Polar Tech Assistant

CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM FOUNDATION (CSRMF)

Polar Tech Assistant (Temporary/ Limited Term – Multiple Positions)

Overview of the Position:

Reporting to the Event/Tech Lead, Polar Tech Assistant will work closely with Foundation Staff, Museum Docents, Sacramento Southern Railroad Volunteers and State Parks Staff to assist in a wide range of tasks for the operation of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Sacramento. Positions are available until filled.

Examples of Essential Duties:

• Assist in the setup, maintenance, and operation of sound, lighting, and stage equipment in the station and on the train including but not limited to: wireless microphone operation, lighting hang and focus, monitoring levels and monitoring snow/fog machines
• Troubleshooting for audio/light systems
• Assist in public facing positions as needed during the event.
• Lead station actor briefings
• Assist in decorating various holiday themed train cars, the passenger station and other locations associated with the event.
• Provide support for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride operations by stocking train cars, performing basic cleaning of cars as needed, assisting volunteers and event staff to ensure they have all needed supplies and materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical Theater Experience
• Experience working with lighting and sound equipment
• Experience with Qlab, Dante, Apple OS, and TF Mixer Series
• Experience with light protocol & sound over network/IP
• Familiarity with outfitting & operating wireless mics, RF management
• Familiarity with lifts for A/V installment
• Demonstrate strong teamwork and effective communication skills
• Demonstrate flexibility in a fast-paced, evolving setting
• Customer Service skills
• Understanding of signal flow & basic electronics, soldering experience is a plus

Schedule Availability:

October – December 23, 2026. Nights and weekends required once the event begins.

Training and additional hours will begin in October. Most hours prior to the start of the event will be during a typical daytime schedule, while hours once the event begins will shift to afternoons and evenings.

Typical schedule:

• October – November 12: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
• November 13 – December 21: Wednesday–Monday, 12pm–10pm (Tuesdays off after 11/13, except for 11/24), December 22–23: 9am–5pm (clean up days)

Physical Demands:

• Ability to carry materials up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to climb on and off railroad equipment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to walk for extended periods, including on moving passenger cars.
• Ability to work outside in hot and cold conditions.
• Ability to ride on a moving train
• Comfortable with working at height on ladders and in lifts for A/V installment

Compensation:

These temporary positions are budgeted for up to 40 hours per week with an hourly wage of $27/hr. Free parking & dinner are provided. This position is overtime eligible.