Seasonal ZooLights and Events Worker

Seasonal Events Worker

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.

To qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

• 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

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.