Event Operations Worker - Variable Hour
Oregon MetroPosition Summary
This is a continuous recruitment and will be open until all vacancies are filled. The first batch of candidates will be reviewed on 4/7/2026.
This is a variable hour role, based on business need, that will run from June through September/October. Variable hour roles cannot exceed 1040 hours in a 12-month calendar period. This position includes working some nights, weekends, and holidays, though these events are typically scheduled in advance, allowing you to plan your schedule.
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
The Oregon Zoo’s Events Department is looking for a variable hour Event Operations Worker to help with the set-up, tear-down, and support of both public and private events. You’ll get the chance to work on a variety of tasks—everything from arranging furniture and hanging banners to providing basic AV support and performing general labor. Since no two events are the same, you can expect a fast-paced environment that keeps you on your toes with new challenges every day.
If you’re someone with a positive attitude who loves providing excellent customer service to guests from around the world, and you take a solutions-oriented, collaborative approach to your work, this could be the perfect fit for you. You’ll be part of a team that values variety, teamwork, and creating memorable experiences at one of Oregon’s most iconic destinations. If this sounds like the kind of work environment where you’d thrive, we’d love for you to join us!
As the Event Operations Worker you will
- Clean and maintain event spaces before each private or public event at the Zoo.
- Follow set up plans and guides to arrange tables, chairs, staging, dance floors, pop up tents and canopies.
- Move materials such as kegs, and other event supplies across the zoo utilizing hand carry methods, push carts, forklifts and other material moving devices.
- Install/uninstall and operate a variety of light AV and lighting equipment.
- Repair, maintain, install and uninstall lighting displays in trees, flower beds, and onto structures on Zoo grounds.
- Provides directions and other general assistance to public Alerts staff to any problems that may need attention.
- This position requires demonstrating Metro’s core competencies—public service, cultural humility, openness to change, teamwork, and effective communication—by maintaining positive relationships, respecting diverse perspectives, and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, the role involves developing safe work habits, contributing to the safety of oneself and others, and fostering a positive team atmosphere.
- Performs other duties as needed.
Attributes for success
- Ability to deal courteously with the public and to develop and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and the public.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Physical ability to walk, stand and work on concrete surfaces for extended periods of time
- Knowledge of hand tools including hammers, screw drivers, drills, saws, wrenches and wire cutters.
- Able to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 80 pounds occasionally.
- Flexible to work multiple types of shifts including, days, evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work outdoors in variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold and inclement weather.
- Experience driving larger vehicles, such a box trucks or hauling trailers
- Enjoys problem solving and thinking creatively to enhance events and the guest experience at the Zoo.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications
- Two years of experience or training in events or warehouse duties or basic maintenance.
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license
Special Requirements:
Ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
- Forklift certification
- Blood borne pathogen training
- Emergency and Safety Procedures Training
- HAZMAT Awareness Level Training
Shift and schedule: As a member of the Events Team, you'll need to be flexible with your availability, as shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, and summer. This role is expected to conclude at the end of September. Variable hour positions are limited to 1040 hours of work in a 12-month period.
Working Conditions: Duties may be performed under various conditions, which may include exposure to contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, at heights, indoor and outdoor locations under inclement weather, and other adverse conditions. Physically demanding position with frequent standing and lifting of 50 pounds on a regular basis; occasionally up to 80+ pounds. Work pressure and workflow disturbances are expected. As necessary to meet workload demands, may work outside of typical schedule including evening/weekend hours and holidays as assigned. May be exposed to working in inclement weather.If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Previous experience using a forklift and/or high lift
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- A completed Resume that includes the details for each employer
- Name of employer, working title
- Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time your title,
- Number of employees supervised
- Summary of your responsibilities
- Responses to supplemental questions
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Reference check
- Driving records check for finalist candidate
REPRESENTATON
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483 union. It is classified as an Operations/Warehouse Worker.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.
The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.