Event Planning Intern Zoo

Peoria Park District; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted recreation classes

Free admission to select Park District

Job summary

Peoria Park District offers an internship opportunity at Peoria Zoo in Peoria, IL. The program provides hands-on event experience, with support for setup, teardown, guest service, and space maintenance.

Current undergraduates (Sept 2026–Dec 2026) may apply. The grant-funded internship emphasizes safety, teamwork, and professional development, with flexible hours including weekends and evenings.

Qualifications

• Current college undergraduate student for Sept 2026–Dec 2026.
• Grant-funded internship through Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.
• Eligible applicants must be 18+ with up to 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operating events at Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden, including setup and teardown.
• Maintain appearance and cleanliness of event spaces.
• Support full-time staff with routine duties during events.
• Participate in multiple Peoria Park District signature events as assigned.
• Attend professional development sessions and team-building activities.
• Follow all district rules, safety procedures, and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flexibility

Physical stamina

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate student (Sept 2026–Dec 2026)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: PEORIA ZOO - PEORIA, IL 61603

Position Type: Internship

Salary Range: $17.00 - $17.00 Hourly

Duties

• Assist in the operation of events at Peoria Zoo and Luthy Botanical Garden including the setup and teardown of the events.
• Assist in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of all designated areas of the event space.
• Assist full time staff with routine duties during the course of an event.
• As part of the internship program, all interns will assist in several Peoria Park District signature events, as assigned.
• All interns will participate in professional development sessions and team-building activities as assigned.
• Follow all Peoria Park District rules, policies, and procedures.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the Peoria Park District’s safety program.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications Education

Current college undergrad student (Sept 2026 - Dec 2026). This is internship is a grant-funded position from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority and available to current/active undergraduate-aged individuals, ages 18 years or older with up to 20 hours per week.

Experience

Previous hospitality, special events and culinary experience preferred.

Knowledge and Ability

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work.
• Ability to follow picture-based event layouts.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, safe, and equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.