Events Assistant

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Events Assistant provides support and assists in creating an excellent guest experience by performing and preparing for all of Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation’s (FCZC) events, including group events, special events, and birthday parties. This position is an entry\-level professional who assists the Zoo’s team of event coordinators. By delivering well\-organized, engaging, and memorable events, the Event Assistant contributes to the Zoo’s mission by fostering meaningful community connections, enhancing guest engagement, and supporting revenue\-generating initiatives that support the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education.

We are pleased to offer this part time position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time. The pay range for this position is $18\.27 \- $19\.18 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provides consistent, professional guest service during all events, communicates effectively with clients, vendors, and Zoo guests, and addresses questions or concerns promptly to support a positive event experience.
• Organizes and prioritizes multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines, proactively identifies challenges and implements solutions to ensure a smooth and efficient process
• Performs assigned duties efficiently in a fast\-paced, dynamic environment while providing professional, courteous, and effective service during frequent interactions with guests, clients, and the public.
• Conducts online research and conducts and tracks inventory on a spreadsheet as needed.
• Purchases equipment and supplies online as directed.
• Supports administrative tasks, including creating event bookings, memos, printing tickets, expense coding and tracking, and managing inventory and supplies.
• Conducts site tours for clients and vendors
• Assists with installation and facilitation of seasonal exhibitions on and off site as needed
• Assists with a variety of guest services activities, including checking in guests for after\-hours group events and working with and monitoring volunteers
• Assists with various reports as needed, including budgets, event attendance, expenses, and profit \& loss reports.
• Monitors event progression, tracks guest experience, responds to complaints or issues according to procedures and immediately reports any security, medical, or operational concerns to management or the appropriate department to be handled immediately
• Occasionally processes client payments, including charges for additional add\-ons or upgrades, maintains accurate records and communicates all extra charges to the Event Sales Representative
• Fills in for Event Coordinators, Birthday Party Attendant, and Events Set\-Up as needed.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes various events including but not limited to Member Perks, Animal Days, Community Events and more, with minimal oversight as needed.
• Occasionally leads event set up and break down, including but not limited to tables, chairs, lighting, and other equipment needs.
• Communicates and works cooperatively with management and fellow employees before, during and after an event.
• Assist coordinators with vendor communication, logistics, and supervision before and during events.
• Participates in safety, equipment, software training and certifications as assigned.
• Executes assigned tasks according to established timelines and procedures, verifies accuracy of materials and setup and completes tasks efficiently to ensure smooth event operations
• Follows instruction and completes assigned tasks with minimal oversight.
• Utilizes proper lifting techniques, requests assistance when required, and adheres to all safety guidelines
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from FCZC’s facilities and offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required. Associates or bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration preferred
• Minimum one year of administrative, customer service or event experience required.
• Minimum one year of experience using Microsoft Office suite is required
• California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone or radio) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas through the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 50 lbs. and occasionally up to 75 lbs. regularly throughout the day
• Must be able to walk five (5\) – ten (10\) miles as needed per shift and navigate uneven terrain while carrying materials
• This position requires frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting and to perform other repetitive movements throughout the shift
• This position requires frequent work at elevated heights, including the use of ladders or other approved equipment, in accordance with established safety protocols.
• Must be able to sit or stand for up to eight hours a day

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, Zoo environments and external events
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Regular local travel and occasional out\-of\-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.