Head Usher

Department: Front of House

Supervisor: Front of House Manager

FLSA Category: Non-Exempt 

Terms of Employment: At Will

Position Status: Part-time (hours vary depending on shows)

Pay Rate: $18.00-18.50 ; Hourly rate based on experience and qualifications

Position Objective:

The Head Usher is responsible for providing exceptional customer service for patrons, as well as, venue and patron safety during events. The position oversees front-of-house volunteer ushers in theaters, outdoor events, etc., and responds to special requests from patrons.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Customer Service:

• Providing exceptional customer service and patron direction, escorting patrons as needed.
• Ensuring safety of venue for attendance by the public, and patron safety.
• Responding to special requests from patrons.
• Carrying and distributing house program boxes.
• Assisting in lobby set-up and preparation before and after shows.
• Maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance, adhering to CCAE uniform requirements.

Volunteer Supervision:

• During pre-event briefs, updating volunteer ushers regarding event-specific information.
• Pre-event, Event, and Post-event supervision as needed; checking up on volunteers periodically.
• Record volunteer attendance and notes regarding attendance on Head Usher Report.
• Train volunteers on house policies and procedures. 

Administration:

• Maintain and complete Head Usher Report before, during and after events.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with other departments and those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of all venues within the CCAE campus and a good understanding of evacuation procedures from all points within each venue.

Other duties as may be deemed necessary by the direct supervisor. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Demonstrated interest in the performing and /or visual arts is preferred but not required.
• Deal effectively with a wide variety of personalities and situations requiring diplomacy, tact, friendliness, poise and firmness.
• Demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to and appreciation for the diverse ethnic, socio-economic, disability and gender diversity of guests and staff attending or working with the CCAE.
• Experience and comfort with Two-Way radios is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to work varied shifts (e.g., morning, nights, and weekends) preferred.

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move/push up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move/push up to 20 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move/push 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk 4-6 hours or more depending on the show; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• Ability to climb steps repeatedly.
• Must be able to work on all levels of each venue.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Noise levels vary, but can be high during programming and events. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time with respect to both indoor and outdoor events. Temperature levels may include hot, cold, and mild.

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factors under federal, state or local law.