Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional customer and guest service in all that you do? 

…Saving wildlife and wild places? 

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, access, inclusion and personal contribution?

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking experienced Event Staff to help execute various sized private and public RPZS events! This is an on-call position. The employee will commit to shifts published monthly in advance. The ability and availability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays is required. 

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 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 the co-leader of the Flamingo and Songbirds SAFE programs to name a few recognitions. 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 gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. 

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: $17.15 per hour

Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

You are: dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, committed to animal well-being, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!

The job is: Super fun and fast paced! You will assist the Events Department in staffing and executing various sized events, private rentals and parties, including large-scale, complex events, cultural exhibits and activities offered to and attended by the public, on behalf of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS). This role requires exemplary internal and external customer service and communication skills in all aspects of the job. Responsible to assist with setup, cleanup, teardown, and other tasks related to RPZS rentals and events. The ability and availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays is required. Ability to be on-time, reliable, dependable and work entire shifts committed to is required.  

Reports To:   Chief Development Office

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
• Set up and tear down of event related equipment and accessories, including but not limited to tables, chairs, linens, runners, lighting, decorations, basic audio/visual equipment, clearing trash, cleaning and sanitation as needed.
• Set up barricades at gates and man them for security
• Assist in crowd control and flow of large numbers of visitors attending events
• Answer guest questions and provide directions and information as needed
• Help with craft, merchandise, enrichment and information tables
• Assist vendors and sponsors with set up and tear down as needed
• Must view the posted schedule and commit to shifts on a timely, regular basis without need of management oversight
• Must be punctual, reliable and dependable
• This position requires regular onsite attendance

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities 

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of one year in event planning, hospitality, banquets, catering or restaurant experience
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Completes all training as required
• 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 and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Excellent judgment and organizational skills are necessary to ensure the enjoyment and safety of our guests
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol
• Regular, dependable physical attendance at work
• Ability to be on-time, dependable and work entire shifts committed to on a regular and consistent basis
• Ability and availability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on occasion
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Associate’s degree or higher
• Over one year experience in event planning, hospitality, catering or restaurant industry
• Additional years’ experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish or 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.