney Monk LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact:
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