Glowfari Night Operations Lead

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Sick Time

403b Retirement Plan

Zoo Membership discounts

Job summary

Oakland Zoo seeks a Glowfari Operations Manager to lead the safe, guest-ready operation of Glowfari. You’ll supervise events, coordinate with Project Manager, Facilities, and vendors, and resolve issues during evening hours.

This seasonal role starts in early September and ends in late February, with rolling applications reviewed starting September 26, 2026. You will oversee staffing, safety, and guest flow, ensuring high service levels and smooth operations across rides, lighting, signage, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in operations management or a related field.
• Strong vendor management experience in outdoor or event settings.
• Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and teams simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal communication and clear written/oral skills.
• Must work evenings and weekends (Wed-Sun, 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM).
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Vendor coordination with Project Manager, Events, and Zoo departments to ensure setup, maintenance and breakdown of lanterns and tech.
• Serve as on-duty manager during Glowfari hours, handling elevated service issues and safety concerns.
• Lead cross-department collaboration and troubleshooting, ensuring guest readiness and staff guidance.
• Perform daily pre-opening walkthroughs of lanterns, lighting, signage, queues, and guest areas.
• Coordinate emergency procedures and post-event wrap-up, including documentation and reporting.

Skills

Vendor management

Leadership

Problem-solving

Multi-tasking

Communication

Decision making

Evening/weekend availability

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, operations, recreation or related field

Job description

Oakland Zoo seeks a Glowfari Operations Manager to lead the safe, guest-ready operation of Glowfari. You’ll supervise events, coordinate with Project Manager, Facilities, and vendors, and resolve issues during evening hours.

This seasonal role starts in early September and ends in late February, with rolling applications reviewed starting September 26, 2026. You will oversee staffing, safety, and guest flow, ensuring high service levels and smooth operations across rides, lighting, signage, and