Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435
Pyrotechnician
Pyrotechnicians control the pyrotechnical elements of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Pyrotechnicians prepare the pyrotechnics, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the pyro system. The use of explosive and combustible material close to performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
Check yourself in a minute: pyrotechnician
Rate 5 of the 34 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
draw up artistic production
test pyrotechnical effects
manage consumables stock
manage technical resources stock
plan pyrotechnical effects
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (34)
draw up artistic productiondraw up artistic productionFile and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.test pyrotechnical effectstest pyrotechnical effectsTest pyrotechnical effects before a performance to make sure they work smoothly and safely.manage consumables stockmanage consumables stockManage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.plan pyrotechnical effectsplan pyrotechnical effectsPlan the pyrotechnical effects for a performance. Develop an artistic vision into a plan, taking safety into account.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.set up pyrotechnical equipmentset up pyrotechnical equipmentMake sure the pyrotechnic equipment for a performance is set up and ready for operation.write risk assessment on performing arts productionwrite risk assessment on performing arts productionAssess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.obtain pyrotechnic permitsobtain pyrotechnic permitsObtain the appropriate administrative permits and licences for use and transport of pyrotechnics and weapons.build pyrotechnical devicesbuild pyrotechnical devicesBuild devices needed for the pyrotechnical effects in a performance.perform quality control of design during a runperform quality control of design during a runControl and ensure the quality of design results during a run.communicate during showcommunicate during showCommunicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.promote health and safetypromote health and safetyPromote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.organise resources for artistic productionorganise resources for artistic productionCoordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.operate pyrotechnical controloperate pyrotechnical controlTake the necessary steps to operate pyrotechnical effects during a performance.consult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionconsult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionConsult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.react to emergency situations in a live performance environmentreact to emergency situations in a live performance environmentAssess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or a...use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.store performance equipmentstore performance equipmentDismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.store pyrotechnical materialsstore pyrotechnical materialsSafely store materials used for pyrotechnical stage effects and the produced trays of pyrotechnics sorting them according to the processing date.set up equipment in a timely mannerset up equipment in a timely mannerMake sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...
Optional (24) — show
monitor developments in technology used for designmonitor developments in technology used for designIdentify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.lead a teamlead a teamLead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.ensure safety of mobile electrical systemsensure safety of mobile electrical systemsTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.update design results during rehearsalsupdate design results during rehearsalsUpdating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.document safety actionsdocument safety actionsRecord all actions taken to ameliorate health and safety, including evaluations, incident reports, strategic plans, risk assessments.update budgetupdate budgetMake sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given...pack electronic equipmentpack electronic equipmentSafely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.de-rig electronic equipmentde-rig electronic equipmentRemove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.coordinate purchasing activitiescoordinate purchasing activitiesCoordinate and manage procurement and renting processes including purchasing, renting, planning, tracking and reporting in a cost efficient way on an organisational level.manage teamworkmanage teamworkPlan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work ...advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...manage signoff of an installed systemmanage signoff of an installed systemMake sure an installed technical system is adequately transferred and signed off for.interpret artistic intentionsinterpret artistic intentionsInterpret the artistic intentions of the author.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...adapt existing designs to changed circumstancesadapt existing designs to changed circumstancesAdapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.document your own practicedocument your own practiceDocumenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.maintain system layout for a productionmaintain system layout for a productionEstablish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.instruct on set up of equipmentinstruct on set up of equipmentInstruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a pyrotechnician do?
Pyrotechnicians control the pyrotechnical elements of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Pyrotechnicians prepare the pyrotechnics, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the pyro system. The use of explosive and combustible material close to performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.
What skills does a pyrotechnician need?
A pyrotechnician needs 34 essential skills, including draw up artistic production, test pyrotechnical effects, manage consumables stock, manage technical resources stock, plan pyrotechnical effects.
Will AI replace pyrotechnician jobs?
The AI disruption score for pyrotechnician is 21/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: update budget, manage consumables stock, manage technical resources stock. Most resilient: react to emergency situations in a live performance environment, provide first aid, build pyrotechnical devices.
AI Replacement Risk
21/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills34
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