One of the responsibilities of my staff position at CBS (2011 - 2016) was to aid in the process of procurng work. This process is called "bidding," by which competing scenic shops estimate the costs of a proposed project, based on drawings, specified materials, mechanics, and many other variables, and including a budget for labor and supplies. This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of running a scenic shop. Bid too high and you're priced out. Estimate too low and you might get the job, but risk going way over budget!
The first responsibility of the Scenic Charge is to the designers and producers of the show, in realizing their creative vision. The Scenic Artist Charge manages personnel, choosing the best available scenic talent, both hiring and laying off per diem workers as needed, keeping track of their hours, authorizing and managing overtime as well. The Scenic Charge must inventory and keep needed supplies in stock and at the ready, work with outside contractors when necessary, and oversee all aspects of scenic production, interfacing with other departments and Upper Management. When not working with the budget or attending staff meetings, the Charge may put on paint clothes and help on the set, or pitch in with other aspects of the job, such as large format printing or laminating. A Scenic Charge should have the same skill set as a journeyman Scenic Artist, and be able to work alongside other crew members. Keeping the shop clean and organized is also part of the job, and sometimes requires hiring staff for just that purpose, usually when a project requires a large crew. Some shops have what are called "Industrials," full time employees who keep everything clean and organized so the scenic crew can focus on their given assignments.
When a set is prepared and painted in the scenic shop, it is then "loaded in" to a studio space. This process almost always requires some paint touch-up or other repairs, once everything is in place. Ongoing set maintenance may be required, especially on painted floors. For instance, at CBS, some studios had more than one show sharing a studio. space. Each set "strike" or load-in might result in some wear and tear on a floor or a needed touch-up on walls or furnishings. A Scenic Charge's work is never done!
Right: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) • Faux Marble & Wood Detail; "Doggie Supreme Court" skit (2014); Designer: Henry Dunn