Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking an experienced, full-time Event Technician to fill an important position on our Events and Rentals Team. Two years of commercial experience in building displays for retail, hospitality, or attractions preferred. This position requires the ability and willingness to consistently work a flexible schedule based on the Zoo's scheduled events, holiday events, dates, and seasonal hours. 

With a mission centered on 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: $17.30 to $20.33 per hour, depending on experience.

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: Carries out and coordinates fabrication, assembly, installation, set-up, and tear-down, and execution of props, displays, lighting designs, and accessories for special events and facility rentals. Organizes storage and maintenance of assets and supplies. Oversees physical special projects and supports a variety of facility and maintenance needs related to events and event inventory. 

This is a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment of a growing organization with roots founded in the community.  Reid Park Zoological Society is an equal opportunity employer.  

Reports To:   Development Officer

General Responsibilities:

• 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
• Participates in safety and emergency drills

Event Displays:

• Provide support in the effective design and execution of installing lighting and displays for events
• Create and install visual light and sound displays, as well as themed environments for events, including Boo at the Zoo, Zoo Lights, and other major and minor events and rentals    
• Hang and install lights and physical exhibits, maintaining the operation of lights and displays throughout the events
• At the end of events, dismantle, repair, and store all event materials in a timely and organized manner
• Safe operation of heavy equipment, including forklift trucks and aerial lifts  
• Maintain an inventory of lighting and event materials, being accountable for materials and equipment used year-round
• Keep event work areas clean and organized throughout the year.
• Utilize and oversee volunteers, part-time staff, or contractors in preparing displays as needed

Event and Program Support:

• Coordinate assigned aspects of events and programs, including venue logistics (set up & tear down), audio/visual, and lighting.  This may include tents, water jugs, tables, chairs, stanchions, etc.
• Prepare audiovisual needs and coordinate with vendors as needed for events or rentals. Maintain all department equipment and supplies related to the event/program in an organized manner 
• Create props and themed displays for programs or events as requested
• Meet and oversee contractors, vendors, volunteers, and entertainers before and during events
• Provide staffing services as needed during event, e.g., greeting, moving equipment, assisting guests and any other duties requested

Facilities Maintenance:

• Maintain all department equipment and supplies, including tools, presentation equipment, sound systems, signage hardware, and vehicles
• Keep public and behind-the-scenes areas well-maintained, organized, and clean
• De-litter zoo grounds and around buildings; remove trash, leaf litter, and brush
• Assist with installation, cleaning, ordering, maintaining, and removing items as requested, including signage, hardware, and vehicles
• Safely operates golf carts, forklifts, and transports equipment by towing trailers

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid, unrestricted Driver's License
• Complete pre-employment background check and drug screen (no THC tested)
• Willing to become trained on forklift, lift truck, aerial lift, scissor lift, and boom lift
• Basic fabrication, carpentry, paint, assembly, and trade skills
• Experience in safe use of power tools, hand tools, and ladder safety
• Reliable, dependable, and able to physically attend work (on-site) consistently
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows, experience using MS Office & email
• Basic mathematical capability
• 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, 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, weekends, and holidays as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of commercial experience in building displays for retail, hospitality, or attractions
• Relevant Associate's Degree or trade certificate
• Experience operating equipment, including forklift trucks, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, and boom lifts
• OSHA 10-hour safety certification preferred 
• Demonstrated artistic, creative background
• Additional years of experience and knowledge in fabricating, assembling, and installing complex displays
• Experience in a public attraction, park, or zoo setting
• AZA Zoo Experience
• Bilingual (any language, including ASL) 

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift to 40+ lbs. 
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, climb, and reach for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work outside and perform physical work in extreme wet, cold, or hot weather conditions and a range of temperatures
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Repetitious motions with hands

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, please contact the HR Dept.

JOB CODE: 9102ET