Duty Technician - SKATE

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Seasonal Full-Time Duty Technician to join our live events team for the operation of our seasonal ice rink, SKATE. The ideal candidate will have experience in live event production, particularly in audio-visual (AV) setups, basic carpentry and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. This role requires technical expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality event experiences while adhering to strict health and safety standards.

Start Date: 27/10/2025

End Date: 11/01/2026

Duration: 11 weeks

Shift Pattern

Shift Pattern

Weekly Commitment: 37.5 hours per week over 5 shifts per week, with a 1-hour paid lunch break .
This will change on a weekly basis
3 evening mid-week shifts to cover Skate Late DJ sessions (typically 4 PM–12 AM).
2 weekend shifts (Saturday and/or Sunday, typically 10 AM–6 PM or 2 PM–10 PM).
The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day, but candidates must be available to work throughout the Christmas period, including Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and NYE - flexibility will be given when possible.

Physical & Social Conditions

Physical & Social Conditions

Non-Standard Hours: The role involves evening and weekend work to align with event schedules.
High-Pressure Environment: Candidates must thrive in fast-paced, time-sensitive settings with strict deadlines and occasional high-stress situations.
Physical Demands:
Working at height (e.g., ladders, scaffolding) to install or adjust equipment.
Lifting and moving heavy equipment (up to 25 kg) as part of rigging and setup.
Prolonged periods of standing, walking, or working in cold outdoor environments.
Team Environment: Collaborative work with other technicians, event staff, and management in a dynamic, customer-facing setting.
Heritage Site Considerations: Sensitivity to the restrictions of working in a Grade 1 listed building, including limited access to certain areas and strict adherence to preservation guidelines.

What we are looking for

Operate lighting and sound consoles.
Assist with rigging and supporting other departments.
Perform fault-finding and troubleshooting on AV systems, ensuring quick resolution of technical issues.
Act as a "responsible person" on site when required, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Conduct basic carpentry and maintenance tasks, such as fixing door handles and loose flooring.
Install and maintain temporary heaters for staff and public comfort.
Work in compliance with the company’s Health and Safety Policy, BS7909 standards, and all company procedures.
Represent the company professionally, maintaining a positive attitude and appearance at all times.
Fulfil additional reasonable duties as directed by the line manager or senior on-site personnel.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Experience:

Certification: BS7909 qualified
Experience: Minimum of 2 years working as a duty technician in live events, with a focus on AV setups.
Venue Experience: Proven experience working in a listed building, with awareness of heritage site restrictions and preservation requirements.
Technical Skills:
Proficient in rigging, operating, and maintaining live event sound and lighting systems.
Ability to operate lighting desks (GrandMA) and sound desks
Knowledge of power distribution systems and safe cabling practices.
Physical Requirements: Comfortable working at height (e.g., climbing ladders to change P5 lights and festoon bulbs), carrying up to 25kg of weight unassisted
Carpentry Skills: Carpentry experience (e.g., fixing door handles, securing loose flooring, general maintenance throughout the season).
Problem-Solving: Strong fault-finding skills for AV systems and the ability to work under pressure to resolve issues quickly.
Health and Safety: Thorough understanding of health and safety regulations in live events, including risk assessments and safe working practices.

Skills:

· Strong numeracy and IT skills, including working knowledge of MS Office applications and spreadsheets, and ability to learn new systems and software quickly

Benefits

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed
Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders
Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)*
Contribution towards eye tests and glasses
Trust life insurance scheme
We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers

Holiday

Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Birthday leave - additional day leave
Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice

Other Leave

Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service)
Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service)
Enhanced maternity pay

Benefits

Season ticket loan
Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts, offers and free stuff

The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
Discounts to local leisure centres

About Somerset House Trust

Somerset House is actively anti-racist, you can read about our Anti-Racism Pledge and the action we’re taking

here. We are working hard to ensure our people, our onsite community and our sector reflect, represent and include all of society.

Our Commitment to Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion:

discrimination

in the initial screening stage of our recruitment process. This reinforces our commitment to focusing on the skills and qualifications of all applications from the start.

We're committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help you perform at your best. We're open to adjusting our process to accommodate your needs please email people.team@somersethouse.org.uk.

The Trust reserves the right to close a job before its application deadline.

Please only apply if you have the right to work in the UK; the Trust cannot currently offer sponsorships.

Somerset House Trust operates a hybrid working model which does not allow employees from working outside the United Kingdom

Documents

Our Hiring Process

Don't worry if you don't see any roles you want to apply for now. Register your interest to allow us to contact you when a suitable role meeting your criteria comes along. Unfortunately, the Trust cannot sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.