Posted June 13, 2026
Event Operations Crew Member
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States 45220
Full Time
Reference: 285246142
Event Operations Crew Member
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Department: Visitor Experience
Job Title/Classification: Event Operations Crew Member
Reports to: Event Operations Supervisor
Pay: $15.00
Position Summary:
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking enthusiastic and reliable Seasonal Events & Lighting Team Members to support our premier events and attractions. This role primarily involves the setup, maintenance, and teardown of holiday lighting for the renowned PNC Festival of Lights, as well as assisting with the execution of various special events, including, but not limited to, Zoo La La, Zoofari, Wild About Wine, Zoo Brew, Jack O'Lantern Glow, HallZooween, and Hops & Holly.
As a key member of our events team, you will play a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for over 300,000 guests during the Festival of Lights season and 100,000+ visitors attending our other signature events. While this position includes a variety of event-related tasks, the primary responsibility is to ensure the timely and efficient setup and removal of lighting displays for the Festival of Lights.
We are looking for individuals who are eager, self-sufficient, dependable, creative and ready to contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:
Lighting Duties:
- Installation: Assist in the installation of holiday lights and decorations throughout the zoo.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain lighting displays to ensure proper functionality and visual quality. Replace strands of lights when needed.
- Takedown: Efficiently dismantle and store Christmas lights and decorations after Festival of Lights, ensuring all items are organized for future use.
Event Setup and Takedown:
- Setup: Support event preparation efforts, including setting up tents, tables, chairs, décor, and other event-specific elements for Zoo events, including but not limited to internal meetings/events, large group visits, and special events.
- Takedown: Help dismantle and properly store materials and equipment after an event.
- Collaboration: Work closely with team members and event coordinators to ensure all events are executed smoothly.
Key details for this position:
- Employment is considered seasonal/non-benefited. Hours are variable, averaging 25 hours per week with consistent 5/6-hour shifts, not exceeding an annual average of 30 hours per week.
- This is an outdoor and physical job. Candidates should be prepared to work in all weather conditions.
- This job includes standing, walking, bending, climbing, and moving containers up to 50lbs, without accommodation.
- Morning and/or evening availability required. Some weekend availability is also required.
- To be considered, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver's license.
- Employment is contingent upon passing a post-offer, pre-employment drug screen, and background check.
- Desired Starting Date: July 28, 2026
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Demonstrated understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Candidate must live these on a day-to-day basis.
- Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal and organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment.
- Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who can gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships.
- Appropriate professional appearance, attitude, and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, guests, and the public.
- Possess excellent ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within an organization; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible.
- Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance.
- Have a demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
This role is a great fit for you if you:
- Enjoy physical, hands-on work
- Like creativity and the opportunity to offer ideas
- Have a desire to work outdoors in a fast-moving environment
- Take pride in setup, organization, and visual presentation
- Are reliable and enjoy working as part of a team
- Want to be part of large-scale, high-impact events
Successful candidates will embody and continuously demonstrate the Core Values of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden which include, but are not limited to: Building Collaborative Relationships through open communication and active listening; having Positivity and Energy through positive attitudes and making time to celebrate successes; having Accountability, Mutual Trust and Respect through taking ownership of issues, learning from mistakes, treating others with respect, holding self and others accountable and doing what you say you're going to do; possessing Progressive Thinking through being a self-directed learner, and learning from others, thinking creatively, challenging the status quo respectfully, and demonstrating relentless pursuit for improvement; and having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership through respect and care for the living collection, going the extra mile, always being an advocate for the Zoo and demonstrating a strong personal ownership.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/protected veterans
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI285246142
