Part-Time - Clutch Crew: Mascot Operations (Handler)

Houston Rockets -- Toyota Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Houston Rockets – Toyota Center is seeking enthusiastic individuals for the Clutch Crew – Mascot Operations (Handler) on a part-time basis. The role supports Clutch the Bear during Rockets games and community events, engaging fans and contributing to an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere.

Responsibilities include performing at games and events, assisting with props and wardrobe, capturing photos and videos, and helping with fan engagement and safety.

Qualifications

• Experience in live entertainment or sports operations
• High-energy, charismatic personality with a proven comfort level performing in front of large crowds
• Reliable, punctual professional demonstrating strong work ethic during live operations
• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills across diverse environments
• Proficiency with social media platforms and content capture is a plus

Responsibilities

• Attend and perform at Rockets games, community appearances, viewing parties, and other promotional activities
• Support the mascot and assistant with props, wardrobe, and in-arena videos
• Capture cell phone photos and videos during appearances and games
• Act, entertain, and portray characters in live skits and community performances
• Assist with fan engagement, safety, hype, and giveaways
• Demonstrate problem-solving under pressure with proactive urgency

Skills

High energy

Excellent interpersonal skills

Public performance

Crowd management

Face/character acting

Social media/content capture

Education

Theater/dance experience preferred

Job description

Clutch Crew – Mascot Operations (Handler)

General Description

We are seeking enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our team as a Part-Time Clutch Crew staff member. This dynamic role will assist in bringing our beloved mascot Clutch the Bear to life, engaging with fans, and enhancing the overall fan experience.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, positive, friendly, approachable, and able to maintain high levels of enthusiasm while representing the brands of Clutch the Bear and the Houston Rockets Organization.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates our One Team philosophy of Passion, Accountability, Customer Focus, and Teamwork.
• Attend and perform at various events, including Rockets games, community appearances, viewing parties, and other promotional activities
• Support the mascot and mascot assistant with creative projects, such as skits, social media and/or in-arena videos, props, logistics, and wardrobe
• Capture cell phone photography and videography of Clutch the Bear during appearances and Rockets games
• Act, entertain, and portray a variety of characters in live skits, videos and community performances
• Assist with fan engagement (instruction, safety, hype, giveaways, etc.)
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills under pressure, with a proactive sense of urgency

Skills & Competencies

• Spotting hazards, rowdy fans, or tripping obstacles before the mascot encounters them
• Monitoring 360-degree surroundings in dense, chaotic arena crowds
• Reacting instantly to medical emergencies, aggressive behavior, or wardrobe malfunctions
• Staging, assembling, and breaking down heavy props and ladders under strict time constraints
• Executing live cues perfectly synced with timeouts and the game script
• Organizing, cleaning, and repairing custom costuming, t-shirt guns, and other mascot equipment
• Communicating clearly and professionally on behalf of the silent mascot
• Handling overexcited children, anxious toddlers, and pushy adults with patience and charm
• Serve as a reliable liaison between the performer, fans, Rockets entertainers, security, and executives

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in theater, dance, or costumed performance preferred (but not required)
• Proven track record working in live entertainment or sports operations
• Experience operating in fast-paced, high-energy event settings
• High-energy, charismatic personality with a proven comfort level performing in front of large crowds
• Reliable, punctual professional demonstrating strong a work ethic and high accountability during live operations
• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication skills across diverse team environments and public spaces
• Proficiency in social media platforms and content capture is a plus
• Patient, engaging, and highly skilled at interacting safely and positively with children and families.
• Flexible availability to work a dynamic schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Thorough understanding of NBA game formats, rules, and live timing structures
• Deep knowledge of current pop culture, music, trending news, and live entertainment landscapes
• Possess a thorough understanding of basketball rules and game format

Physical & Mental Requirements

• The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, use handle or feel, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, communicate with others.
• The vision requirement includes the ability to review written and electronic materials in both digital and physical format.
• The employee must be able to transfer and move items for departmental needs.
• The employee must be able to adjust to changing work hours and locations as needed in light of the strong focus on external communications and relationships.