Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking an Events & Rentals Coordinator to join our growing team in anticipation of opening our Pathway to Asia expansion later this year! 

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun. 

No phone calls or visits, please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay Range: $17.65 to $20.30 per hour / DOE 

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

Overview:       Assist the Events & Rentals Manager with all aspects of coordinating the Zoo’s fundraising and promotional events. Provide back-up assistance to the Rental Supervisor as needed.

Reports To:   Events & Rentals Manager

General Duties:

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Coordinate assigned aspects of events with all departments involved, including venue logistics, catering, audio/visual, lighting, decorations, grounds/maintenance, etc.
• Responsible for overseeing the set-up and tear-down of event equipment, including but not limited to tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and basic audio/visual needs
• Assists in identifying and coordinating entertainment, activity vendors, and amenities for a variety of Zoo special events, including but not limited to Boo at the Zoo, ZooLights, Wine Gone Wild, and Summer Safari Nights, as well as donor breakfasts and meetings
• Greets vendors during events and ensures they get set up
• Assists with event décor and installation
• When able and as needed, assist the Rental Supervisor with responding to customer inquiries regarding rentals at the Zoo, maintaining a response time of 48 hours, preparing cost estimates and all other rental paperwork promptly, as well as reserving activities with other Zoo departments and outside vendors 
• Be the point of contact on the night of events when assigned
• Participates in community tabling opportunities

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a guest service, customer or client-facing role, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
• Complete a pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with random drug testing if selected
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors, volunteers, and the public
• Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, public/guest attraction-focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, and act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, and overtime during the busy event season (October - December)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, and reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of temperatures, including extreme heat 

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Associate's Degree in a relevant field (hospitality, event planning, venue rentals) highly preferred
• Additional years of experience in planning and coordinating special events
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Altru and Tripleseat
• Excellent time management, organization, and independent judgment skills. Willingness to take responsibility and problem-solve proactively. Ability to follow as well as give direction.
• Ability to work independently or with little oversight.
• Maintains a professional appearance consistent with company standards.
• Additional years of experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment are strongly preferred
• Bilingual (Any language including ASL)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.  It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.