Zoo Events Lead - FT

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

4d•$18 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Events Supervisor and management of the Development Manager, the Zoo Events Lead supports the preparation, execution, and completion of Abilene Zoo events and rentals. This lead operations position coordinates event setup, guest services, inventory, equipment, teardown, and post-event activities to help ensure events are organized, welcoming, and successful. The role prepares event spaces, supplies, décor, equipment, and operational needs according to established plans and timelines, and serves as an on-site resource for guest and operational needs. The position has no formal supervisory duties, though it may provide day-to-day direction and coordination to assigned event staff during event preparation, execution, and teardown. It requires a flexible schedule that may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event needs. Work takes place outdoors and may involve extreme heat and cold, extended periods of physical activity, and heavy physical demands.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or currently in the process of obtaining either.
Valid Texas driver’s license, ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment, or a military waiver.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules and operational needs.
Availability to work during peak event periods and special events, including events outside normal Zoo operating hours.
Ability to work outdoors and in extreme heat and cold.
Ability to safely operate or learn to operate assigned vehicles, machinery, tools, and event equipment.
Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines, work independently and as part of a team, and provide direction and assistance to assigned event staff.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and provide professional customer service to guests, clients, staff, vendors, and other participants.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, weather, attendance, and event requirements; maintain attention to detail and professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to follow Zoo rules, policies, procedures, and safety requirements and communicate observed violations to the appropriate supervisor.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and follow the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including prolonged standing and walking, lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling, overhead work, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.
Knowledge of event operations, customer service, event setup and teardown, inventory organization, basic math, safe operation and basic care of vehicles and equipment, workplace and event safety, and Zoo policies and practices.
Skill in coordinating event tasks, organizing spaces and supplies, safely operating equipment, using computers and common office software, managing time, maintaining records, identifying routine operational needs, and remaining calm and solution-oriented.
Ability to obtain and maintain applicable equipment certifications, including forklift and/or scissor lift certification, if required by the position and City policy.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in event operations, hospitality, customer service, facility operations, recreation, food service, or a related field.
Previous experience coordinating events, working in a lead capacity, operating equipment, managing inventory, or working in a public-facing environment.

Responsibilities

Support and coordinate the preparation, execution, and completion of Zoo events, programs, and after-hours rentals according to established plans and procedures.
Review event details, schedules, layouts, menus, guest expectations, and operational requirements; prepare event spaces, materials, décor, and equipment.
Perform and coordinate event setup and teardown, including tables, chairs, tents, décor, signage, barriers, lighting, seasonal decorations, set pieces, and other equipment and materials.
Restore event spaces and return equipment and supplies to designated locations after events.
Provide courteous customer service to Zoo guests, rental clients, vendors, and other participants; greet rental contacts, assist with rental operations, respond to routine needs, and escalate concerns when appropriate.
Assist with food and beverage operations, including serving, bussing, stocking, and maintaining cleanliness and organization.
Maintain, inspect, clean, organize, and store event equipment, supplies, and inventory; conduct inventory checks and maintain event records and checklists.
Communicate supply, equipment, and maintenance needs to appropriate staff.
Operate authorized City vehicles and small machinery, including golf carts, scissor lifts, and forklifts, following applicable safety procedures and training requirements.
Coordinate with Zoo divisions and City staff to support event operations.
Assist with post-event evaluations by communicating observations, issues, supply needs, and recommendations to the Events Supervisor.
Work independently, demonstrate initiative, and seek direction or escalate issues when appropriate.
Follow and uphold Abilene Zoo rules, policies, procedures, safety requirements, and event standards.
Provide day-to-day direction and coordination to assigned part-time, temporary, seasonal, volunteer, or other event staff during event preparation, execution, and teardown.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.