Job Title: Events Assistant, Seasonal
Department: Special Events
FLSA Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate: $20.00 - $22.00
Working Hours: Hours vary depending on event calendar – averaging 20-30 hours per week, April - October. Working hours vary based on scheduled weekend and evening events. Must be available on weekends and for occasional evening shifts.
Direct Supervisor's Name and Title: Angela Giuseppetti, Director of Learning and Engagement and Jayme Bingham, Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager
JOB SUMMARY
The Events Assistant provides administrative and hands-on support for the breadth of Seneca Park Zoo events. Key responsibilities include outreach to vendors, partners, clients/prospective clients, and donors; organization and preparation prior to events; staffing at Signature Events, Private Events, and applicable third-party events. Work schedule will include daytime and evening shifts; evening and weekend availability will be needed for this role.
DUTIES
SPECIAL EVENTS
- Provide departmental support for Special Event fundraisers.
- Includes attendance at all Special Events, assisting with event setup and breakdown, preparing site and materials prior to event start, and staffing a support role during events.
- Provide administrative support for Birds, Bees and Brews, Zoobilation, ZooBrew, Jungle Jog 5K, Wine for Wildlife and Spooktacular.
- Assist Director of Learning and Engagement with Zoo's largest fundraiser – Zoobilation. Including the procurement, outreach and solicitation of silent and live auction items, wine and spirits collection, communication with tasting trail vendors and overall day of event timeline. Zoobilation data entry into Greater Giving Database for silent auction procurement.
- Act as the main point of contact for all outside partners on after-hour events including Birds, Bees and Brews, Zoobilation, Spooktacular and Wine for Wildlife
- Must be available to work on the following major 2026 special event dates: May 1, June 6, June 13, June 19, July 10, July 19, August 7, August 12, September 4, September 25, October 15, 16, and 17.
PRIVATE EVENTS
- Assist Private Events and Corporate Engagement Manager with outreach to potential private clients, distribution of private event marketing materials, and participate in client site visits.
- Act as a primary host for private and corporate events. This includes guest check-in, on-site contact, set up and break down support, golf cart driver, and clearly interpret and communicate event BEO details and needs to SSA and Zoo staff.
- Support the planning and execution of off-site third-party fundraising events hosted by community partners
- Organize and maintain cleanliness of event supplies and spaces throughout the run of the season.
SUPERVISION
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
TECHNOLOGY/ EQUIPMENT/ TOOLS
Desktop/laptop computer
MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Canva
Greater Giving
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
This position requires sitting, walking, standing, speaking, hearing, interacting with guests, and staff. Will work at a computer for some extended periods of time. Lifting and carrying (less than 40 pounds) is expected. Ability to be up and moving throughout Zoo grounds during an event.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Administrative work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise. Event shifts are performed on Zoo grounds with groups of 30-3000 guests and will require moving to various locations throughout Seneca Park Zoo with exposure to outdoor elements. The work schedule will require weekends and evenings to meet the needs of the position. Management retains the right to alter work schedules accordingly.
Qualifications AND REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 21+ with Valid NYS Driver's License
- Associate's degree or equivalent years of experience is required.
- One to three years related or applicable experience.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Transportation Requirements
Own vehicle is not required; however, some working shifts will conclude at late hours when public transportation is less accessible.
Skills and Competencies Requirements
- Strong attention to detail and be dependable, organized, and able to adapt to changing demands and environments.
- Ability to set priorities and to meet established deadlines with limited direct supervision.
- Ability to effectively transition between multiple duties.
- Ability to take initiative and identify projects in need of completion.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work well with others.
- Enjoys meeting new people and is comfortable working in an indoor-outdoor, all seasons venue.
Cover letter and resume required when applying.
Seneca Park Zoo Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
