Job Description

SALARY & FLSA: $24.90 - $37.35 per hour, FLSA non-exempt

The $24.90 hourly starting pay is structured to be competitive and may extend up to the $31.13 midpoint of the annual range, reflecting our commitment to offering competitive compensation to qualified candidates.

OPENING DATE: 05/13/2026

CLOSING DATE: 05/22/2026 (May close sooner if a sufficient number of qualified applications is received.)

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Onsite

DEPARTMENT: Events

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

As our new Event Production Specialist (Events & Experiences), we know you will be successful in this role because you:

• Love Creating Memories: You are focused on delivering an impactful experience for all guests and are ready to design and coordinate a variety of events.

• Are Focused and Cool Under Pressure: No detail goes missed under your watch. You meet all deadlines and help to keep projects on schedule. You can work well under pressure, adapting quickly in a fast-paced and changing environment.  

• Have Strong Project Management Skills: You manage your time wisely, seek to work smarter, and have meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of planning and execution.

• Know How to Roll with It: With a Can-Do attitude, you can accept and adapt in situations with unexpected circumstances or challenges, remaining flexible and resilient with an open mindset toward finding a solution or alternative.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead execution of assigned events across the zoo’s portfolio, including signature public events, private rentals, partner-hosted programs, and internal/employee events.
• Develop and manage detailed production plans, timelines, and run-of-show documents.
• Coordinate event logistics, including vendors, rentals, equipment, and on-site operations.
• Support event setup, live event operations, and strike to ensure smooth and successful delivery and a flawless experience for guests.
• Coordinate logistics for sponsor and partner activations, ensuring fulfillment of agreements and a high-quality on-site presence.
• Partner with internal teams to align on event needs and operational plans.
• Communicate event requirements clearly and proactively to ensure readiness across departments.
• Coordinate staff and volunteer assignments to support event execution.
• Assist in guiding seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers as directed.
• Maintain accurate event records, orders, and logistics within event management system.
• Track event readiness and proactively identify and resolve operational gaps.
• Ensure compliance with zoo policies, safety protocols, and guest experience standards.
• Participate in event debriefs and coordinate process improvements to enhance team efficiency and event performance.
• Contribute ideas for new event concepts, activations, and experience enhancements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal partners, clients, and guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in event planning, production, or related field
• Experience supporting or executing outdoor events, festivals, or live experiences preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, hospitality, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams required
• Experience with event management software and tools
• Proven ability to manage multiple events or projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and execution skills with attention to detail
• Confident communicator with the ability to coordinate across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solution-oriented with a mindset for curiosity and learning
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must be able to work on-site at Woodland Park Zoo
• Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid Washington State driver’s license with a safe driving record
• Working knowledge of Momentus event management platform is a plus.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays 
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application: Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at  zoo.org/jobs The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.