Zoo Events Lead - FT

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

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 role coordinates event setup, guest services, inventory, equipment, teardown, and post-event activities to help ensure events are organized, welcoming, and successful. The position prepares event spaces, supplies, décor, equipment, and other 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, but may provide day-to-day operational direction and coordination to assigned part-time, temporary, seasonal, volunteer, or other event staff. Work includes coordinating event activities, spaces, materials, equipment, supplies, staff, and schedules; assisting with food and beverage operations; maintaining event inventory and records; and coordinating with Zoo divisions and City staff. The role follows Zoo and City policies, procedures, event standards, and safety requirements. The work may take place outdoors and in extreme heat or cold, with extended physical activity during event preparation and execution. A flexible schedule may include evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours according to event schedules and operational needs. The position has a heavy physical demand classification, with lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or be 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 coordinate multiple tasks with varying priorities and deadlines and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to provide direction and assistance to assigned event staff.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, resourcefulness, tact, and professionalism with guests, customers, staff, and unexpected situations.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, weather, attendance, and event requirements while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, orally and in writing, and provide professional customer service.
Ability to maintain accurate inventory, checklists, records, and other event documentation.
Ability to follow Zoo rules, policies, procedures, and safety requirements and report observed violations to the appropriate supervisor.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external contacts.
Ability to follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values: Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Ability to perform as a team member in support of the Division’s mission and treat team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Ability to meet the position’s heavy physical demands: lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds; work also involves standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, overhead work, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, and balancing.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in event operations, hospitality, customer service, facility operations, recreation, food service, or a related field is preferred.
Previous experience coordinating events, working in a lead capacity, operating equipment, managing inventory, or working in a public-facing environment is preferred.
Applicable equipment certifications, including forklift and/or scissor lift certification, may be required and maintained as required by the position and City policy.

Responsibilities

Support the preparation, execution, and completion of Zoo events, programs, and after-hours rentals as an on-site operational lead.
Coordinate event activities, staff, spaces, equipment, supplies, and timelines according to established plans and procedures.
Review event details, schedules, layouts, menus, guest expectations, and operational requirements; prepare spaces, materials, décor, and equipment for use.
Perform and coordinate event setup and teardown, including arranging tables, chairs, tents, décor, signage, barriers, lighting, seasonal decorations, set pieces, and other equipment and materials.
Restore event spaces after events and return equipment and supplies to designated locations.
Provide courteous customer service to Zoo guests, rental clients, vendors, and event participants; assist with rental operations, greet rental contacts, 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, or 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 internal 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, use 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 event staff during event preparation, execution, and teardown.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.