Specialist, Event Services, Part-time, Temporary

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation•Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Event Services Specialist supports the setup, breakdown, transportation, cleaning, organization, storage, and routine maintenance of Garden-owned event and operational equipment. The role helps prepare event spaces, support daily operations, and deliver exceptional guest experiences. It is an active, hands-on position involving physical work for most of each shift, primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions. Duties include moving equipment, preparing and converting event spaces, transporting materials throughout the property, and maintaining clean and organized work and storage areas. Under the direction of the Manager, Event Services, the Specialist monitors assigned areas during public and private events and special projects, identifies operational or safety concerns, and communicates issues to the appropriate supervisor. Success requires reliability, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail. This is a temporary, part-time, non-exempt position paying $20.00 per hour, with an anticipated assignment end date of February 28, 2027. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record meeting Garden requirements for assigned driving duties.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Ability to learn Garden operations and consistently apply established policies, safety procedures, and event standards while working independently in assigned areas.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
Ability to perform physical work for the majority of every shift, including regularly lifting, carrying, and moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and pushing or pulling loaded carts and other operational equipment.
Ability to use team assistance or appropriate equipment for heavier or bulky items.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Ability to navigate uneven terrain, hills, pathways, gardens, and work areas throughout the property.
Ability to safely operate assigned equipment after completing required training and receiving authorization.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment where priorities may change quickly based on operational needs or event requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience in event facilities, logistics, hospitality, parks, recreation, or related fields.
Experience with event setups and strikes.
Experience operating utility vehicles, carts, or related equipment.
Experience working in outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

Move, transport, load, unload, and stage event equipment throughout the Garden.
Set up and break down tables, chairs, umbrellas, tents, fencing, signage, lighting, décor, staging elements, and other event-related equipment.
Prepare event and program spaces according to established layouts and operational standards; perform room flips and venue conversions safely and efficiently.
Clean event spaces before, during, and after events, and ensure spaces are clean, organized, safe, and guest-ready.
Support exhibit installations, rentals, public programs, and organizational initiatives.
Transport, organize, store, clean, and perform routine care of operational and event equipment.
Load and unload equipment from storage areas and utility vehicles; return equipment to designated locations and maintain storage organization and accountability.
Inspect equipment before use, report damage or repair needs, and remove unsafe equipment from use in accordance with Garden procedures.
Assist with inventory counts, asset tracking, and equipment audits.
Provide operational support to departments, respond to operational requests as directed, and assist with daily facility readiness and grounds preparation.
Identify operational challenges, address routine issues within assigned responsibilities, and refer concerns requiring additional support to the appropriate supervisor.
Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming Garden environment.
Support exhibit load-ins and load-outs, film shoots, and other special operational projects as assigned.
Monitor assigned areas during events and special projects, identify operational or safety concerns, and promptly notify the appropriate supervisor.
Communicate project-related information and Garden procedures professionally to contractors, vendors, guests, volunteers, and staff, referring questions outside the position’s authority to the appropriate supervisor.
Follow Garden policies, safety procedures, and operational standards; use required personal protective equipment and operate equipment only after applicable training and authorization.
Promptly report hazards, incidents, equipment damage, maintenance needs, and policy concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Maintain clear pathways and safe work and event spaces, and protect Garden assets, facilities, equipment, plant collections, and other resources.
Respond professionally to routine guest questions and direct concerns to the appropriate staff member.