Are you an organized and enthusiastic leader with a passion for event planning? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking an Event Host Lead to coordinate private and public events, manage logistics, and ensure a seamless guest experience while promoting wildlife conservation and education. Join our team and help create unforgettable moments for our guests!

Requirement: Applicant must be a minimum of 18 years of age Schedule: up to 25 hours per week, weekends and holidays

Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Compensation: $17.50/hour

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Events Coordinator, Events & Guest Services Manager, and the Director of Events & Guest Services, the Events Lead is responsible for making sure that Events held at the Zoo are a wonderful, enjoyable, and safe experience for all concerned, in order to accomplish our goals of providing a superior visitor experience while successfully coordinating all supporting service. Additionally, this position coordinates and promotes corporate, Special Events and Private Events, in conjunction with Zoo Catering Services by Rincon.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Events:

Arrives on time for scheduled shift, properly dressed, and ready to begin work

Maintains a professional appearance and attitude at all times as a representative of the Zoo

Coordinates all aspects of corporate and social events from scheduling & showing the grounds to billing and follow-up

Assigns Event Host(s) duties for the day/evening and reviews the event’s needs before the event begins

Coordinates and collaborates with Rincon’s management on the day of the event

Communicates security needs for the day of the event with Safety & Security

Coordinates with Guest Services for support during Special Events and Private Events, as well as regarding Admissions and gate needs

Coordinates with the Animal Care & Health department to accommodate animal encounters

Ensures that all facilities are checked prior to event time and communicates needs with the Facility & Horticulture department

Sends an email to Private Events Coordinator if any notable incident(s) occurred that need to be followed up on immediately

Ensures that end-of-day closing procedures are completed (Event Evaluation)

Assists with First Aid needs and generates incident reports as applicable

Ensures that all used workstations are left ready for the next day’s operations by Guest Services

Assists with any AV needs for Events in Discovery Pavilion

Assists with interviews as needed

Interfaces with Zoo Catering Services by Rincon, entertainment providers, and other vendors to ensure successful, safe events

Monitors event activities to ensure compliance with applicable policies & procedures, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise

Proactively promotes the Zoo as a facility for corporate events, birthday parties, weddings, and other private events

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Handles emergency situations in a professional manner and according to Zoo policy and protocol.

Occasional collateral office duties as required

Zoo special events, including, but not limited to, Member’s Night, Zoofari Ball, and Boo at the Zoo; The specific duties related to these events will vary as event size and demands require.

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent

Paid experience in customer service, marketing, or event planning preferred

College experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Strong organizational skills

Data entry and word processing skills

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests

Ability to follow oral and written direction

Ability to manage one's own time and the time of others in an efficient and effective manner

Ability to adjust actions in relation to others' actions

Ability to handle stress, and maintain composure: accept criticism and deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations, keeping emotions in check, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations

Ability to maintain a diligent, friendly, and professional demeanor

Attention to detail

Team-oriented

Effective oral communication skills

Ability to follow oral and written direction

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility

Must be able to climb stairs and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours

Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions (climate in Santa Barbara is mild)

Supportive and open employment culture

Occasionally lifts and carries objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Ability to drive a cart safely

Requires flexible schedule, including some weekends and evenings

Tools Used:

Personal computer and software

Two-way radio

Standard office equipment: telephone, printer, facsimilie machine, calculator

Hand tools

Electric cart

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

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This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.