Event Productions Stage Manager (Part-time Seasonal)

Event Productions Stage Manager – Part-time Seasonal

Join our Events team and help bring to life ZooTampa’s award-winning seasonal celebrations like Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild! We are seeking an Event Productions Stage Manager to support the safe and efficient operation of guest attractions while delivering exceptional service in a fast-paced, immersive environment.

Position Summary

The Event Productions Stage Manager supports the Event Production team in ensuring the successful installation and nightly execution of ZooTampa’s signature seasonal events, Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild. Key responsibilities include assisting with event readiness activities, such as host training and cast rehearsals, supporting nightly start-up and shut-down, providing operational oversight, and maintaining a high-quality guest experience.

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):

• Available to work all event nights during peak season (September to December) for events such as Creatures of the Night and Christmas in the Wild.
• Supervises Event Production Host Team during events to ensure customer service and safety standards are upheld, providing guidance and feedback when needed.
• Delivers exceptional customer service to guests, including when enforcing policies and procedures related to guest and employee safety.
• Serve as a point of contact for event contractors during nightly operations, providing guidance, coordinating appropriate resources, and assisting with operational and guest-related concerns.
• Monitor event components nightly to ensure the quality and consistency of cast performance, scenic elements, and host operations.
• Communicates promptly with upper management when issues or conflicts arise to ensure timely resolution.
• Maintains comprehensive documentation of all consumer events to preserve institutional knowledge, safeguard progress, and support continuous improvement.
• Maintains professional and collaborative relationships with both internal teams and external vendors.
• Other duties as assigned, needed or requested.

What are we looking for? Qualifications and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in entertainment, customer service, and/or theme parks or attractions is required.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, responding to sensitive inquiries or complaints with professionalism and tact.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a hands-on team.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with guests and employees.

Required Availability

• Must be available to work all Creatures of The Night and Christmas in the Wild prep events and event nights including but not limited to:
  • Creatures of the Night
    • Host Training: September 18th 5:00PM-7:00PM
    • Cast Orientation and Rehearsals 4:00PM-11:00PM:
      • September: 12th, 13th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th
    • Event Nights 1:00PM-11:00PM:
      • September: 25th, 26th
      • October: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st
  • Christmas in the Wild
    • Host Training: November 13th 5:00PM-6:00PM
    • Cast Orientations and Rehearsals 4:00PM-11:00PM:
      • Dates TBD
    • Event Nights 1:00PM-11:00PM:
      • November: 27th, 28th
      • December: 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th
• Any exceptions to the scheduling requirements listed above must be discussed with and approved by Event Productions management prior to accepting an offer of employment.

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 able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounted gym membership
• Free membership to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace