Event Operations Crew Member

Position Summary

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking enthusiastic and reliable Seasonal Events & Lighting Team Members to support our premier events and attractions. This role primarily involves the setup, maintenance, and teardown of holiday lighting for the renowned PNC Festival of Lights, as well as assisting with the execution of various special events, including, but not limited to, Zoo La La, Zoofari, Wild About Wine, Zoo Brew, Jack O’Lantern Glow, Hall Zooween, and Hops & Holly.

As a key member of our events team, you will play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for over 300,000 guests during the Festival of Lights season and 100,000+ visitors attending our other signature events. While this position includes a variety of event-related tasks, the primary responsibility is to ensure the timely and efficient setup and removal of lighting displays for the Festival of Lights.

We are looking for individuals who are eager, self-sufficient, dependable, creative and ready to contribute to a collaborative team environment.

• Installation: Assist in the installation of holiday lights and decorations throughout the zoo.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain lighting displays to ensure proper functionality and visual quality. Replace strands of lights when needed.
• Takedown: Efficiently dismantle and store Christmas lights and decorations after Festival of Lights, ensuring all items are organized for future use.

• Setup: Support event preparation efforts, including setting up tents, tables, chairs, décor, and other event-specific elements for Zoo events, including but not limited to internal meetings/events, large group visits, and special events.
• Takedown: Help dismantle and properly store materials and equipment after an event.
• Collaboration: Work closely with team members and event coordinators to ensure all events are executed smoothly.

• Employment is considered seasonal/non-benefited. Hours are variable, averaging 25 hours per week with consistent 5/6-hour shifts, not exceeding an annual average of 30 hours per week.
• This is an outdoor and physical job
  . Candidates should be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
• This job includes standing, walking, bending, climbing, and moving containers up to 50lbs, without accommodation.
• Morning and/or evening availability required
  . Some weekend availability is also required
  .
• To be considered, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, and background check.
• Desired Starting Date:
  July 28, 2026

• Demonstrated understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Candidate must live these on a day-to-day basis.
• Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
• Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who can gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships.
• 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.
• Have a demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

• Enjoy physical, hands-on work
• Like creativity and the opportunity to offer ideas
• Have a desire to work outdoors in a fast-moving environment
• Take pride in setup, organization, and visual presentation
• Are reliable and enjoy working as part of a team
• Want to be part of large-scale, high-impact events

Successful candidates will embody and continuously demonstrate the Core Values of the…