Backstage & Automation Trainer, Entertainment Technical

The Backstage & Automation Trainer oversees and delivers comprehensive Entertainment Technical training programs aligned with a specialized backstage and automation curriculum, under limited supervision. They collaborate with management to set training objectives, design tiered course curricula, and develop materials like handouts, tests, and practical exercises. Responsibilities include lecturing on safety, project planning, installation, maintenance, and repair of automation systems, theatrical sets, props, and stage equipment.  The trainer administers evaluations, maintains trainee performance records, and refines training programs, incorporating feedback and recommending enhancements such as multimedia aids. Additionally, they manage inventory and maintenance of sets and props, coordinate with production teams for new show setups, and integrate operational improvements into the curriculum. They provide trainings for shipboard staff, offer technical support via ticketing systems, and assist in recruiting Entertainment Technicians in collaboration with the Casting & Booking Department, ensuring alignment with best practices in the field. The Backstage & Automation Trainer conducts Entertainment Technical training programs based on a comprehensive Backstage & Automation curriculum, under limited supervision. They determine training objectives in coordination with management, write and review training programs including tiered course curricula, handouts, and tests, and design practical exercises. They lecture on safety, project planning, installation, preventative maintenance, and repairs of automation systems, theatrical sets, props, flying apparatuses, and stage flooring. Additionally, the trainer administers written and practical examinations and authors performance reports to evaluate and document trainee progress and performance during their time at Carnival Studios.

Essential Functions:

Program, Operations & Innovation

• Training Development and Delivery: Designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for Stage & Automation Technicians, focusing on TAIT & Mechatronics systems, stage maintenance, and scenic repair. Training includes group and individual instruction, hands-on workshops, and covers safety protocols, production show operations, preventative maintenance, and repairs.

• Training Program Development: Create, update, and review training programs to align with trainee needs and industry advancements. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through feedback from trainees and stakeholders, making necessary adjustments to enhance learning outcomes.

• Training: Conduct both group and one-on-one training sessions to address specific learning needs and ensure comprehensive skill development. Utilize a variety of teaching methods and materials, including hands-on activities, demonstrations, and theoretical discussions. Lectures on safety, project planning, installation, preventative maintenance, and repairs of Automation Systems, theatrical sets, props, Flying apparatuses, stage flooring

• Examinations and Performance Evaluation: Administer written and practical exams to assess trainees’ knowledge and technical skills. Evaluate trainee performance, provide constructive feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Track progress over time and recommend further training or development opportunities as needed during their tour in Carnival Studios

• Administrative: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each trainee, tracking progress, exam results, and overall performance. Generate reports and provide detailed feedback to trainees, department leaders, and other stakeholders.

• Equipment Inventory and Maintenance: Manage the inventory of all audio equipment, ensuring proper storage, tracking, and maintenance. Oversee regular maintenance and repairs of audio equipment to ensure optimal working condition. Coordinate the purchase of new equipment or replacement parts as needed, based on equipment wear and technological advancement

Team Leadership and Development

• Cultural Essentials: Uphold and promote Carnival’s core behaviors, such as speaking up, respecting and protecting, improving, communicating, listening and learning, and empowering. Encourage team members to share their insights, challenges, and suggestions to enhance collaboration and operational success, while proactively resolving conflicts. Organize and execute monthly “Studio Star” which highlights outstanding team members with in a month for their outstanding work.

• Team Environment: Actively engage in team meetings, projects, and brainstorming sessions to foster collaboration and idea sharing. Support a positive team environment by recognizing individual contributions and promoting mutual respect and support among team members.

Collaborate

• Interdepartmental:  Work alongside the Operations, Production & Music teams to identify areas for improvement in general production processes. Offer expert advice on the technical aspects of new or existing productions, contributing valuable insights into audio-related issues and solutions. Help integrate new technologies and best practices into productions, ensuring high-quality audio outcomes. 

