Event Host Lead - Part Time
Part Time • Santa Barbara
Responsive recruiter
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
Schedule: up to 25 hours per week, weekends and holidays
Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $17.50/hour
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.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensation: $17.50 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
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It’s a great place to work!
We strive to: 1. Provide a learning environment with great benefits and advancement opportunities. 2. Work as a team. 3. Enjoy our work and have fun!
We are guest-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Be professional, engaged, warm, friendly, informed, and resourceful because we care about our guests’ experience. 2. Ensure safe, clean, and injury-free facilities. 3. Be a place of choice to visit in town.
We are goal-oriented.
We strive to: 1. Set competitive goals that involve our entire staff. 2. Focus on our mission and the best ways to deliver our care and services to our animals, our staff, and our guests. 3. Be the best place to visit in Santa Barbara!