Zoo Events Lead

Under the direct supervision of the Events Supervisor and management of the Development Manager, serves as a lead operations position supporting the preparation, execution and completion of Abilene Zoo events and rentals. Coordinates event set-up, guest services, inventory, equipment, tear-down and post-event activities to ensure events are organized, welcoming and successful. Ensures event spaces, supplies, decor, equipment and operational needs are prepared according to established plans and timelines.

Serves as a key on-site resource during events, responding to guest and operational needs.

This position exercises no supervisory duties. The position provides operational direction and coordination during events but does not have formal supervisory authority, if that accurately reflects the role.

• Support the preparation, execution, and completion of Zoo events, programs, and after-hours rentals, serving as an on-site operational lead to 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 to ensure event spaces, materials, décor, and equipment are organized, staged, clean, safe, and ready for use.
• Perform and coordinate event setup and teardown, including tables, chairs, tents, décor, signage, barriers, lighting, seasonal decorations, set pieces, and other event-related equipment and materials; restore event spaces and return equipment and supplies to designated locations following events.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service to Zoo guests, rental clients, vendors, and other event participants; assist with rental operations, greet rental contacts, respond to routine guest and operational needs, and elevate concerns when appropriate.
• Assist with food and beverage-related event operations, including serving, bussing, stocking, and maintaining cleanliness and organization.
• Maintain, inspect, clean, organize, and store event equipment, supplies, and inventory; conduct routine inventory checks, maintain event-related records and checklists, and communicate supply, equipment, or maintenance needs to appropriate staff.
• Operate City vehicles and small machinery, including golf carts, scissor lifts, forklifts, and other equipment as authorized and properly trained; follow applicable safety procedures when operating equipment and vehicles or handling event-related materials.
• Coordinate with internal Zoo divisions and City staff to support successful event operations; assist with post-event evaluations by communicating observations, issues, supply needs, and recommendations to the Events Supervisor.
• Work independently, demonstrate initiative, and recognize when issues require direction, assistance, or escalation from a supervisor.
• Follow and uphold Abilene Zoo rules, policies, procedures, safety requirements, and event standards.
• The Events Lead may provide day-to-day direction and coordination to assigned part-time, temporary, seasonal, volunteer, or other event staff during event preparation, execution, and tear-down

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Principles and practices of event operations and customer service.
• Basic event set-up, tear-down, and operational procedures.
• Basic inventory control and organization.
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and counting inventory.
• Safe operation and basic care of vehicles, machinery, tools, and event equipment.
• General workplace and event safety