• Teamwork with Shoreside and Shipboard Teams: Foster strong communication and teamwork between Shoreside and Shipboard teams, ensuring that audio systems, training, and technical support are aligned across locations. Work collaboratively to troubleshoot and resolve issues that may arise during live performances or training activities, ensuring consistency in delivery. 

• Continuous Improvement: Participate in meetings with other departments within Carnival Studios to discuss opportunities for process improvement, production quality, and technical support. Act as a resource for ongoing learning and development for both technical staff and trainees, helping to create a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Safety and Compliance

• Safety Practices: Develop and enforce safety practices and training programs to ensure guest and crew safety while maintaining operational integrity. Prepare teams for onboard safety duties and coordinate regular drills and tests for safe execution of show stops during live performances.

• Regulatory Compliance: The Backstage & Automation Trainer must ensure that all training and technical practices meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. This includes staying updated with safety regulations related to backstage and automation equipment, as well as ensuring compliance with any maritime or aviation safety protocols (for operations involving vessels). This could include adhering to electrical safety codes, fire prevention protocols, and sound exposure guidelines. Hazard Identification and Mitigation: During technical rehearsals, the trainer must also be vigilant in identifying potential safety hazards related to backstage and automation equipment (e.g., wires in walkways, excessive sound levels, electrical safety) and take immediate action to mitigate these risks. Additionally, ensuring that all equipment is inspected for functionality and safety before use is a key responsibility. 

• Compliance Adherence: Ensure compliance with company policies and Global HESS guidelines. Update HESS guidelines as needed, review maintenance data to anticipate problems, and implement preventative measures. Conduct audits to improve safety and compliance processes.

• Backup and Documentation: Ensure secure digital backups of essential automation show files and maintain comprehensive onboard documentation, including manuals, troubleshooting guides, and system diagrams.

Hazard Identification and Mitigation:

• During technical rehearsals, the trainer must also be vigilant in identifying potential safety hazards related to backstage and automation equipment (e.g., wires in walkways, excessive sound levels, electrical safety) and take immediate action to mitigate these risks. Additionally, ensuring that all equipment is inspected for functionality and safety before use is a key responsibility. 

• Compliance Adherence: Ensure compliance with company policies and Global HESS guidelines. Update HESS guidelines as needed, review maintenance data to anticipate problems, and implement preventative measures. Conduct audits to improve safety and compliance processes.

• Backup and Documentation: Ensure secure digital backups of essential automation show files and maintain comprehensive onboard documentation, including manuals, troubleshooting guides, and system diagrams.

Financial Accountability

• Plan: Work with Manager on ordering Consumables and equipment.

• Resource Management: Establish clear usage guidelines for resources, inventory, and supplies ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery. Lead initiatives focused on streamlining process and reducing expenses.

• Vendor Management: Partner with Sourcing team to order the necessary equipment on the company's system. Optimize cost savings, ensure high-quality service, and identify and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Travel and Expense: Manage personal and direct reports’ travel arrangements and expenses in line with Carnival Cruise Line’s policies. Ensure all travel is cost-effective and compliant, and submit expense reports promptly

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Scope: SupThe Backstage & Automation Trainer is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of specialized Entertainment Technical training programs aligned with a comprehensive backstage and automation curriculum. This role operates under limited supervision and spans multiple areas, including safety, project planning, installation, preventative maintenance, and repair of automation systems, theatrical equipment, sets, props, and stage flooring. The trainer develops tiered curricula, instructional materials, and practical exercises, administers evaluations, and maintains detailed trainee performance records. Additionally, the role includes managing inventory and upkeep of training assets, supporting technical operations through ticketing systems, coordinating with production teams for new show setups, and contributing to recruitment efforts in partnership with the Casting & Booking Department.

