Wild Lights Associate (Variable)

Applications are being accepted for Wild Lights Associates to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team.
This is a variable (temporary) position assigned for specific dates and duties during the Zoo season. The number of available positions and hours may vary throughout the Zoo season. All team members receive Team Member Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.

The Wild Lights Associate plays a key role in creating an exceptional guest experience by helping transform the Zoo into an immersive nighttime attraction. This position assists with installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of decorative lighting and event elements and supports setup, tear-down, and overall logistics of seasonal events. Wild Lights Associates also help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment through housekeeping, general grounds maintenance, and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork as well as additional duties to support successful event and Zoo operation. This position also strives to embody the Zoo’s values at all times, contributes to positive guest experiences, and performs other duties as required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, and removes decorative lighting, displays, and event infrastructure throughout the Zoo.
• Assists with the transformation of the Zoo into an immersive seasonal attraction through event setup, staging, and décor installation.
• Performs event tear-down and safely stores materials, equipment, and decorations following the event season.
• Operates heavy machinery and powered equipment, including aerial lifts, forklifts, skid steers, and other equipment as required to unload, install, maintain, and remove decorative event elements.
• Follows all safety procedures, equipment operating guidelines, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements while performing assigned duties.
• Assists with loading, unloading, transporting, and organizing event materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Performs routine inspections, minor maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of lighting displays and event equipment.
• Maintains the cleanliness and appearance of event spaces, storage areas, and Zoo grounds before, during, and after events.
• Supports the daily operation of seasonal events by assisting with logistics, crowd flow, and operational needs.
• Provides friendly, professional guest service while interacting with guests, volunteers, vendors, and staff.
• Works effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced outdoor environment under varying weather conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support Zoo operations and seasonal events.
• Collaborates closely with cross departmental teams – including Guest Services, Security, Operations Services, Animal Care, and Maintenance – to ensure successful event execution.
• Performs general office functions to support the administrative needs of the Guest Experience department.
• Accepts other projects and duties as assigned by the Guest Experience Manager.
• Supports the Zoo’s commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
• Assists with special projects and helps other team members as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences

Education and Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• One year of event planning, hospitality, project management, sponsorship, or other related work experience is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with others through written correspondence.
• Ability to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of correct grammar and sentence structure.
• Ability to work a highly flexible schedule as required to successfully perform the requirements and functions of the position, including required weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
• Ability to track and manage multiple tasks and priorities. 
• Ability to arrive at work when scheduled and maintain a positive attendance record.
• Ability to serve as a goodwill ambassador, in every respect and at all times, for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Zoo in contacts with guests, partners, and the community.  
• Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
• Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, volunteers, partners, and the community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to climb and work on ladders; standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to properly operate equipment such as hand tools, areal lifts, fork lifts, and skid steers.
• Ability to work an extended workday while performing physically demanding duties for special event preparation and execution.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others, both in person and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
• Ability to regularly travel assigned areas several times per day and efficiently enter all assigned areas.
• Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
• This position may include exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust; potentially dangerous or venomous animals; zoonotic diseases; noxious native plants; and native biting insects and arthropods.

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position.
It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.