Event Setup Staff

Nashville Zoo; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401(k) retirement plan with companying

Generous paid time off

Exclusive zoo perks

Collaborative culture

AZA accreditation

Job summary

Nashville Zoo is seeking an Event Setup Tech in the Events department. You will set up and breakdown tables, chairs, props, and equipment for public, private, and internal events, keeping spaces clean and inventories organized.

This full-time role requires the ability to work with minimal supervision, lift up to 50 lbs, perform outdoor maintenance, and collaborate with other teams to meet event needs. You should be available for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum 1 year of general event or manual labor experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Complete weekly event tasks including setup and breakdown of tables, chairs and props.
• Maintain clean, organized inventory of equipment and ensure venue spaces meet needs.
• Assist with grounds care tasks and collaborate with other departments to support catering and events.
• Follow safety procedures and report concerns to supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Self-direction

Organized

Tools operation

Landscape/grounds

Team communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

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.

Position Title

Event Setup Tech

Department

Events

Supervisor

Director of Events

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.

Position Description

Event Operations staff members receive daily instructions, tasks and oversight from the Event Operations Coordinator. The staff are responsible for executing the set up/breakdown of both public, private and internal events and maintaining clean and accurate event inventories and venue spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete assigned weekly event tasks including set up, breakdown of table, chairs, props, etc. to meet the needs of the calendar of events.
• Execute all tasks in a timely fashion 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• The successful candidate must have:
• Ability to work with little or no supervision
• Ability to perform assigned tasks in an organized and efficient manner
• Ability to operate small and medium equipment and tools required for the execution of assigned tasks efficiently and safely
• Ability to perform basic landscape, lawn and general venue maintenance
• Ability to responsibly use and maintain assigned tools and equipment
• Ability to interact professionally with both staff and visitors.

Uniform Requirements

Zoo uniformed issued with additional Zoo logoed shirts provided for public and private event days as needed.

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

Staff must frequently stand and walk for most of an 8–10‑hour shift and regularly bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform repetitive motions while cleaning, maintaining grounds, or performing facilities repairs. These roles require frequently lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 lbs and occasionally heavier items with assistance, as well as safely navigating ladders, stairs, uneven surfaces, and wet or slippery areas. Adequate vision, hearing, hand dexterity, and clear communication are necessary to operate tools, equipment, vehicles, and radios safely. Work occurs both indoors and outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions, with routine exposure to dust, dirt, chemicals, cleaning agents, noise, and equipment vibration. Positions may involve using power tools, machinery, or motorized vehicles and require adherence to established safety procedures. PPE such as gloves, protective footwear, eye and hearing protection, or respirators may be required depending on the task. Schedules may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime based on operational needs. The role must learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete task independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Work Schedule

• Must be available to work any of seven days of the week.
• Must be available to work special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required.

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.

Pay Range: $16.10 USD - $16.60 USD