Coordinator, Event Services, Full-time, Temporary

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation•Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coordinator, Event Services, provides hands-on support for Garden events, programs, exhibits, rentals, and special projects. Reporting to the Manager, Event Services, the Coordinator transports equipment and materials; sets up and breaks down event spaces; assembles displays, furnishings, and décor; and assists with basic fabrication and temporary installations. The role works collaboratively with Garden departments, vendors, and contractors to complete assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule. It calls for mechanical aptitude, practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and flexibility as event needs and priorities change. Building and installation work is performed within the employee’s training and in accordance with approved plans, established procedures, and supervisor direction. This is an active, full-time, temporary position involving physical work for most of each shift, primarily outdoors across the Garden grounds in varying weather conditions. Evening, weekend, holiday, and nighttime availability is required to support scheduled events and programs. The position is non-exempt and pays $22.00 per hour, with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. It is eligible for benefits in accordance with the Garden’s applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including the physical activities described in the work environment requirements.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, move, push, and pull equipment and materials; lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance and heavier items with team assistance or appropriate equipment.
Ability to safely use basic hand tools and learn to operate designated power tools after required training.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how objects, materials, and structures fit and work together.
Practical problem-solving skills, including identifying workable solutions, seeking guidance when needed, and completing assignments within established safety procedures.
Ability to interpret basic measurements, dimensions, layouts, diagrams, or instructions.
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to learn and consistently follow Garden policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
Valid California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record that meets the Garden’s insurance requirements.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond positively to unexpected operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in event production, event operations, fabrication, scenic construction, set design, installation, theater production, logistics, hospitality, parks, recreation, or a related field.
Experience with woodworking, carpentry, fabrication, assembly, or construction.
Experience using hand and power tools.
Experience building displays, props, décor, signage, furniture, or other physical elements.
Experience with event setup and strike.
Experience operating utility vehicles, carts, dollies, pallet jacks, or similar equipment.
Experience working in an outdoor environment.
Experience working in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Move, load, unload, and transport event equipment, furniture, décor, staging, signage, tents, fencing, lighting, audio equipment, barricades, and other materials throughout the Garden.
Set up, convert, and break down event and program spaces according to established layouts, schedules, and operational needs; support load-ins, load-outs, rehearsals, room flips, and strikes.
Assist with event-related deliveries, pickups, and transportation of materials, and keep spaces clean, organized, and guest-ready.
Support public programs, workshops, private events, seasonal exhibits, film shoots, facility rentals, internal events, and special projects while adapting to changing priorities.
Assemble furniture, fixtures, displays, props, décor, signage, and other elements according to approved plans, manufacturer instructions, and supervisor direction.
Build or modify simple structures, displays, platforms, and temporary event elements using approved materials and methods within assigned responsibilities and training.
Measure, cut, drill, fasten, and assemble materials using appropriate tools and established safety procedures; refer work requiring specialized expertise or additional approval to the Manager, Event Services.
Safely use common hand and power tools after appropriate training and troubleshoot installation challenges, developing practical solutions for installing, securing, displaying, or adapting event elements.
Translate concepts, sketches, or instructions into practical physical installations and collaborate with event producers, designers, vendors, and Garden staff to execute event environments.
Safely disassemble temporary installations and maintain organized tools and fabrication materials.
Provide hands-on support to departments with moving, assembling, installing, building, modifying, or preparing materials and equipment; help colleagues solve practical production challenges.
Assist with temporary workspaces, staff areas, check-in areas, vendor areas, signage, displays, and other organizational needs; transport materials and equipment between buildings, work areas, storage, and event locations.
Collaborate with Production, Sales, Visitor Services, Marketing, Impact & Experiences, Horticulture, Education, Food & Beverage, and other Garden teams as needed.
Maintain a professional, helpful, and approachable presence and contribute to a welcoming experience for guests, colleagues, vendors, and partners.
Clean, organize, transport, and store Garden-owned event and operational equipment; return tools and materials to designated locations and keep storage areas accessible and organized.
Assess event tools and operational gear, promptly flag damaged or malfunctioning assets, and ensure equipment and materials are clean, organized, functional, and ready for use.
Provide hands-on support for exhibits, seasonal activations, public programs, rentals, film shoots, donor events, and other initiatives, including lifting, moving, assembly, fabrication, installation, demolition, cleanup, or general labor.
Work with staff, contractors, vendors, and other partners to support project execution while protecting Garden facilities, plant collections, equipment, and other assets.
Follow Garden safety procedures and operational guidelines; safely operate carts, utility vehicles, dollies, pallet jacks, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment after appropriate training.
Use required personal protective equipment, maintain safe and organized work areas, report hazards, incidents, or equipment damage, and exercise care around plants, structures, guests, vendors, and staff.
Demonstrate responsible stewardship of Garden facilities, equipment, resources, and assets.