Lighting Technicians
27-4015.00
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
Sample of reported job titles: Dimmer Board Operator, Electrical Lighting Technician (ELT), Entertainment Lighting Technician, Gaffer, Lamp Operator, Lighting Controls Technician, Lighting Operator, Lighting Technician (Lighting Tech), Production Technician, Rigging Electrical Lighting Technician (RELT), Set Lighting Technician (Set Lighting Tech), Sound and Lighting Technician (Sound and Lighting Tech), Spotlight Operator, Stage Electrician, Stage Lighting Technician, Theater Technician, Video Lighting Technician
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Assess safety of wiring or equipment set-up to determine the risk of fire or electrical shock.
- Consult with lighting director or production staff to determine lighting requirements.
- Disassemble and store equipment after performances.
- Install color effects or image patterns, such as color filters, onto lighting fixtures.
- Install electrical cables or wire fixtures.
- Load, unload, or position lighting equipment.
- Match light fixture settings, such as brightness and color, to lighting design plans.
- Notify supervisors when major lighting equipment repairs are needed.
- Operate manual or automated systems to control lighting throughout productions.
- Patch or wire lights to dimmers or other electronic consoles.
- Perform minor repairs or routine maintenance on lighting equipment, such as replacing lamps or damaged color filters.
- Program lighting consoles or load automated lighting control systems onto consoles.
- Set up and focus light fixtures to meet requirements of television, theater, concerts, or other productions.
- Set up scaffolding or cranes to assist with setting up of lighting equipment.
- Test lighting equipment function and desired lighting effects.
- Visit and assess structural and electrical layout of locations before setting up lighting equipment.
Technology Skills
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Computer aided design CAD software -
Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥
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Data base user interface and query software -
FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Access 🔥
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Electronic mail software -
Microsoft Outlook 🔥
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software -
SAP Maintenance
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Industrial control software -
Programmable logic controller PLC software
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Internet browser software -
Microsoft Internet Explorer
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Office suite software -
Microsoft Office software 🔥
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Presentation software -
Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
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Program testing software -
Rockwell RSLogix
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Project management software -
Microsoft Project 🔥
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Spreadsheet software -
Microsoft Excel 🔥
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
- Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details.
- Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
- Attach equipment extensions or accessories.
- Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
- Load materials or equipment.
- Unload materials or equipment.
- Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
- Calibrate equipment to specifications.
- Notify others of equipment problems.
- Operate control consoles for sound, lighting or video.
- Run wiring to connect equipment.
- Repair electrical equipment.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Install computer hardware.
- Position safety or support equipment.
- Set up material handling gear or equipment, such as rigging, packaging, or temporary structures.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
- Gather information about work conditions or locations.