Coordinator, Event Services, Full-time, Temporary

SOUTH COAST BOTANIC GARDEN FOUNDATION•Unincorporated Rolling Hills Estates, CA

10d•$22 - $22•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, converts, and breaks down event spaces; assembles displays, furnishings, and décor; and assists with basic fabrication and temporary installations. The position works collaboratively with Garden departments, vendors, and contractors to complete assignments safely, accurately, and on schedule. It requires mechanical aptitude, practical problem-solving, attention to detail, and flexibility as event needs and priorities change. Building and installation work must remain within the employee’s training and follow approved plans, established procedures, and supervisor direction. This is an active, temporary, full-time, non-exempt position involving physical work for most of each shift, primarily outdoors across the Garden grounds in varying weather conditions. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required. The position pays $22.00 per hour, is eligible for benefits subject to applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements, and has an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. South Coast Botanic Garden is an 87-acre destination built atop a reclaimed landfill, offering curated gardens, natural landscapes, and seasonal exhibits. Its mission is to connect all people to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The Coordinator contributes to the Garden’s mission and guest experience through safe, timely event support, equipment care, and practical assistance to colleagues across the organization.

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 job posting.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, move, push, and pull equipment and materials; lift and carry up to 50 pounds without assistance and handle 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 meeting 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.
Ability to perform physical tasks for most of each shift, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, climbing, reaching, lifting, carrying, and repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, navigate uneven terrain and hills, and work nighttime events.

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 and materials throughout the Garden, including furniture, décor, staging, signage, tents, fencing, lighting, audio equipment, and barricades.
Set up, convert, and break down event and program spaces according to 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 maintain clean, organized, guest-ready spaces.
Support public programs, workshops, private events, seasonal exhibits, film shoots, facility rentals, internal events, and special projects.
Assemble furniture, fixtures, displays, props, décor, signage, and other elements according to approved plans, manufacturer instructions, and supervisor direction.
Build or modify simple temporary structures, displays, platforms, and event elements using approved materials and methods, within training and assigned responsibilities.
Measure, cut, drill, fasten, and assemble materials using appropriate tools and established safety procedures.
Use common hand and power tools safely after appropriate training; refer work requiring specialized expertise or additional approval to the Manager, Event Services.
Develop practical solutions for installing, securing, displaying, or adapting event elements; interpret concepts, sketches, or instructions and troubleshoot installation challenges.
Collaborate with event producers, designers, vendors, contractors, and Garden staff to execute event environments and installations.
Safely disassemble temporary installations and maintain organized tools and fabrication materials.
Provide hands-on support across departments, including moving, assembling, installing, building, modifying, or preparing materials and equipment.
Assist with temporary workspaces, staff areas, check-in and vendor areas, signage, displays, and other organizational needs.
Transport materials, supplies, furniture, and equipment between buildings, work areas, storage facilities, and event locations.
Maintain a professional, helpful, and approachable presence and represent the Garden positively to guests, colleagues, vendors, and partners.
Clean, organize, transport, and store Garden-owned event and operational equipment; return items to designated locations and maintain accessible storage areas.
Assess event tools and operational gear and promptly flag damaged or malfunctioning assets for repair or replacement.
Support exhibits, seasonal activations, public programs, facility rentals, film shoots, donor events, and other initiatives involving lifting, moving, assembly, fabrication, installation, demolition, cleanup, or general labor.
Protect Garden facilities, plant collections, equipment, and other assets while completing assigned work.
Follow Garden safety procedures, operational guidelines, and established work practices; use required personal protective equipment and maintain safe, clean work areas.
Safely operate carts, utility vehicles, dollies, pallet jacks, hand tools, power tools, and other equipment following appropriate training.
Identify and report safety hazards, incidents, equipment damage, and other operational concerns; exercise care around plants, collections, structures, guests, vendors, and staff.