Business Representative - Safety and Scene Shops

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE

Business Representative
Safety and Scene Shops

Based in New York City, NY

Job Description: United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE is accepting applications for the position of Business Representative for Scene Shops and Safety.

The Business Representative for Safety and Scene Shops reports to the National Business Agent and actively collaborates with other USA 829 Business Representatives, the Organizer, and the greater IATSE to increase union density at independent scene shops and also at those connected to institutional theaters and opera companies nationwide. This position is also responsible for addressing and driving safety issues that arise on worksites as well as comprehensively elevating safety as a union campaign and ongoing educational initiative.

This position interacts with and provides training and safety information for members in all categories, nationwide.

Note that this position will primarily require working in person at the New York office full-time and physically visiting work sites around the New York and New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area.

Description of Duties:
Safety Representative

• Conduct regular site visits to members’ work sites to investigate safety issues and concerns.
• Provide prompt and efficient response to safety issues encountered at all USA 829 covered worksites.
• Interface with members and interact with employers regarding safety and enforcement issues on the job site.
• Empower members across all crafts through clear and understandable interpretation of safety language and regulations.
• Review environmental reports and ask follow up questions as needed.
• Collaborate with all USA 829 Office departments to implement and share regular safety-based communications, resources, organizations, and research.
• Communicate with other IATSE Locals regarding shared safety issues, on site and otherwise.
• With the Education Director, create craft specific safety related programs and trainings to benefit all covered workers; this may include teaching workshops and classes (on Zoom and in person) to members of the Local.
• Engage with the IATSE and other safety-related organizations to network, resource share, and build relationships.

Scene Shop Representative

• Responsible for the day-to-day administration of several collective bargaining agreements with independent scene shops and at scene shops connected to institutional theatre and opera companies.
• Enforce contracts as well as guide grievance processing and handling.
• Conduct worksite visits regularly for contract compliance and safety-related issues, and file appropriate reports.
• Oversee, support, and liaise with Shop Stewards working at Scene Shops.
• Work collaboratively to develop organizing strategies to increase union density at scene shops nationwide.

Skills Requirements:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Industrial hygiene or similar safety training
• High degree of computer literacy; experience with Microsoft Office suite a plus
• OSHA, ETCP, or professional safety certifications or licenses, along with other safety related training, strongly preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of workplace safety regulations and issues, including organizations, resources, employer obligations, etc.; ability to research and provide up-to-date information regarding workplace safety at a federal, regional, and local level.
• Strong interpersonal skills: experience working with people from a diverse array of backgrounds and with a variety of personalities.
• Confidence to speak publicly, mentor members, and develop comprehensive communications regarding safety and Scene Shop campaigns/contracts.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent project management skills.
• Physically able to visit work locations (including taking public transit and walk long distances)

Union Membership, experience in Motion Picture and Television and/or Theater or Live Performance production, Union and labor work, and/or broader experience in the entertainment industry is preferred. Additional safety related training, along with training in labor law and other necessary skills will be provided.

The successful applicant will have good language skills both verbal and written, professional discretion, and care for confidential information, mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite, well-developed organizational and logistical skills, attention to detail, proven interpersonal intelligence, and the ability to work with a variety of personalities. Professional knowledge of the motion picture industry and/or labor unions strongly preferred.

The salary range for this position is $95,000 – $115,000/year commensurate with experience and certifications plus an excellent benefit package.

To Apply:

• Send letter and résumé, via email, to LeVonne Barry at: [email protected] .
• No phone calls or office visits will be considered.
• For more Information on Local USA 829, please visit

United Scenic Artists is committed to the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are interested in candidates who are not historically represented in our field and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill and average of 60% of the criteria, yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role and how your background and experience responds to the desired skills and qualities.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information at .