What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Manager of Event Productions (Full-Time) position at ZooTampa at Lowry Park?
Set the Stage for Unforgettable Experiences!
At ZooTampa, our events are more than just moments—they’re immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on over a million guests each year. We’re searching for a hands-on, solution-oriented leader to join our team as the Technical Manager of Event Productions. From concept to curtain call, this role is key to executing the behind-the-scenes magic that brings our most beloved seasonal events to life. If you're a creative thinker who thrives on timelines, technical details, and themed environments, this is your opportunity to shine in one of Tampa Bay’s most dynamic workplaces.
Ready to build, lead, and wow? Apply today and help us create unforgettable moments!
Position Summary
The Technical Manager of Event Productions provides hands-on support for pre-production, installation, maintenance, and strike for all consumer events. This role requires a balance of operational leadership and direct labor.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
Essential Functions (including but not limited to)
- Coordinate and participate in the creative planning, set-up, maintenance, and breakdown of events.
- Oversee event transitions and ensure timelines are met between events.
- Collaborate with various departments to execute event logistics.
- Provide hands-on support for event maintenance and technical troubleshooting.
- Responsible for material procurement, vendor coordination, inventory control, and warehouse management.
- Responsible for quality control and timely completion of all assigned projects.
- Monitors progress on projects and keeps Director of Event Productions informed of progress and any delays.
- Prepares install/strike schedules and punch lists for completing projects.
- Responsible for proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment and tools. Secures and monitors equipment and tools to ensure that only trained or certified employees have access for use.
- Ensure that theming and props are properly secured before commencement of an event to maintain guest, employee and animal safety.
- Performs general maintenance duties Zoo-wide, as assigned by Director of Event Productions.
- Maintains assigned maintenance equipment.
- Other duties as assigned, needed or requested.
What are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience
- High School diploma or equivalent required, but a comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements
- Minimum four years of experience in technical/scenic theming and/or maintenance operations with at least two years’ supervisory or lead experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a hands-on team.
- Comfortable working in dynamic, outdoor environments with varying schedules, including nights, weekends, and all consumer events.
- Basic audio/visual, electrical, carpentry, mechanical skills and troubleshooting abilities are required.
- Artistic abilities are preferred, particularly in support of themed décor, signage, displays, and visual elements for events.
- Basic working knowledge of hand and power tools required.
- Ability to operate heavy machinery, such as a forklift.
- Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and be comfortable self-directing
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with guests and employees.
- Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.
Other Requirements
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold)
- Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including nights, weekends, and all consumer events.
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
- Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough construction sites.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Options
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and Wellness time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
