Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Title: Event Setup Technician

Department: Events

Supervisor: Director of Events

Nashville Zoo Mission:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Why Work with Us:

At Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your family healthy.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential support services for mental, emotional, and financial well-being.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching – helping you build a secure future while you make a meaningful impact today.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave – because rest and recovery are vital.
• Exclusive zoo perks – enjoy discounts on park experiences, retail, and food services, plus complimentary membership benefits.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture – be part of a diverse team where your voice matters, your growth is nurtured, and collaboration thrives across all departments.
• AZA-accredited facility – Nashville Zoo is committed to top-tier animal care, ethics and global conservation efforts.

Description:

The Event Setup Technician receives daily instructions, tasks and oversight from the Event Operations Coordinator and is responsible for executing the setup/breakdown of public, private and internal events while maintaining clean and safe venue spaces and accurate event inventory.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Demonstrate a daily commitment to Nashville Zoo’s mission and values.

Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Complete assigned weekly event tasks including set up, breakdown of table, chairs, props, etc. to meet the needs of the schedule of events.

Execute all tasks in a safe and timely manner and ensure work performed meets the needs of the client and the event.

Perform daily venue and storage area checks with routine cleaning of spaces. Required to immediately notify supervisor of any existing safety or event related concerns.

Maintain clean and organized inventory of equipment; moving to proper storage areas as needed.

Work with other Zoo departments to maintain the needs of event areas including working with horticulture to perform weeding, mulching, fertilizing, seeding, pruning etc. of venues; working with grounds on trash removal and pressure washing of venues and materials, and working with Service Systems & Associates to meet the operational needs of catering team.

Safely operate Nashville Zoo vehicles as needed.

Additional duties may be assigned based on operational needs.

Skills:

Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity.

Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Ability to work as a team player with other staff to accomplish tasks.

Ability to perform assigned tasks in a safe, organized and efficient manner

Ability to operate/maintain small and medium-sized equipment and tools as required.

Ability to perform basic landscape, lawn and general venue maintenance

Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.

Education/ Experience:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Must have a minimum of 1 year of general event or manual labor experience.

Physical Responsibilities:

Ability to work outdoors year-round, including during inclement weather.

Ability to stand and walk for an extended period.

Ability to climb, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, twist, reach and extend themselves, etc., as required for assigned tasks.

Must be able to work on ladders, scaffolding and lifts.

Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.

All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.

Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.