What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art Department Manager position at Empire Technical fabrication?
DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an experienced Scenic Charge Lead to lead the execution of scenic finishes, paint treatments, and surface artistry for theatrical, experiential, themed entertainment, or production environments. This role combines hands-on artistic leadership with project management responsibilities, including crew supervision, designer collaboration, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination across departments.
The ideal candidate is both a skilled scenic artist and a proactive leader who can independently manage projects from initial bidding through completion while maintaining high artistic standards, production efficiency, and budget accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Scenic Art
- Execute and oversee scenic painting, texturing, aging, faux finishes, sculptural coatings, and specialty paint treatments.
- Interpret renderings, elevations, paint elevations, and design packages
- Develop color samples, texture mockups, and finish approvals for designers and clients.
- Ensure quality control and consistency across all scenic elements.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient paint/scenic workspace.
Project Management
- Independently manage assigned scenic projects from pre-production through install and strike.
- Create and maintain project schedules, labor plans, and production timelines.
- Track material usage, labor hours, and project budgets to ensure efficient execution.
- Coordinate procurement of scenic materials, tools, and specialty finishes.
- Identify production challenges early and develop practical solutions to maintain deadlines and quality standards.
- Build client relationships to sustain and develop sales.
Crew Leadership
- Lead, schedule, and supervise scenic artists over hire.
- Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining workflow efficiency and artistic consistency.
- Provide mentorship, training, and feedback to scenic team members.
- Foster a collaborative and positive shop culture focused on craftsmanship and accountability.
Designer & Department Coordination
- Serve as the primary scenic point of contact for designers and production management.
- Attend production meetings, design reviews, and site walkthroughs as needed.
- Communicate progress updates, schedule impacts, and budget considerations clearly and professionally.
- Collaborate with carpentry, fabrication, lighting, and installation teams to ensure seamless integration of scenic elements.
Qualifications
- 5 years of professional scenic painting or scenic fabrication experience, preferably in theatre, themed entertainment, events, television/film, or live production.
- Demonstrated experience managing projects, crews, and production schedules.
- Strong knowledge of scenic painting techniques, materials, coatings, and finishing processes.
- Ability to read and interpret design drawings, renderings, and construction documents.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience tracking labor and material budgets.
- Comfortable working in fast-paced production environments with shifting priorities.
- Ability to lift and move materials and work on ladders, lifts, or scaffolding as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with large-scale experiential or themed entertainment projects.
- Strong technical knowledge of hard scenery, soft goods, flame treating and decorative fabrication
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
- Ability to travel between New York and New Jersey as needed
- OSHA 10 certification minimum
Key Attributes
- Strong artistic eye and attention to detail
- Self-directed and highly organized
- Calm under pressure and deadline-driven
- Collaborative leadership style
- Solutions-oriented mindset
- Commitment to craftsmanship and team success
Reports To
Director of Fabrication at Empire Technical Fabrication
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time salaried position based primarily out of our Wayne, NJ facility.
- Salary: Negotiable based on experience
- 10 paid vacation days annually
- Sick leave in accordance with New Jersey state guidelines
- 8 paid holidays per year
Please note that evening or weekend availability may occasionally be required based on production schedules and active projects.
Preferred start date is flexible, with a target start date no later than June 15, 2026.
If you don't meet 100% of the qualifications but believe you can do the job, we encourage you to apply
To Apply
Please submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Link to digital portfolio or professional website
Applications may be sent to:
[email protected]
Additional information is available at:
www.Emtechfab.com
DURATION
Jun 15, 2026 -
SALARY
$80,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year
- NON-UNION