• Problem-solving: The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address both technical and training-related challenges. The trainer evaluates trainee performance and identifies skill gaps, adapting training approaches and materials to improve learning outcomes. They troubleshoot technical issues related to automation systems, stage equipment, and training environments, ensuring minimal disruption to operations. The trainer also incorporates feedback from trainees, management, and production teams to continuously refine curriculum effectiveness. Additionally, they recommend and implement enhancements such as multimedia tools and updated methodologies to ensure training remains current with industry best practices.

• Impact: The Backstage & Automation Trainer directly impacts operational excellence, safety, and performance standards across Entertainment Technical teams. By ensuring that trainees are fully competent in automation systems and backstage operations, the role contributes to safe and efficient show execution onboard. High-quality training programs enhance workforce readiness, reduce equipment downtime, and support consistent delivery of entertainment experiences. The trainer’s involvement in recruitment and onboarding helps ensure the selection and development of qualified talent aligned with organizational standards. Their curriculum improvements and operational insights also contribute to long-term program effectiveness and innovation.

• Leadership: This position demonstrates leadership through subject-matter expertise, instructional delivery, and collaboration across departments. The trainer influences learning culture by mentoring trainees, setting performance expectations, and fostering continuous development. They provide guidance to shipboard staff through technical trainings sessions and act as a key resource for best practices in backstage and automation operations. The role requires collaboration with management and production teams, and positioning the trainer as a critical link between training strategy and operational execution. Additionally, the trainer leads by example in safety, professionalism, and adherence to industry standards.

Essential/Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree minimum, Bachelors preferred. Discipline/Major: BA & BFA, Stage Management or Theatre. Strong knowledge of rigging, Automation systems used in the entertainment industry. 

• Navigator & Visual Stage preferred. Rigging, Stage management, Stage carpentry, crew chief, Automation operation for Entertainment industry. Basic electric, technical theatre. Automation rigging construction and repair. Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, with advanced skills in Excel, Word Power Point, and online databases is a plus.

• Industry Experience: Expertise in areas such as Live Entertainment Audio, Theatre, Theatre w/Audio Design & Production

Essential Experience Required:

• Associates Degree minimum, Bachelors preferred. Discipline/Major: BA & BFA, Stage Management or Theatre. Strong knowledge of rigging, Automation systems used in the entertainment industry. 

• Navigator & Visual Stage preferred. Rigging, Stage management, Stage carpentry, crew chief, Automation operation for Entertainment industr. Basic electric, technical theatre. Automation rigging construction and repair. Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications, with advanced skills in Excel, Word Power Point, and online databases is a plus.

• Industry Experience: Expertise in areas such as Live Entertainment Audio, Theatre, Theatre w/Audio Design & Production

Travel:  LesLess than 25% with shipboard travel likely

Work Conditions: Work may require employee to work inside and/or outside with exposure to changing climate and/or operate machinery.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift in excess of 50 pounds.

***This position is classified as “in-office.”  As an in-office role, it requires employees to work from a designated Carnival office in South Florida Monday through Thursday each week. Employees may work from their homes on Fridays.  Candidates must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. 

Offers to selected candidates will be made on a fair and equitable basis, taking into account specific job-related skills and experience.   

At Carnival, your total rewards package is much more than your base salary. All non-sales roles participate in an annual cash bonus program, while sales roles have an incentive plan. Director and above roles may also be eligible to participate in Carnival’s discretionary equity incentive plan. Plus, Carnival provides comprehensive and innovative benefits to meet your needs, including: 

• Health Benefits: 
  • Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans 
  • Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources 
  • Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage  
• Financial Benefits: 
  • 401(k) plan that includes a company match 
  • Employee Stock Purchase plan 
• Paid Time Off 
  • Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 8 company-wide holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays to be taken at the employee’s discretion.  
  • Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 84 hours/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure. 
  • Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year.  Part-time with benefits employees receive time off based on the number of hours they work, with a minimum of 60 hours each year.   
• Other Benefits 
  • Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends 
  • Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement  
  • On-site Fitness center at our Miami campus 

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