Seasonal ZooLights and Events Worker

Seasonal ZooLights and Events Worker

Salary

$22.52 Hourly

Location

Oregon Zoo, OR

Job Type

Seasonal

Job Number

2026-4075-ZooLights

Department

Oregon Zoo

Division

Guest Services Division

Opening Date

06/29/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

This is a seasonal position: Winter Season will start approximately on November 17, 2026 and ending on or about February 27, 2027. We are currently looking for applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 20 hours and at least four days per week, with evening and weekend availability. Employees in seasonal positions may not work more than 1200 hours during the fiscal year.

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 Events Division of the Oregon Zoo is looking for Seasonal Events Workers to assist with implementing public and private events with a focus on installation, operation, and teardown of ZooLights.

As the Seasonal Event Worker you will

• Set up and disassemble canopies, chairs, tables, speakers, and related equipment for events.
• Hang banners, backdrops, props, and associated equipment.
• Assist performers, private event clients, presenters, staff, and members of the public with events as needed.
• Clean and perform simple maintenance tasks.
• Operate ladders, forklifts, aerial lifts, golf carts, and other equipment as required.
• Safely install and uninstall seasonal and decorative lighting on zoo buildings, trees, and grounds.
• Utilize various hand and power tools in the assembly, disassembly, and general maintenance of displays and setups.
• Locate, report, and troubleshoot power issues related to lighting or lit décor.
• Assist in maintaining logs and notes on equipment and displays.
• Performs basic ZooLights repairs, which includes clipping zip ties to remove older light strings/rope, attaching new light strings/rope to frames with zip ties and attaching premade splices or other connectors.
• Load, unload, inventory, and store materials as needed.
• Alert staff to any problems that may need attention.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Attributes for success

• Sufficient experience or training in basic maintenance.
• Foundational knowledge of event planning and the technical and practical aspects of event design, set-up, breakdown, and coordination.
• Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to the work.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently, be self-directed and work as a member of a team; exercise good judgment.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Fulfill Metro's core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and sustainability.
• Work assigned schedule and exhibit regular and predictable attendance.
• Fulfill Metro's core values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation, and sustainability.
• Work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Must be able to climb, balance, kneel, crouch and crawl and stand consistently for long periods of time.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs. without assistance; occasionally up to 160 lbs. with a two-person lift.
• Must be able to work outdoors in various temperatures including heat, cold, rain, snow and wind.
• Must be able to work days, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

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 Metro's Diversity Action Plan

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 warehouse duties or basic maintenance
• Valid driver's license and the ability to be insured by Metro's insurance carrier
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities

Must obtain within 60 days of starting work:

• Blood Borne Pathogen Training
• Emergency and Safety Procedures Training
• HAZMAT Awareness Level Training
• Forklift Certification

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 working in a union an environment.
• Previous experience operating vehicles, forklifts, high lifts, person lift baskets, cleaning and other medium and light duty equipment and hand tools

Shifts and schedule:

As a member of the Seasonal Events team, youll need to be flexible with your availability, as shifts will include nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events at the zoo, including school breaks, holidays, and the ZooLights season.

This is a seasonal position starting approximately November 17, 2026 and ending on or about February 27, 2027.

Winter season staff can expect a minimum of 20 hours of scheduled shifts per week.

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 online application
• 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. It is classified as an Operations/Warehouse Worker.(Download PDF reader)

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.

Government Jobs

For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.

The Oregon Zoo and Metro

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the states most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Paid sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Learn more about employee benefits.

Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

View union contracts here.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you able to obtain a Forklift Certification within 60 days of hire?

• yes
• no

04

This is a physically demanding position with frequent standing and lifting of 50 pounds regularly, and occasionally up to 80+ pounds. Are you able to perform these physical tasks with or without a reasonable accommodation?

• yes
• no

05

This role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, extreme heat, and cold. Are you comfortable working in all types of weather?

• yes
• no

06

The position requires flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Your schedule will vary based on operational needs, weather conditions, and special events, such as school breaks and the ZooLights season. Are you willing to work this type of schedule?

• yes
• no

07

Please describe your experience working in an event or warehouse position.

Required Question

Employer Oregon Metro

Address 600 NE Grand Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97232

Phone 503-797-1570

Website http://www.oregonmetro.gov