We are seeking a physically fit, highly motivated, and safety-conscious Set Construction Helper / Shop Laborer to join our scenic construction workshop and backlot production crew. In this role, you will be the physical engine behind the scenes, assisting master carpenters, scenic artists, and welding technicians in building, moving, and installing complex physical sets for theater plays, commercial films, and television shows. You will balance intense manual labor with technical resourcefulness, safely operating basic power tools, maintaining workshop organization, and loading heavy structural flats into production trucks. If you possess a strong work ethic, a reliable "no task is too small" attitude, and a passion for working with your hands in a dynamic creative environment, this is an outstanding opportunity to launch your career in the entertainment production industry.

Key Responsibilities
Material Prep & Hand-Tool Operation: Measure, cut, sand, and prep raw lumber, plywood, metals, and acrylics using basic hand and power tools (e.g., circular saws, orbital sanders, drills, pneumatic staple guns) under direct supervision.

Scenic Material Handling & Transport: Load, unload, and safely transport heavy scenic flats, steel bracing, staging platforms, and raw construction materials across the workshop, soundstages, or location sets.

Set Assembly & Installation Assistance: Assist senior carpenters and riggers on-set during the physical mock-up and final installation of scenic backdrops, walls, ceilings, and heavy architectural props.

Workshop Upkeep & Hazard Control: Maintain a spotlessly clean, organized shop floor by continuously sweeping sawdust, clearing scrap wood, cleaning paint brushes, and sorting hardware bins (screws, brackets, hinges).

Safety & Tool Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-shift safety checks on shop equipment; keep cords properly coiled, ensure blades are protected, and report any faulty tools immediately to the shop foreman.

Scenic Painting & Texturing Support: Assist the scenic artistry department with basic priming, base-coating large flat surfaces, applying textures, or mixing plaster compounds as directed.

Post-Production Strike & Material Salvage: Participate in the rapid and careful dismantling (strike) of sets post-wrap, systematically extracting reusable screws, salvaging lumber, and packing structural elements into inventory storage.

Requirements & Qualifications
Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience; vocational training or certifications in carpentry, woodworking, welding, or OSHA construction safety compliance are highly valued.

Experience: 0–2+ years of experience in commercial construction, residential carpentry, theatrical stagecraft, scenery shops, film backlots, or general heavy manual labor.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in reading a tape measure accurately and operating basic construction hand tools, power drills, and sanding equipment.

Basic understanding of different construction fasteners, lumber grades, and hardware options used in rapid structural framing.

Deep commitment to workshop safety rules, including proper utilization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like steel-toe boots, safety goggles, and respirators.

Personal Attributes:

Exceptional physical health, core strength, and endurance; capable of lifting up to 50–70 lbs repeatedly, climbing ladders, and working on your feet for long hours.

Highly reliable, early to shop call times, and exceptionally disciplined, with the mental agility to follow rapid, multi-step construction blueprints.

Sharp situational awareness to navigate safely around active cutting zones, overhead rigging points, heavy forklift traffic, and loud environments.

A proactive, team-oriented problem solver who communicates clearly and adapts smoothly to shifting production schedules and tight deadlines.

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