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Position Summary:
The Public Events Operations Coordinator has a crucial role within the Zoo to oversee and participate in the setup, teardown, inventory management, and
operational success for all Public Events, which are crucial for the attraction, education and inspiration of over 1.8 million visitors a year.
This role will require
highly physical, independent work, with heavy involvement in the hiring, training, and care of the Event Operations Team. This role will also require strong
project management experience as they work in
collaboration with various other departments to maximize efficiency, reduce friction, and enhance the visitor experience.
The ideal candidate will enjoy the physical demands of working outside and staying busy each day, to create holiday magic and unforgettable events. They will have
strong communication skills, be a
self-starter, and have extreme
attention to detail and care for the overall visitor experience.
Reporting to the Special Events Manager, this position is a fun, full-time, year-round position that offers great benefits. Applicants should be prepared to divide their attention accordingly, as the Zoo's event season is year-round, and requires evening, weekend, and long hours on event days. Join us in creating memorable experiences and inspiring everyone with wildlife at the Zoo!
Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in the operational execution of 25+ Special Events at the Zoo, such as the PNC Festival of Lights (FOL), Tunes & Blooms, A Toast to the Wild Series, Zoo La La, Zoofari, and many more.
- Responsible for hiring, training, scheduling (within set labor budget), coaching, and developing the Event Operations Team by leading through example and maintaining a positive environment.
- Runs daily operations of FOL light-hanging crew (Event Operations Team), including hanging holiday lights, displays, and lanterns at ground level and testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining lights throughout the FOL season (November - early January). Completes regular park walks to understand outages, update project list, manage the team's workload, check to ensure assignments are complete, and collaborate with Maintenance on high lights and electrical issues.
- Acts as a liaison and project manager between all Zoo departments to meet event deadlines and deliver top-notch creative design standards.
- Works closely with the Special Events Manager and Maintenance Administrative Coordinator to create and execute a setup, teardown, and storage plan of FOL lights, displays, and lanterns, handling all Zoo property with care and ensuring maximum organization.
- Create and implement an organized and efficient inventory process for all Special Events supplies - i.e., all FOL materials, tables, tents, chairs, etc. In coordination with the Park Services Manager and Special Events Manager, budget, purchase, receive, and store items as needed.
- Lead the organization of Special Events materials within the Special Events Bay and all event storage spaces before and after each event.
- Maintain Event Memo calendar bookings, ensuring set-up deadlines are met and double-bookings don't occur.
- Work closely with the Park Services team to coordinate and set up tents, tables, chairs, waste receptacles and other supplies for all Special Events and Internal Events, as well as coordinating teardown of all supplies by deadline. Ensure setup and teardown meet Zoo standards before and after event start time(s), minimizing in-park vehicle traffic during the Zoo's operational hours.
- Sort and deliver candy/materials to correct stations during the Zoo's Easter Celebration and HallZooween.
- Coordinate with Visitor Experience, Group Sales, Special Events, SSA Private Events & Catering, and all other Zoo teams to ensure event standards are met as needed.
- Coordinate with the Park Services' supervisory team for any housekeeping needs, such as power washing, floor cleaning, back area cleaning needs, and more.
- Create a culture of cleanliness and organization, while seeking opportunities to create efficiencies and reduce waste in different work areas.
- Thinks holistically to make recommendations for future event ideas and FOL designs.
- Ensure safety of all staff and visitors by following proper procedures and safe workplace practices.
- Seeks opportunities to build an INSPIRED experience with our visitors wherever possible.
- Communicates clearly and on-time to move projects forward.
- Shows attention to detail and a willingness to help anywhere/everywhere at any time. Leads by example in everyday scenarios, with the core values as their guiding force.
- Supports Management Team with other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications:
- College diploma or relevant work equivalent
- Previous experience with team building and people/project management is required
- Experience in the zoo, attraction, leisure, hospitality, or event industry is a plus
- Hiring, onboarding, and training experience preferred
- Working knowledge of inventory management systems helpful
- Knowledge of lighting, electricity a plus
- Demonstrated experience in building collaboration among cross-departmental teams
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered
- Must have, or willing to become, Forklift Certified
- Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle
Position Requirements:
- This is an outdoor, physical job. Candidates should be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
- Job includes standing for extended periods of time, walking long distances (miles each day), bending, climbing, moving containers up to 50 lbs., without accommodation.
- Evening and weekend availability required.
- To be considered, candidate must be at least 21 years of age or older.
- Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated affinity for the mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
- Willingness to live the Zoo's Core Values and Behaviors on a daily basis.
- Ability to self-motivate, take initiative, & perform work autonomously, as well as with a team.
- Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
- Possess a high amount of communication and flexibility to work with multiple departments. This includes the ability to keep up with Event Memo updates teams accordingly via email.
- Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who can gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships.
- Ability to motivate others to action and handle sensitive employee needs, while building a strong team culture culture.
- Appropriate professional appearance, attitude, and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, guests, and the public.
- Possess excellent ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within an organization; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible.
- Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance.
Key Position Details & Benefits:
This position is full-time, salaried/exempt, and eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees at the first of the month following date of hire. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee "Total-Well-Being," including affordable medical dental & vision coverage; 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; company-paid disability & life insurance; generous paid time off (PTO), park discounts and free passes.
To Apply: Cover letter and resume should be included with your online application.
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Cincinnati Zoo
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
Dec 07, 2025