Event Staging and Equipment Operative

Event Staging and Equipment Operative – Rugby and surrounding
Location: Your working day will start in Rugby, with travel across the Midlands and further afield as required
Salary: Starting salary: £17,750, rising by £500 after successful completion of 6 months. The work will be closely aligned with School Term dates, and there will be further quieter months within the school calendar year, however the salary is paid monthly.
The Role:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and efficient Staging Operative to join our Large Group (Rig) division. This team attend schools/colleges/military establishments, and erect staging for the purpose of Large Group photographs. Specifically, this vacancy entails assisting one of our Rig Photographers by helping to erect and dismantle staging, as well as helping the Rig Photographer to guide pupils on and off the staging in a safe and controlled manner.
What We Offer
* Full training and ongoing support
* The opportunity to work closely with an experienced professional photographer, but with no previous photographic experience required.
* 26 days annual leave (taken outside of term time), plus public holidays (or days in lieu)
* All business expenses covered (travel, accommodation, meals, training)
* Workwear provided, including safety footwear
* Pension scheme after 3 months
* Group life assurance after 12 months
Tempest Photography (H. Tempest Ltd) is a UK-wide, family-owned business specialising in portrait and group photographs for the Education sector; schools, colleges and universities, but also for UK’s uniformed services.
The company’s head office and production facility is based near the picturesque town of St Ives in Cornwall, and is staffed by more than 300 employees. The company employs around 300 photographers throughout the UK.
We’re looking for a confident, hands-on and energetic Staging Assistant to join our Large Group (Rig) team.
You’ll spend your days visiting schools and colleges, helping to set up staging and coordinate large groups (ranging from 50 to 600 pupils and staff).
This is not a traditional photography role. It’s a physical position that requires reliability, teamwork, organisation, and people skills.
Key responsibilities include:
* Assisting with the building and dismantling of large staging structures (often once, sometimes twice per day)
* Helping organise and guide large groups safely onto the staging
* Sharing driving duties and travelling to locations (often early starts and occasional overnight stays)
* Supporting the photographer with equipment handling and logistics
* Maintaining a friendly, professional rapport with school staff and students
* Following strict health and safety procedures
Working Pattern
This is a full-time, salaried role aligned to the school calendar:
* Work is concentrated around school term time
* There are quieter periods with little or no photography between November–January, and no work in July, although additional work may be available within our Graduations division.
* During busy periods, the role is intensive, involving early starts, travel, and physically demanding work
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
* Physically fit and comfortable with manual, active work
* Able to assist directing children and adults on to, and off our staging
* Adaptable, reliable, and happy with early starts and travel
* A strong team player with a positive attitude
Essential requirements:
* Full, clean UK driving licence
* Willingness to travel and stay overnight when required
* Ability to work flexible hours during term time
* Willingness to undergo a DBS check
* Able to provide two references
Apply Now
If you’re looking for a varied, active role where no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you.
Click Apply and send us your CV today!
Application deadline:
Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Closing date 3rd November