Salary: $33.92 - $41.22 Hourly
Location : Oregon Zoo, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-0446-Zoo
Department: Oregon Zoo
Division: Guest Services Division
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Summary
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 Oregon Zoo Events Department is looking for a skilled Event and Lighting Specialist to play a crucial role in the success of our major events such as ZooLights, ZooBrew, Zootoberfest, Brew Lights, ZooNights and more. In this opportunity you will take the lead on fabrication, repairs, improvements, and programming for the famous Zoolights event. Your tasks will span across the various areas including mechanical, painting, electrical, welding, light show support or more all while working under the guidance of the Event Manager. This role will also assist with planning development, installation, and breakdown of event set-ups including Audio Visual. Collaborate with fellow team members on project concepts, preparing plans and designs. If this position sounds like you, bring your talents to the zoo to help create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
As the Event and Lighting Specialist you will
- Provide input into event design and coordinate the technical aspects such as lighting, sound, decorations, temporary shelters and furniture.
- Coordinate event construction, including set-up, and break down. This could include extensive coordination with various zoo departments, employees and volunteers.
- Help with events assistance, which may include set-up and takedown of private and public events.
- As directed by supervisor, may lead and coordinate design, set-up and production with contractors and other zoo staff.
- Build, maintain and repair various structures, that may include wood and metal fabrication, rigging, carpentry, plumbing and masonry.
- Manage and setup of lighting, sound, and other technical equipment during events, ensuring accurate records of the event's finances and labor usage.
- Consult with Event Manager, supervisors, and maintenance staff to develop concepts, define job requirements and problem solve.
- Prepare working drawings, estimate, and procure necessary materials and parts. Present design layouts and concepts using appropriate media.
- Fabricates metal assemblies by designing, layout, cutting and welding as needed to build structures.
- Repairs and replaces electrical cord ends, power tools switches, re-lamps fixtures, changes light ballasts, heat strip elements and fuses as necessary.
- Undertake limited electrical system maintenance, repairing and replacing cords, switches, fixtures and installing lighting.
- Assist with material, supply and equipment procurement and inventory, including surplus and proper storage.
- Assure event equipment is maintained, in working order and returned to designated areas and prepared for next use.
- Manage and schedule contractor work including requesting quotes for custom made materials, installations, and general services.
- Respond to facility and equipment problems and safety issues; arrange for repairs. Use and operate a variety of hand and power tools, such as drills, welders, power saws, routers, drill presses, and sprayers as well as light and heavy equipment, such as high lifts, forklifts, loaders and dump trucks.
- May act as lead over Maintenance Worker 1s, seasonal, variable hour, contractors or other positions as needed.
- Interacts with guests and private event clients in a professional and courteous manner. Answer questions about equipment, the location of zoo exhibits, facilities, upcoming zoo events as well as zoo regulations and rules.
- Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with clients, vendors and colleagues and contribute to a positive team atmosphere; engaging others in ways that foster respect and trust.
- Perform any other duty or assignment as may be assigned from time to time by supervisor.
Attributes for success
- Experience leading and coordinating event and set design, construction, and production, including lighting and sound.
- Strong foundational knowledge of event planning and the technical and practical aspects of event design, construction, set-up, breakdown, lighting and coordination.
- Passionate about using artistic and creative skills to develop visual content that communicates the tone and theme of events.
- Aptitude to skillfully use the tools associated with event design and production.
- Skill to creatively and flexibly execute a variety of projects.
- Ability to interact effectively with people.
- Capability to train and lead staff and coordinate project teams.
- Strong knowledge in lighting control such as DMX and holiday lighting software including xlights.
- Experience operating heavy equipment such as forklift, scissor lift, boomlift and telehandler.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to be flexible, work efficiently, manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- 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, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to work outdoors in various temperatures including heat, cold, rain, snow and wind
- Knowledge to work in a safe manner and follow safety policies, practices, and procedures, regarding tools, equipment, hazardous materials and loading and unloading procedures.
- 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 how Metro is advancing diversity
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
- Formal or technical education and training in theatrical event production, construction, set design or lighting; AND
- Three years of trade experience, such as required for machinist, electrical, welding and similar operator responsibilities; OR
- Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required qualifications
- Valid driver's license
- Forklift license and First Aid/CPR Certification to obtain within six months, other certifications and licenses as may be required.
Working Conditions
- Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in hazardous locations in enclosed spaces and at heights and under inclement weather and other adverse conditions.
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.
- Experience with leading a crew of 3 or more people.
- Experience with truss, staging and rigging for theater or other events.
- Previous experience with lighting design and programming with an emphasis on DMX control.
- Knowledge of networking systems, Dante, and AV over ethernet.
- Experience with Xlights for controlling and creating lighting displays. Includes using Raspberry Pi based systems.
- LME license
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 Resume that includes the details for each employer
- Name of employer, working title
- Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time your title,
- Number of employees supervised
- Summary of your responsibilities
- 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
- Skills assessment testing
- Reference check
- Driving records check for finalist candidate
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The full-hourly range for this position is step 1: $33.92 to step 5: $41.22. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $33.91 to the equity range step 3:
$37.40.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as a Maintenance Worker II.
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.
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
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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale.
The Oregon Zoo and MetroThe Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's 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.
Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under mos
