Seasonal Events Operation Lead - Quick Hire!

Metro is a regional government organization serving the greater Portland area with a commitment to creating a sustainable future for its communities. Known for managing some of the most beloved natural and cultural assets in the Pacific Northwest, Metro operates various facilities including the Oregon Zoo, Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks. The organization prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, alongside public service, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Metro’s mission centers on enhancing the lives of residents through exceptional service delivery, conservation, and fostering a thriving regional identity. The Oregon Zoo, a flagship Metro venue, is a major educational and recreational hub attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. As the state’s most popular paid attraction, the zoo is dedicated to inspiring public engagement around wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. The zoo’s seasonal events, including the renowned ZooLights, play a vital role in community outreach and entertainment, requiring skilled leadership to carry out smooth and successful operations. The Seasonal Events Operation Lead for Metro’s Oregon Zoo is a pivotal role designed for the winter season, generally running from mid-November through late February. This temporary position demands approximately 20 hours of work per week spread across at least four days, including evenings and weekends, given the dynamic schedule associated with event needs and weather conditions. The role is classified as Variable Hour employment with no guaranteed hours but includes benefits such as paid sick and parental leave, retirement contributions through Oregon PERS, no-cost transit passes, and employee assistance programs. As the lead, you will be responsible for coordinating and prioritizing the duties of the events staff involved in the installation, operation, and teardown of seasonal public and private events like ZooLights. This includes scheduling shifts, monitoring work hours, and ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards. You will train and direct staff, oversee equipment maintenance, and organize logistical elements such as ordering materials and maintaining procedure manuals. The role requires hands-on involvement in physical setup, including the assembly of tents, seating, lighting installations, and decor elements. The lead will also operate equipment such as forklifts, aerial lifts, and golf carts, and perform routine maintenance and repairs. Excellence in customer service is essential, as the lead will assist event participants, visitors, and public patrons while often serving as the operational face of the event locations. Success in this role stems from a strong foundation in event planning and management combined with technical skills using various tools and equipment. The ideal candidate should be adept at managing personnel, project timelines, and complex logistics, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving under pressure. Physical stamina is necessary due to the demands of working in varied outdoor conditions and handling equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently. Metro values inclusivity and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, believing that a multifaceted workforce enhances its capacity to serve the community effectively. The organization also supports veterans’ preference and provides accommodations throughout the hiring process. Prospective candidates should be prepared for a thorough selection procedure encompassing qualification review, interviews, and background checks, ensuring that the best fit is chosen for this impactful public service role.

• Five years of events experience including two years of leadership
• valid driver's license
• ability to be insured by Metro's insurance
• ability to work a minimum of 20 hours and four days per week including evenings and weekends
• physical ability to climb, balance, kneel, crouch, crawl and stand long periods
• ability to lift up to 50 lbs alone and up to 100 lbs with assistance
• ability to work outdoors in varying weather
• availability for holidays and weekends
• commitment to safety policies
• flexible schedule
• willingness to perform emergency duties