Somerset House
SKATE - Duty Technician
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Application Deadline: 6 October 2026
Department: Live Events
Location: London
Compensation: £42,000 / year
Description
SKATE at Somerset House is one of London’s most iconic winter events, and we are looking for an experienced Duty Technician to support the day-to-day operation of the site throughout the season. Working as part of the Live Events team, you will play a key role in delivering a safe, reliable and high-quality experience for visitors, staff and partners.
The role combines live event technical support, site maintenance and operational problem-solving. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining sound and lighting systems, troubleshooting technical issues, supporting event operations and carrying out minor repairs across the site.
You will also help ensure the venue remains safe, presentable and fully operational at all times, working closely with contractors, third-party operators and internal teams. This is a varied, hands-on role that requires strong technical knowledge, a proactive attitude and the ability to perform effectively in a busy live event environment.
Safety is central to the position, and the successful candidate will help uphold Somerset House's health and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
Welcome and Knowledge
- 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.
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Safety and Security
- Ensure that the Somerset House SKATE event site is safe and secure for our visitors and our staff.
- Maintain a good, up to date knowledge of Somerset House fire, safety and evacuation procedures.
- Report all incidents and accidents on site to Security and the Visitor Experience Managers or other relevant senior manager.
- Understand and carry out emergency procedures including evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Presentation and Teamwork
- Monitor the appearance of the site and ensure the required standards are upheld.
- Work with third party partners including bars and shops to maintain the highest standards of presentation across the whole SKATE offering.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Certification: BS7909 qualified
- Experience: Proven experience 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.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
- Flexibility and adaptability to change
- Strong numeracy and IT skills, including working knowledge of MS Office applications and spreadsheets, and ability to learn new systems and software quickly
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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
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 service)
- Enhanced maternity pay
Pension
- 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*
- Option for salary sacrifice
- Interest-free loans
- 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
- Discount to local leisure centres
*following 3 months employment
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