Seasonal Events Associate

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, IA is hiring a Seasonal Events Associate to assist with event execution, including setup and management of various events. The role requires strong communication, flexibility, and independence. The position involves working on-site at events and interacting with rental groups, staff, and volunteers. No specific degree is required. The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings.
FLSA Classification: Nonexempt

Salary Grade: To Be Determined

Reports to: Event Supervisors

Department: Operations

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research, and recreation.

Position Purpose

Blank Park Zoo is looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, self-starter who is highly motivated to assist with event execution. The Seasonal Events Associate is responsible for providing direct support to the event and rental team. This position will spend the majority of time on-site at events and rentals.

Essential Functions

The following duties are essential to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Assist with onsite rental groups, including but not limited to weddings, company outings and elementary school family nights.
• Assist with setup and tear down of events and rentals.
• Assist with execution of in-house and public events such as Zoo Brew and Night Eyes.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Maintain a strong relationship and good communication with the Zoo’s preferred caterer, staff, and volunteers.
• Additional tasks as assigned by Event Supervisors, Events Manager or Department Director.

Competencies
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with various assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate a capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbally and written. Effective listening skills.
• Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
• Innovative – Ability to propose creative solutions and create wow experiences for clients.
• Efficient – Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner.
• Customer-oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations.
• Team Player – Collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events and tours. The incumbent may be required to travel to other locations and meetings. This individual may be exposed to computer monitors. The noise level is moderate.