Pyrotechnician/Lighting and Scenic Technician

The Arts & Entertainment Department at The Butchart Gardens creates and operates the summer lighting display, the evening concerts, fireworks, and the annual Christmas display. The department also oversees all artwork and graphics, as well as photography for the company. During the summer, the Pyrotechnician assists with any firework activities that fall under the jurisdiction of The Butchart Gardens, including preparing and fusing fireworks, as well as installation, fabrication and repairs of existing firework mechanical structures, shell and candle holders, and scenic elements. In the winter, duties shift to prepping, installing, and overseeing the operation of the Christmas Display alongside other technicians in the department. Familiarity with fireworks, theatrical scenic elements and props (for both Fireworks and Christmas), lighting and electricity, as well as previous experience with mechanics, carpentry, welding, and metal work would be an asset. Applicants need to be comfortable handling explosives and successful completion of the Natural Resources Canada Display Fireworks Safety and Awareness course is mandatory. The successful candidate will be required to: • Successfully complete the Natural Resources Canada Display Fireworks Safety and Awareness Course. • Assist with the set-up, organization, maintenance, and cleaning of the Firework venues and equipment. • Assist with daily construction and refurbishment of scenic and firework effects. • Fuse and prepare pyrotechnic material. • Set up and remove props, materials, and debris from the fireworks field. • Assist with record keeping and creation of AutoCAD maps / drawings for fireworks, lighting, and Christmas. • Prepare, repair, install, operate, and maintain seasonal lighting equipment as directed. • Under the supervision of the Director of Arts & Entertainment, assist with the preparation, research, creation, and construction of Fireworks, Christmas, special occasion, and seasonal lighting and displays. • Install, maintain, operate, and remove the Christmas display lighting, props, and scenic elements. • Oversee the work of seasonal staff in Fireworks and during installation and removal of the Christmas display. • Assist with other Arts and Entertainment department duties on the concert stage, in graphics, or in the lighting department. With training, successfully obtain the Live Performance Electrical Certificate (LPEC). The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications: • A genuine positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others in a team based setting. • A strong sense of initiative and an ability to work independently. • Attention to detail and accuracy. • Strong mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity. • An ability to work with electrical equipment and a basic understanding of electrical theory. • An ability to work with hand and small power tools to create displays. • Comfortable working outdoors, at heights and on roofs, around water, and in all weather conditions. • Knowledge of visual presentation, display work, and possessing an artistic perspective and imagination. • Ability to apply creative judgement and deploy strong problem solving abilities. • Able and willing to operate equipment such as elevated lift trucks and other large on-property vehicles. • Flexibility in scheduling of hours. Evening and weekend work is required depending on the season. • Valid BC Driver’s License This is a year-round, full-time position starting in October 2024. Shifts will be scheduled to suit the requirements of the department and the operation of the seasonal presentations. Regular evening and weekend work is required in the summers and Christmas seasons, as well as occasional overtime, especially on Fireworks Saturdays. Some work will take place at heights, and candidates must be prepared to work outdoors in inclement weather. An adequate level of physical fitness is also necessary as the job activities are repetitive in nature and require lifting strength, so individuals with repetitive strain or back injuries would not find this position suitable. A considerable amount of walking is also involved to move around the property. Please note that this position is contingent upon successful completion of a physical assessment. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Remuneration will be commensurate with this level of responsibility and the qualifications of the successful candidate. Starting from $27.34 per hour. The position offers a benefits package, a RRSP matching program, 3 weeks’ vacation (plus an additional 2 weeks paid staff holiday during The Gardens closure each year), following a six-month probationary period. Interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter to: Human Resources, The Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto