Lead Technician, Special Effects - Universal Horror Unleashed

JOB SUMMARY

Supports management in the installation, maintenance, configuration, and daily operation of special effects (SFX) systems at Universal Horror Unleashed, including atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, water-based, cryogenic, and related effects. Provides work direction to Team Members to support safe, reliable, and high-quality SFX performance within the show environment. Oversees daily shifts, system startup and shutdown procedures, new effects installations and strikes, seasonal reconfigurations, troubleshooting, and related administrative duties. Reinforces company and venue-specific policies, OSHA standards, hazardous material handling procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements. Maintains working knowledge of SFX systems, safety requirements, and operational standards, while addressing concerns and escalating critical safety or technical issues to Technical & Show leadership as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, assigns, and directs daily Special FX tasks for SFX Team Members, including pre-show system checks of atmospheric, pneumatic, hydraulic, animatronic, and water-based effects. Communicates performance expectations and supports proper and safe completion of assigned work. Completes required reporting and task management through Maximo to support communication between shifts, Technical Management, and Technical Coordinators.
• Reinforces company safety guidelines, OSHA standards, applicable state regulations, UHU operating procedures, and safe work practices related to compressed gas systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, chemical effects, atmospheric systems, and hazardous materials. Leads SFX startup and shutdown procedures in compliance with lockout/tagout and hazard communication standards. Supports proper SDS/MSDS documentation, chemical labeling, compressed gas cylinder storage, equipment care, and consumable supply management.
• Ensures proper completion of work orders and documentation within Maximo. Troubleshoots SFX-related issues involving atmospheric effects, pneumatic and hydraulic assemblies, animatronic mechanisms, water-based effects, scent delivery systems, cryogenic effects, and breakaway prop mechanisms. Executes approved effects changes for daily operations, seasonal offerings, and special events in accordance with approved design, safety parameters, and regulatory requirements. Documents Team Member observations using the Lead Observation Report.
• Communicates and coordinates SFX system status, operational updates, resource needs, consumable inventory levels, work plans, and technical concerns with Technical & Show leadership, Scenic Décor & Props, Operations, and affected Team Members to support safe and seamless integration of effects within the show environment. Serves as a primary point of contact between the SFX team and appropriate leadership.
•   Supports on-the-job training for new SFX Team Members and provides refresher training to existing Team Members. Training areas may include compressed gas handling, pneumatic and hydraulic system operation, chemical effects safety, SDS/MSDS interpretation, system documentation, OSHA standards, and venue-specific safety requirements. Completes required training documentation and assists with assigning training shifts as needed.
• Maintains current working knowledge of atmospheric effects technology, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems, animatronic mechanisms, fluid effects delivery systems, CO2 and cryogenic effects equipment, and applicable industry safety standards. Performs Technician-level duties as operationally necessary, completes company-required training, and maintains any required licenses or renewals.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

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