Event Operations Captain

Job Title: Event Operations Captain

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Part-time (various hours including weekends and holidays on an as needed basis as Zoo events occur; typically 15-20 hours per week)

Pay Rate: $17.25/hour

Summary:

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Event Operations Captain to assist in the production and execution of public, private, and internal events, both daytime and evening, including set-up through fulfillment. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, leading team members, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Captain is the main contact from the Zoo for the client, guests, and vendors. This position is required to work on as-needed basis, which includes evenings, weekends and some holidays. This position reports directly to the Events Operation Assistant Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Follow Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium policies and standards.
• Serve as a positive representative of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (professional and friendly attitude to guests).
• Handle customer or guest inquiries and provide excellent customer service.
• Obtain all necessary information prior to the event including event information sheet. 
• Obtain and maintain all necessary equipment and supplies for the event.
• Set up and tear down tables, chairs, signage, tents, and any other event needs.
• Communicate team goals, timelines, and other expectations prior and during events.
• Ability to lead team members, provide resources, answer questions, and stepping in when needed.
• Assist external vendors upon their arrival as all vendors need a Zoo employee escort and assist with location and logistical needs.
• Escorting guests and vendors on a golf cart or other Zoo vehicle.  
• Maintain the cleanliness of the atmosphere, bar, and facilities are clean and professionally presented.
• Assure bar arrangements are set up properly and ready to serve (which may vary from 15-30 minutes prior to event start time).
• Properly follow food handling and beverage procedures according to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium policies and procedures and state laws.
• Ensure proper set-up, tear down, and storage of equipment/supplies.
• Operate cash register, collect payment, and make change.
• Make sure drink tickets are accounted for and turned in at the end of the event to the Events Operation Assistant Managers.
• Help manage event logistics, including venue setup, teardown, staffing stations, and all equipment and supplies are available, and replenishing when necessary.
• Assist bartending staff with assuring bar arrangements are set up properly and ready to serve (30 minutes prior to event start time).
• Ensure proper handling and storage of liquor, garnishes, and mixers.
• Ensure that Front Gate Security, bartenders, and event assistants arrive promptly for the event.
• Assist clients, guests, and vendors throughout the event with any troubleshooting needs.
• Serve as the main contact for the event for the client, and a front-line representative of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
• Prior and throughout the event, check the facility. Make sure restrooms are clean, all lights and A/V equipment are working.
• Monitor under-age drinking, over-indulgent drinking, damage of the facilities, etc.
• Fill out the appropriate forms and reports to include client change form, accidents report or other incidents you encountered throughout the evening.
• Make sure the building(s) is ready for opening the next morning (i.e. cleaning, taking out trash, making sure rental equipment is picked up, lights out, etc.) and lock all doors.  
• Fill in where necessary to fulfil any duties that are required to make the event successful, including but not limited to setting up and tearing down.
• Dismiss Front Gate Security, Event Staff and Bartenders at the end of an event.
• Knowledge of zoo administrative practices with a willingness to learn other areas.
• Communicate comments, ideas, and concerns with management.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position will supervise and lead event staff such as bartenders, event assistants, volunteers, and guests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong customer service skills and ability to engage with patrons.
• Ability to multitask and handle a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of event management and/or operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and memorize.
• General knowledge of food and beverage service procedures.
• Experience in various event operations for groups ranging in size from 1 – 5,000 people.
• Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Ability to follow directions, lead, and work well as a team.
• Knowledge of event staff duties and tasks.
• Basic math skills and experience in operating and reading computerized cash registers and tape readouts.
• Knowledge of zoo administrative practices with a willingness to learn other areas.

Qualifications:

• Valid state driver’s license.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in events is helpful but not required.
• Minimum age of 19 years old.
• Willing to obtain TIPS certification within first three months of employment. 
• Experience in Event Planning/Management, Food and Beverage service or prior hospitality experience is helpful.

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays, and night programs.
• The employee is frequently required to walk and/or stand for up to 8 hours.
• Must be able to walk long distances across multiple venues and work areas. Will assist in moving products between multiple areas within the Zoo.
• Work in various weather conditions, as well as both indoor event room and outdoor exotic animal/zoo environments.
• Must be able to sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb. Stand for long periods of time.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.