Events Operations Lead

SALARY & FLSA: $38.41 - $43.88 per hour/year; FLSA non-exempt

The starting rate for this role is $38.41. Every employee under the Joint Crafts Council wage scale, on first appointment, will receive the first step of the salary range for the position. Employees will advance to the second step at the start of the pay period after their one-year anniversary in the job classification and each milestone thereafter (3 years, 6 years, 11 years, and 17 years of service) with Step 6 being the maximum pay rate.

OPENING DATE: 07/08/2025

CLOSING DATE: 07/22/2025 This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Events

This position averages 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday starting at 7 AM, with flexibility to work events on weekends and evenings

Forklift Certified Preferred

Familiarity with plumbing, electrical, sound/video technologies, and rigging expertise that is applicable to entertainment and construction industries preferred.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

Who You Are

As our new Event Operations Lead, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• You’re a hands-on operations expert – With working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, sound/video, and rigging systems, you bring technical know-how and safety awareness to every event, supporting seamless setup, execution, and teardown.
• You’re a confident leader and reliable team player – You manage crews with clarity and motivation, keeping teams aligned and energized, while fostering strong communication and trust across all levels.
• You’re highly organized and solution-oriented – Whether juggling inventory, overseeing equipment maintenance, or responding to last-minute changes, you stay composed, adaptable, and on top of every detail.
• You thrive in dynamic environments – With a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and holidays, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and lead by example—ensuring every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
  
  

Your Primary Responsibilities

• Lead labor staff for installation, operation, and load out of events
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to labor staff, ensuring clear communication of expectations and deadlines.
• Perform construction maintenance, repair or alteration work related to event maintenance and construction.
• Maintain an inventory of event equipment and supplies, ensuring everything is in good working order.
• Oversee the physical setup and teardown of stages, decorations, lighting, and sound equipment.
• Ensure all setup and teardown activities comply with safety regulations and zoo standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues that arise during the event setup, execution, or teardown.
• Train labor staff on event setup procedures, safety protocols, and equipment handling.
• Coordinate the procurement of necessary materials and equipment for each event.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of equipment to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety.
• Act as a liaison between labor staff and other departments to facilitate smooth communication and coordination.
• Participate in event planning meetings to provide input on logistical and labor-related considerations.
• Provide regular updates to management on the status of event preparations and labor operations.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.
  
  

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent required and three (3) years of experience in event labor management, preferably within the entertainment or hospitality industries.
• Familiarity with plumbing, electrical, sound/video technologies, and rigging expertise that is applicable to entertainment and construction industries.
• Able to obtain and maintain certification for equipment operation including telehandler and boom lift.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of event setup and teardown procedures.
• Proficiency in inventory management and basic maintenance of equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.
  
  

Benefits

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
  
  

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant to successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.