Seasonal ZooLights and Events Worker

Seasonal Events Worker

This is a seasonal position: Winter Season will start approximately on July 28, 2026 and ending on or about February 27, 2027. We are currently looking for applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 20 hours and at least four days per week, with evening and weekend availability. Employees in seasonal positions may not work more than 1200 hours during the fiscal year.

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Events Division of the Oregon Zoo is looking for Seasonal Events Workers to assist with implementing public and private events with a focus on installation, operation, and teardown of ZooLights.

As the Seasonal Event Worker you will:

• Set up and disassemble canopies, chairs, tables, speakers, and related equipment for events.
• Hang banners, backdrops, props, and associated equipment.
• Assist performers, private event clients, presenters, staff, and members of the public with events as needed.
• Clean and perform simple maintenance tasks.
• Operate ladders, forklifts, aerial lifts, golf carts, and other equipment as required.
• Safely install and uninstall seasonal and decorative lighting on zoo buildings, trees, and grounds.
• Utilize various hand and power tools in the assembly, disassembly, and general maintenance of displays and setups.
• Locate, report, and troubleshoot power issues related to lighting or lit dcor.
• Assist in maintaining logs and notes on equipment and displays.
• Performs basic ZooLights repairs, which includes clipping zip ties to remove older light strings/rope, attaching new light strings/rope to frames with zip ties and attaching premade splices or other connectors.
• Load, unload, inventory, and store materials as needed.
• Alert staff to any problems that may need attention.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Attributes for success:

• Sufficient experience or training in basic maintenance.
• Foundational knowledge of event planning and the technical and practical aspects of event design, set-up, breakdown, and coordination.
• Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to the work.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team; exercise good judgment.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Fulfill Metro's core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and sustainability.
• Work assigned schedule and exhibit regular and predictable attendance.
• Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Must be able to climb, balance, kneel, crouch and crawl and stand consistently for long periods of time.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance; occasionally up to 160 lbs. with a two-person lift.
• Must be able to work outdoors in various temperatures including heat, cold, rain, snow and wind.
• Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Diversity and inclusion:

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

Learn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan

To qualify:

• Two years of experience or training in warehouse duties or basic maintenance
• Valid driver's license and the ability to be insured by Metro's insurance carrier
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities

Must obtain within 60 days of starting work:

• Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• Emergency and Safety Procedures Training
• HAZMAT Awareness Level Training
• Forklift Certification

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:

• Previous experience working in a union an environment.
• Previous experience operating vehicles, forklifts, high lifts, person lift baskets, cleaning and other medium and light duty equipment and hand tools

Shifts and schedule:

As a member of the Seasonal Events team, you'll need to be flexible with your availability, as shifts will include nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, and the ZooLights season.

This is a seasonal position starting approximately July 28, 2026 and ending on or about February 27, 2027.

Winter season staff can expect a minimum of 20 hours of scheduled shifts per week.

Screening and evaluation:

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference check
• Driving records check for finalist candidate

Additional information:

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation: Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework: Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro: No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply: For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

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