What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grip & Lighting Photo Assistant position at Route 7 Productions, Inc.?
Job Title - Grip & Lighting Photo Assistant
Start Date - ASAP - The role is 2 weeks with potential for semi-permanent position
Location - West Chester, OH
Rate - $28-50 per hour based on experience
Description
The Grip &Lighting Photo Assistant plays a critical role in maintaining the daily functionality, organization, and efficiency of both in-studio and on-location photo production. This position supports photographers, producers, and stylists by ensuring equipment, grip, sets, and studio spaces are organized, stocked, and ready for production at all times. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced studio setting where priorities shift throughout the day. This role helps ensure smooth shoot execution by maintaining studio readiness, supporting equipment management, assisting with set construction, and helping teams both in the studio and on location.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain overall cleanliness and organization of the studio, including sweeping, mopping, and completing daily trash removal to ensure a safe and professional workspace
- Assist production teams both in studio and on location, helping ensure all equipment, grip, and set needs are properly prepared, transported, and returned
- Organize and maintain all photography equipment, ensuring gear is clean, functional, and properly stored; coordinate with the Lead Photographer regarding equipment repairs or replacement needs
- Monitor and track expendable studio supplies (sweep paper, gaff tape, batteries, canned air, rope, etc.), coordinating with the mailroom or purchasing partners to ensure adequate inventory levels and working with the Lead Photographer when items need to be ordered
- Check in regularly with photographers throughout the day to confirm they have the equipment, grip, and support needed to remain on schedule
- Organize the grip room and ensure all grip carts are properly stocked, labeled, and ready for use; return silks, modifiers, and accessories to designated storage areas after each shoot
- Keep both in-studio and location grip carts organized and production-ready, including post-shoot cleanup, restocking expendables, matching power cords to equipment, and identifying gear needing repair
- Maintain tool carts and ensure they remain clean, organized, and fully stocked with required tools and hardware
- Assist with set builds and on-set construction, supporting set teams with assembly, material handling, adjustments, and strike
- Maintain set-building materials, tools, and hardware inventory, ensuring materials are properly stored and available for upcoming productions
- Ensure all photography studio lighting is powered on and calibrated each morning, and fully powered down at the end of each day to maintain studio readiness and equipment care.
Required Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in a photo studio, production, warehouse, or related hands-on environment preferred
- Basic knowledge of photography equipment, lighting gear, grip hardware, and studio workflows preferred
- Comfortable working with hand tools and assisting in light construction or set-building tasks
- Comfortable operating and willing to be trained to operate PIT equipment (walkie, reach truck, scissor lift); company-provided certification and training available
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities throughout the day
- Proactive, self-motivated, and responsive to team needs
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments
- Ability to problem-solve quickly in a fast-paced production environment
- Valid driver’s license
Physical Requirements
- This role is based in West Chester, OH and supports work in warehouse, operational, studio, and off-site location environments.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday
- Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials up to 50 lbs regularly
- Ability to push and maneuver loaded grip carts and equipment cases
- Ability to bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work at varying heights during set builds and lighting adjustments
- Comfortable working in a production environment with varying temperatures, noise levels, and changing daily demands
- Ability to travel for on-location shoots as needed
Pay: $28.00 - $50.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $28 - $50