Lead, Event Operations

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

9d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of formal garden collections and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings — a sanitary landfill. Today, South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation as it continues to transition from landfill to landmark. The stunning Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is a signature experience, along with the show-stopping Living Wall, a long-term exhibit of eight remarkable large-scale works of fine art sculpture, a seasonal butterfly pavilion, annual public programs and rotating traveling exhibitions. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science, and wellness activities. Even more excitement is ahead with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming years. There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team. SCBG fosters an environment where strategic focus and cultural health work hand-in-hand, ensuring alignment and resilience. The ideal candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports SCBG’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature, and has the grit necessary to grow with the Garden. Candidates should be excited to collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the organization’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of experience in events, operations, logistics, facilities, hospitality, attractions or a related field.
Previous experience leading projects, crews, teams or operational activities.
Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to give clear work direction and coordinate multiple employees and assignments.
Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and adapt to changing operational needs.
Demonstrated commitment to customer service, teamwork and workplace safety.
Ability to read and interpret event layouts, work orders, schedules and operational instructions.
Ability to use email, scheduling tools, inventory systems and other basic workplace technology.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays and extended hours during special events and peak operational periods.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with event setup, strike and venue-changeover operations.
Experience using inventory, work-order, equipment or asset-management systems.
Experience working in a public garden, museum, attraction, hospitality venue or nonprofit organization.
Experience operating utility vehicles, forklifts, pallet jacks or related operational equipment.
Current forklift, utility vehicle or other relevant operational certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and actively participate in event setups, strikes, room flips, equipment deployment and other operational logistics.
Review event layouts, work orders and setup plans and help translate them into clear assignments for the Event Operations team.
Ensure operational support activities are completed safely, accurately and on schedule.
Monitor setup quality and verify that layouts, equipment and event spaces meet established specifications and presentation standards.
Conduct pre-event and post-event walkthroughs as assigned.
Identify and address operational concerns before they negatively affect guests, employees, vendors or events.
Support exhibits, public programs, private rentals, festivals, special events and organization-wide initiatives.
Adjust work assignments and resources in response to changing priorities, weather conditions and operational needs.
Escalate significant issues, delays or resource needs to the Manager promptly.
Provide day-to-day work direction to Event Operations Specialists during assigned shifts.
Assign tasks, establish work priorities, coordinate workflow and monitor completion.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Event Operations team during assigned shifts.
Communicate daily expectations, timelines, safety requirements and operational changes clearly.
Assist with onboarding, training and coaching new and existing team members.
Reinforce established performance, attendance, conduct and safety expectations.
Model the Garden’s Core Values and promote teamwork, accountability and a positive work environment.
Provide the Manager with timely, objective feedback regarding employee performance, attendance, training needs, workplace concerns and potential policy violations.
Document operational or employee-related concerns as directed.
Refer formal disciplinary and other significant employment decisions to the Manager.
Support the inventory, tracking, movement and organization of Garden-owned operational and event assets.
Ensure assets are properly handled, maintained, cleaned, stored and secured after use.
Conduct routine inspections of equipment, vehicles and storage areas.
Identify and report damaged, missing or replacement-needed assets.
Assist with inventory audits, equipment counts and asset-tracking initiatives.
Maintain safe, clean, organized and efficient storage and work areas.
Help ensure frequently used equipment and supplies remain available and ready for deployment.
Follow established procedures for checking equipment and assets in and out.
Provide responsive, professional and solutions-oriented support to departments across the Garden.
Communicate operational timelines, resource limitations, changes and updates clearly.
Help identify practical solutions to operational challenges while remaining attentive to safety, staffing and organizational priorities.
Foster positive working relationships with employees, departments, vendors and other operational partners.
Support a service culture focused on helping others succeed and creating positive guest experiences.
Respond appropriately to requests and escalate conflicting priorities to the Manager when necessary.
Communicate operational needs, concerns, risks and opportunities to the Manager.
Support the implementation of operational processes, procedures and systems.
Provide input regarding workflow improvements, asset utilization and operational efficiencies.
Help ensure team members understand work expectations, deadlines and priorities.
Support training related to event operations, equipment use, asset management and safety.
Participate in team meetings, planning sessions and post-event debriefs as assigned.
Model and promote safe work practices and proper equipment usage.
Ensure team members follow established safety procedures and immediately address or report unsafe practices.
Promptly report hazards, injuries, incidents, damaged equipment and other operational concerns.
Maintain operational readiness for events, programs and daily Garden activities.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure team members do the same when required.
Support emergency preparedness and response efforts as directed.
Follow all Garden policies, procedures and applicable safety requirements.