Events Production Assistant (Fall-Winter)

DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS INC•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Denver Botanic Gardens is seeking a Seasonal Events Production Assistant in its Events Department. This position supports the Public Events team in operating, executing, and troubleshooting technical elements for events such as Glow at the Gardens, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Festival, Blossoms of Light, and Trail of Lights. The role involves assisting with the installation and striking of lighting, sound, prop, and scenic elements for immersive nighttime events. The job requires a flexible schedule, including daytime, evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, and the ability to work in various environments, including indoors, outdoors, and in all-weather conditions. Denver Botanic Gardens is a 24-acre urban oasis founded in 1951, dedicated to bringing plants to people and promoting sustainability, diversity, relevance, and transformation. The Gardens is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and features extensive plant collections, natural history, and art exhibitions.

Requirements

Comfortable operating ladders, electric pallet jacks, golf carts, power tools (drills, handheld saws), and hand tools.
Basic skills in electrical systems for lighting and sound installations.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as event instructions, safety rules, operating guidelines, and installation diagrams.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Must be able to complete highly physical labor multiple days in a row outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Must be physically able to work on hands and knees, as well as at heights from ladders.
May be asked to wear a respirator on painting days.
Proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
Ability to maintain stability under pressure and deal well with stressful situations.
Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Ability to work overtime as necessary.
Must be a positive representative of the Gardens internally and externally.
Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
Must be committed to working safely at all times.
High school diploma / GED and/or combination of education and equivalent experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in theatrical production (lighting, sound, carpentry, painting, prop-making, production design).

Nice To Haves

Basic skills in theatrical carpentry, prop-making and scenic painting are strongly preferred.
Mechanical aptitude preferred.

Responsibilities

Executes nightly event duties for assigned shifts of Glow at the Gardens, Blossoms of Light, and Trail of Lights, including maintenance and troubleshooting of décor, lighting, and sound elements, signage placement, setting pathway closures, and adapting events for poor weather conditions.
Installs and strikes assigned elements of event equipment including lighting and sound equipment, props and scenic décor, signage, barricades, and event supplies.
Supports event operations for assigned shifts during Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival, which may include setup, teardown, leading volunteers, operating/maintaining event equipment and decor, and adapting events for poor weather conditions.
Participates in event safety procedures such as snow removal, ice mitigation, and guest relations.
Leads volunteer pumpkin carvers and manages the production and deployment of carved jack-o’-lanterns for Glow at the Gardens.
Assists in resolving minor guest issues in a positive manner.
Assists with inventorying, sorting, organizing, and packing event supplies at onsite and offsite storage facilities.
Completes assigned production work in preparation for Glow at the Gardens, Corn Maze, Blossoms of Light, and Trail of Lights, which may include building props/scenic elements, scenic painting, and preparing lighting and sound equipment for installation.
Communicates progress and questions on all projects via Wrike, the team’s cloud-based project management system.
Occasionally supports the private events team with setup and crowd management for client events.
Follows radio communication procedures and policies.
May assist with basic administrative duties in the events office.
Regular attendance at the worksite is required. Remote work is at the discretion of management and requires good performance standing.