Events Assistant

Job Title: Events Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Part-time Regular

Hours: Variable schedule with up to an average of 24 hours per week, including weekends and holidays as needed as events occur

Pay Rate: $15.63/hour

This is a regular part-time position working up to an average of 24 hours per week annually in an ongoing capacity, pending individual performance. Work schedules may vary week to week, month to month, or seasonally based on operational needs.


Summary:

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Events Assistant to assist in the production and execution of public, private, and internal events during both daytime and evening hours. This position often requires working weekends, late evenings and some holidays. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. You will support the event team in every stage of event planning from logistics to guest services. This position plays an important role in creating a visually appealing image of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to the community and surrounding areas. This position reports directly to the Assistant Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to) :

• Follow Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium policies and standards.
• Serve as a positive representative of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (professional and friendly attitude to guests).
• Handle customer or guest inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
• Obtain all necessary information prior to the event including event information sheet.
• Obtain and maintain all necessary equipment and supplies for events.
• Set up and tear down tables, chairs, signage, tents, and any other event needs.
• Assist external vendors upon their arrival, as all vendors need a Zoo employee escort, and assist with location and logistical needs.
• Escorting guests and vendors on a golf cart or other Zoo vehicle.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the atmosphere and facilities are clean and professionally presented.
• Properly follow food handling and beverage procedures according to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium policies and procedures and state laws.
• Ensure proper set-up, tear down, and storage of equipment/supplies.
• Operate cash register, collect payment, and make change.
• Make sure drink tickets are accounted for and turned in at the end of the Event Captain.
• Help manage event logistics, including venue setup, staffing stations, and all equipment and supplies are available.
• Assist bartending staff with assuring bar arrangements are set up properly and ready to serve (30 minutes prior to event start time).
• Tending to bars by assisting bartenders with more inventory.
• Monitor under-age drinking, over-indulgent drinking, damage of the facilities, etc.
• Be present at the event to make sure all is running smoothly; troubleshoot as necessary.
• Ability to follow directions and work well as a team.
• Fill in where necessary to fulfil any duties that are required to make the event successful, including but not limited to setting up and tearing down.
• Communicate comments, ideas, and concerns with management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong customer service skills and ability to engage with patrons.
• Ability to multitask and handle a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of special event management and/or operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and memorize.
• General knowledge of food and beverage service procedures.
• Experience in various event operations for groups ranging in size from 1 - 5,000 people.
• Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Ability to follow directions, and work well with team members.
• Basic math skills and experience in operating and reading computerized cash registers and tape readouts.
• Knowledge of zoo administrative practices with a willingness to learn other areas.

Qualifications:

• Valid state driver's license.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in events is helpful but not required.
• Minimum age of 19 years old.
• Willing to obtain TIPS certification within first three months of employment.

Working Conditions Physical Effort:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays, and night programs.
• The employee is frequently required to walk and/or stand for up to 8 hours.
• Must be able to walk long distances across multiple venues and work areas. Will assist in moving products between multiple areas within the Zoo.
• Work in various weather conditions, as well as both indoor event room and outdoor exotic animal/zoo environments.
• Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and possess a valid driver's license with a good history.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.