ZooTampa is looking for a skilled Scenic Arts Technician to join our Event Productions team. Whether your background is in scenic design, theater tech, fabrication, or themed entertainment, this role offers the opportunity to bring creative visions to life in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. From prop construction to set installation and event support, you'll help craft immersive guest experiences that engage, entertain, and elevate ZooTampa’s signature events.
- If you're ready to put your creativity and technical skills to work in one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting environments—apply today and help shape unforgettable moments for over a million guests each year!
Position Summary
- Under the direct supervision of the Technical Manager of Event Productions, the Scenic Arts Technician of Event Productions provides hands-on support for pre-production, installation, maintenance, and strike for all consumer events.
Who We Are
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 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, install/strike, and maintenance of all consumer events.
- Assist in design concepts, scenic builds, prop fabrication, and audio/visual support for all consumer events.
- Collaborate with various departments to execute event logistics.
- Provide hands-on support for event maintenance and technical troubleshooting.
- Responsible for quality control and timely completion of all assigned projects.
- 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 tools and 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 two years of experience in technical and/or scenic theming.
- 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 with company match up to 4%
- Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness
- 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
Experience Required
- 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 two years of experience in technical and/or scenic theming. 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.
Perks
Our Perks at ZooTampa:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match up to 4% Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Forgiveness 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
