Environment Designer

POSTED:

Fri, Apr 23, 2021

ENDS:

Fri, May 21, 2021

POSITION SUMMARY
PBS Wisconsin is seeking a multi-skilled designer who is adept in creating environments for digital and physical spaces. The Environment Designer is a creative and collaborative individual who will report to the Creative Manager within the Design department. This position is responsible for the conceptualization, design, and creation and maintenance of dimensional spaces, through digital 3D modeling tools as well as scenic design and construction. As part of a multi-faceted creative team, this position is key to advancing the mission of PBS Wisconsin through high-quality design.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

  1. Conceptualizes, designs and constructs physical and digital sets for media productions and events, creatively resolving spatial layouts, shooting angles, lighting considerations, aesthetics, and budgets.
  2. Creates 3D digital models of sets, props and environments, as well as 2D assets that are incorporated in the design of an environment.
  3. Applies creative expertise with spatial design problem-solving, layout and/or construction methodologies.
  4. Explores innovations and new techniques and tools in design methodologies, and analyzes and identifies cost effective design options to meet project requirements.
  5. Supervises and assists with production and event set-ups and strikes, and supervises students and part-time staff in accomplishing design goals.
  6. Manages and maintains the PBS Wisconsin scene shop in accordance to UW safety policies and regulations.
  7. Schedules logistics, secures resources, organizes, and monitors design production projects adhering to established timelines and expectations.
  8. Works collaboratively with other creative professionals, engages in and responds to creative feedback, manages project workflow and timing, maintains files, and follows established work unit processes.
  9. Answers questions and provides information and problem resolution options to clients and stakeholders.

DEGREE AND AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Associate’s degree in Theatre Scenic Design, 3D Design or related field preferred, but not required.

MINIMUM YEARS AND TYPE OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • At least 2 years of scenic design and construction experience, which includes experience with CAD and/or 3D modeling tools and processes (such as SketchUp, Vectorworks, Blender, Maya).
  • Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Demonstrates artistic sensibilities for composition, texture, color, and form in physical and digital designs.
  • Demonstrates necessary knowledge of materials, tools, techniques, methodologies, and safety in production and scene shop environments.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

NOT REQUIRED BUT DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with the 3D asset pipeline including texturing, rigging, lighting, and rendering.
  • Experience creating interactive experiences, including but not limited to VR, AR, 360, or physical spaces.
  • Experience with 3D development tools including Unity and/or Unreal game engines.
  • Experience with fine cabinetry construction, welding, model making, painting skills, and sculpting.
  • Experience with accessibility design in physical and virtual environments.
  • Experience with project management.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We expect to pay in the mid-$40,000’s to low 50,000’s for highly experienced candidates who exceed the qualifications. Actual pay & title will depend on experience and qualifications.

The person in this position will be required to comply with the PBS Wisconsin Code of Ethics located here: https://pbswisconsin.org/about/, in addition to the UW-Madison code of ethics.

This position typically works Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00, with the occasional need for shifted hours to accommodate evening and/or weekend events. Additionally, the person in this position must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs, must be able to climb a ladder and use a personnel lift and must be comfortable driving a panel van for errands.

The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at https://jobs.hr.wisc.edu by May 21, 2021. The job number is 233581. The following must be received for your application to be complete:

  1. Resume;
  2. A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the job duties and minimum and desirable qualifications;
  3. One document containing 4-6 work samples demonstrating your approach and success in creating environment designs. The work samples should focus on showcasing a breadth and depth in approach.  CAD drawings and design sketches are encouraged to be included. Feel free to include background and context for your work samples.

As applicants progress to interviews, they will need to provide at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (include at least one supervisory reference).

Questions? Contact: Erin Cook, PBS Wisconsin, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706; 608-263-0477.