Special Events Staff

San Diego Natural History Museum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free museum admission

Free Zoo/Safari Park access

Job summary

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a part-time Special Events staff member to assist with on-site event presence, vendor coordination, and guest services. You will help with check-in/out, set-up, break-down, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere during busy nights and visits.

Flexibility to work 1-2 shifts per week, including some evenings and holidays, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs are required. This role offers perks like free museum and zoo admissions.

Qualifications

• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to handle diverse guests, vendors, and scenarios confidently.
• Reliable communication via phone or email.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stay on feet for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Review work orders to understand event purpose, timeline and layout.
• Collaborate with on-site Special Event Leads, Managers, or Director.
• Assist with setup and teardown of events and vendor coordination.
• Maintain a welcoming museum presence for guests and vendors.
• Ensure post-event feedback and smooth operations for future events.

Skills

Customer service

Guest handling

Vendor coordination

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Love nature? Then you're going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Nat recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

Special Events Staff! You will: assist with the check-in and check-out of vendors, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish; set up and break down Museum equipment to create unforgettable event experiences; provide a welcoming environment for all; and be a positive presence in the Museum, spreading enthusiasm to all our guests. This role requires the ability to coordinate on-site event activities, working seamlessly with vendors, clients, and guests. We are looking for a can-do attitude and a genuine passion for our mission. Hours are determined on as-needed basis.

Join a supportive team dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.

Roles and responsibilities:

Event Presence

• Review work orders to understand the purpose, timeline, and layout of each event.
• Collaborate with on-site Special Event Leads, Managers, or Director.
• Assist with setup and teardown of events, following instructions from Special Event Leads or Managers.
• Maintain a welcoming museum presence during guest and vendor visits.
• Provide valuable and constructive post-event feedback
• Coordinate with all vendors to ensure timely setup of contracted services.

Museum Safety and Cleanliness

• Ensure Museum compliance with Fire, City, Police, Park, Facility, and Alcohol regulations within California law.
• Be prepared to execute evacuation procedures if necessary.
• Work with Facility and porter staff to restore exhibit areas to their original condition after events.
• Collaborate with Food and Beverage staff to return items to their designated storage areas.

Vendor Load-in and Load-out

• Control access to loading areas and operate Facility elevators/ lifts as needed.
• Enforce check-in procedures for vendors during load-in and load-out.
• Prevent unauthorized access to Facility during vendor load-in and load-out
• Ensures vendor compliance with facility guidelines.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must possess exceptional customer service skills.
• Ability to handle diverse guests, vendors, and customer service scenarios with ease.
• Must have a reliable form of communication (phone, email)
• Experience thriving in fast-paced, high-stress environments.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance.
• Ability to climb stairs, stand, sit, or walk for several hours at a time or an entire work shift
• If hired a background check will be required.

Schedule:

• This is a part-time/as-needed position.
• Availability for flexible scheduling, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available to work 1-2 shifts per week during the busy season and must be available to work at least one evening shift during the December Nights event on the first Friday or Saturday in December.

Pay: $20/hr

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park's museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum's benefits here.