Position Title: Sound Program Technician
POSITION SUMMARY
Bemis Center seeks a dynamic, skilled, and enthusiastic Sound Program Technician to support its Sound Art + Experimental Music Program and advance the organizations’ growing reputation as a premier destination for creating and experiencing avant-garde music. This hands-on role is perfect for an experienced sound technician who thrives in an artist-centered environment, providing both technical expertise and creative support.
As a key member of Bemis’s programming team, the Sound Program Technician ensures that the rehearsal space, recording studio, live music venue (LOW END), and green room are fully operational, well-maintained, and accessible to artists-in-residence and visiting musicians and performers. From troubleshooting equipment to managing production needs for performances and workshops, this position is essential in fostering an innovative and inclusive space for artists of all backgrounds to explore and expand their practice in sound.
Additionally, this position is responsible for all aspects of presenting live music including artist coordination and travel, backline sourcing, load in, sound checks, front of house for performances, and general management of the LOW END venue. Beyond technical support, this role collaborates with local, national, and international artists and organizations, cultivating partnerships that broaden the reach and impact of Bemis Center’s Sound Program. The Sound Program Technician also develops educational workshops that encourage experimentation and skill-building among
artists-in-residence.
Reporting directly to Bemis’s Chief Curator and Director of Programs, this position is ideal for someone who is not only technically proficient but also passionate about sound, community-building, and supporting artistic exploration.
This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations. Ideal candidates share our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, acceptance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. Applicants of all races, genders, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all other characteristics that make us different are encouraged to apply.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
RESIDENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide residency artists with technical assistance and instruction on software and hardware available in the rehearsal space and recording studio
- Assist residency artists with sound-related equipment, instruments, and software in the development of art projects and/or installations
- Assist residency artists with sourcing art materials, equipment, and services
- Oversee, manage, and maintain all residency tech equipment to ensure professional use and condition
- Work with the Residency Program Coordinator and Chief Curator and Director of Programs to provide residency artists information about Bemis Center facilities and resources including tours and orientations; trainings; information about scheduling use of venue and recording studio; and understanding of Bemis’s processes, culture, and safety
- Manage technical support for residency-related public programs, such as Meet + Eat and Open House / Open Studios
- Serve as a liaison between residency artists and community members through introductions to local artists, organizational partners, and other professionals in various fields of interest
- Manage Community Tracks program, which offers local artists/musicians the opportunity to utilize Bemis’s Sound Program to create and/or record new work
- Collaborate with the Residency Program Coordinator to promote open call opportunities
LOW END RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide sound and lighting support for live performances (approximately two per month) at LOW END
- Serve as the lead event manager on all programs presented at LOW END, including developing and executing event plans, securing contract services, securing backline, and managing the venue
- Coordinate all travel, lodging, and hospitality for LOW END performers
- Assist in the creation and management of annual program budget and vendor payments Maintain community contacts and strengthen ongoing relationships with cultural and educational institutions to promote the Sound Program
- Manage Bemis Center Spotify account
- Assist with collecting feedback from artists, performers, and audiences to further refine and improve the program
- Work with Facility Manager for maintaining the cleanliness of the venue and recording studio
- Assist with coordinating internships in collaboration with staff and artists-in-residence Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- Curiosity and passion for working with living artists and musicians specializing in sound art or experimental forms of composition, voice, or music of all genres, Minimum of three years of experience in the field of audio engineering (live and studio), with an interest in sound art and experimental music
- Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends Technical proficiency in software and equipment in recording studios
- Demonstrated ability in running and maintaining audio/visual equipment
- Highly motivated with aspirations to make a difference in the field and ability to adapt to change, identify places where help is required, and take initiative to provide it
- Experience working with artists to realize new projects
- Experience teaching or leading workshops on sound equipment and software including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Adobe Suite, etc.
- Experience with operating and maintaining venue equipment such as Midas M32, X32, and Colorsource AV consoles.
- Experience with operating and maintaining studio equipment such as Audio Interfaces, Microphones, Acoustic, and Electronic Instruments.
- Organized with an ability to see the big picture while managing small details Demonstrated experience in serving a support role to advance the work of practicing artists; possess an amiable and professional demeanor at all times
- Outstanding verbal communication and interpersonal skills exhibiting the ability to build and maintain relationships
- Understand and promote Bemis Center’s mission in a clear, spirited manner
- BA/Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with four years of professional experience or minimum five years of experience in a related field
- Proficiency in Google Drive; Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint; cloud applications (box.com); and image management (Photoshop, etc.)
- Experience working in an office environment
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record Successful reference and background checks
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Combination office and studio environments with standard hours, typically Monday to Friday
- Additional evenings and weekends will be required for public programs and special events
- May involve some physical activity, such as lifting boxes or setting up for events Occasionally outdoors and/or non-temperature controlled areas
- Prolonged periods of standing, walking, and moving through the facility
- Must be able to repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs. without assistance, with ability to lift up to 100 lbs. as necessary with assistance
- Capability to climb ladders, work at various heights, and access confined spaces as needed
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach overhead
- Adequate vision and hearing to perform inspections and safely operate equipment Capacity to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and outdoor weather conditions
COMPENSATION
This is a salaried position, based on knowledge, skills, and experience. The salary range is $45,000-50,000 and comes with Bemis’s competitive benefit package, including medical, dental, and life insurance; retirement plan; paid vacation; paid sick leave; and paid holidays.
HOW TO APPLY
For immediate consideration, please submit a one-page cover letter, and resume to jobs@bemiscenter.org with “Sound Program Technician” in the subject line.