FOUNTAIN OPERATIONS SPECIALIST presso Longwood Gardens

As one of the great gardens of the world Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul. 

The Arts at Longwood Gardens offer unparalleled programs and experiences in our unique venues with an exquisite symphony of performance and place. Guests enjoy our Summer Concert Series in the Open-Air Theatre, live entertainment in the beer garden, Fireworks, Illuminated Fountain Performances, and year-long programming featuring our resident instruments - our 10,010 pipe Aeolian organ and our 62-bell Carillon housed in our Chimes Tower. In addition to the more formal programs, we are proud that our arts programming continues to evolve and adapt, just as our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, showcased the leading artists of his time in these spectacular settings.

Longwood Gardens is currently seeking a full-time Fountain Operations Specialist to join our Artistic Programming team. The Fountain Operations Specialist, Performing Arts is responsible for safely and independently operating the systems for the Main Fountain Garden and Open-Air Theatre. In addition, this position will act as a department Technician for a variety of department activities, as assigned, during non-fountain seasons.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Serving as lead Main Fountain Garden and Open Air Theater Fountain Operator, including performing the assigned tasks required to set up, operate sound, video, and lighting for all fountain performance, daytime, evening, and special events.
• Operating and monitor Fountain systems such as Navigator, Syncronorm, and Qsys with training.
• Performing pre-event checks to ensure all equipment is functioning properly. 
• Monitoring daytime and evening fountain shows in Main Fountain Garden, noting performance of fountains, lights and audio.
• Understanding the requirements for Illuminated Shows
• Collaborating with internal teams to keep equipment working smoothly as tracking repair needs and maintaining equipment.
• Supporting designers during late night and weekend show commissioning.
• Learning basics of fountain design, including fountain choreography, lighting, and sound, and assisting with design editing for special projects, routine maintenance, and system upgrades, as assigned.
• Supporting new program ideation, and existing program iteration and best practices improvements.
• Working in non-navigating technical areas when required, including basic audio, lighting, video, staging, troubleshooting, display monitoring, or other department needs as they arise.
• Identifying and mitigating risks and developing recommendations to enhance planning and execution to reduce risks, when needed.
• Upholding the standards of excellence for delivering an extraordinary experience both on and off stage.

 The ideal candidate will possess:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in control systems with basic computer and networking skills.
• Demonstrated adaptability experience and ability to remain calm and focused under pressure
• A strong guest service ethic is required. 
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to operate ladders, rigging, forklifts and person lifts a plus. Always upholds OSHA and Longwood safety requirements.
• Ability to lift and push equipment weighing at least 40 pounds and ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold and rain
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

 Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.