Event Setup Staff

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

About the role

Event Operations staff members receive daily instructions, tasks, and oversight from the Event Operations Coordinator. The staff are responsible for executing the setup and breakdown of both public, private, and internal events, as well as maintaining clean and accurate event inventories and venue spaces.

Responsibilities

• Complete assigned weekly event tasks including setup and breakdown of tables, chairs, props, etc., to meet the needs of the calendar of events.
• Execute all tasks in a timely fashion and ensure work performed meets the needs of the client and the event.
• Perform daily venue and storage area checks with routine cleaning of spaces.
• Immediately notify supervisor of any existing safety or event-related concerns.
• Maintain clean and organized inventory of equipment; moving to proper storage areas as needed.
• Work with other Zoo departments to maintain the needs of event areas, including:
  • Working with horticulture to perform weeding, mulching, fertilizing, seeding, and pruning of venues.
  • Working with grounds on trash removal and pressure washing of venues and materials.
  • Working with Service Systems & Associates to meet the operational needs of the catering team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum of 1 year of general event or manual labor experience.

Skills

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to operate small and medium equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks efficiently and safely.
• Ability to perform basic landscape, lawn, and general venue maintenance.
• Ability to responsibly use and maintain assigned tools and equipment.
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.

Physical Responsibilities

• Frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10-hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance.
• Safely navigate ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas.
• Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely.
• Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year-round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration.
• Use power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles while adhering to established safety procedures.
• PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task.
• Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Schedule

• Must be available to work any of seven days of the week.
• Must be available to work special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Exclusive zoo perks – discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• Collaborative and inclusive culture – part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – committed to top-tier animal care, ethics, and global conservation efforts.

Pay

$16.10 - $16.10 USD

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire. Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.