Skilled Pumpkin Illustrator

Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza Event

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will be hosting a brand new event. Thousands of artistically carved pumpkins will glow in the night during the walk-through Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza. These gourd-geous works of art will feature beloved Zoo animals and familiar characters from the worlds of entertainment, science, fantasy, pop culture, sports, and more, presented with sound, light, and other special effects.

This family friendly event is the perfect combination of nighttime fun, the spirit of autumn, and artistry. Thousands of pumpkins will illuminate The Islands and Jungle Odyssey in a spectacle unlike anything you've ever seen, including differently themed areas with a Pittsburgh connection!

The Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza will open to the public on Thursday, October 3 and run nightly through Sunday, November 3.

Pumpkin carvers will carve pumpkins (both real and artificial) according to a design plan managed by the Zoo Master Carver and event team. There will be a combination of artificial and real pumpkins that will need to be carved with various designs from templates.

Work on the artificial pumpkins is scheduled to begin in late August with an anticipated completion date of September 10. Real pumpkins will be carved closer to the event start date and carving will continue throughout the duration of the event to ensure that real pumpkins are fresh while on display.

Hours are onsite, but flexible during the course of the day in four-hour minimum shifts. A minimum of 16 hours per week is required.

• Create designs and carve real pumpkins according to the plan and quantities needed to meet the exhibit requirements.
• Create designs and carve artificial pumpkins according to plan and quantities needed to meet the exhibit requirements.

• Artistic skills are required for the position.
• Ability to carve intricate designs in a timely manner that meet design plan requirements.
• Prior pumpkin/ice/wood carving skills are required for the position.
• Comfort in handling and safe practices in working with manual and electrical tools.
• Reliable to show for scheduled shifts and complete work assignments within reasonable timeframe.
• Individuals must be at least 18 years of age.