Glowfari Operations Manager

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $35.00 to $37.00 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

Please note: This position is a temporary, full-time position, starting from early October and with an anticipated end date of early February.

Position Summary

• The Glowfari Operations Manager will oversee the smooth and efficient operation of Glowfari, the zoo's signature nighttime program. This individual will coordinate with the Zoo’s Event Manager and vendors for setup, maintenance, and breakdown of lanterns and lighting effects, ensuring the program runs seamlessly from start to finish. Additionally, the Manager will serve as the onsite manager on duty; responsible for handling elevated service issues, providing in-the-moment service recoveries, and managing emergency situations (e.g., power outages or fires). The role is cross-functional, requiring coordination across multiple departments to ensure the success of the event and a safe experience for all guests.  This is a seasonal role, beginning with October training and extending through the duration of the program in early February.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

Vendor Coordination & Management

• Work directly with the Event Manager and vendors to ensure the timely setup, maintenance, and breakdown of lanterns, lighting effects, and sound systems.
• Ensure vendors meet safety and operational standards throughout the Glowfari program.  

Onsite Management & Leadership

• Serve as the manager on duty during Glowfari hours, providing oversight and handling any elevated service issues that may arise.
• Act as the point of contact for various teams, ensuring smooth operations, cross-department collaboration, and troubleshooting.
• Assist in maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop and implement emergency response plans, such as power outage protocols or fire safety measures.
• Coordinate with department management to ensure all staff are trained on emergency procedures and are prepared to handle issues as they arise.

Cross-Departmental Coordination

• Collaborate with Guest Operations (Attractions, Admissions, Janitorial, Public Safety) and Facilities (Lift Maintenance, Maintenance, and Grounds/Hort), and collaborate with other teams to ensure operational readiness and smooth execution.
• Interface with the Membership and Admissions team to ensure proper integration of ticketing systems and seamless guest entry.
• Track and monitor weather patterns leading up to and during Glowfari events to anticipate potential disruptions.
• Collaborate with the Admissions and Operations teams to adjust ticketing, scheduling, or operational procedures as needed based on weather conditions (e.g., delays, closures, or safety measures).

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.

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• Minimum of 3 years in operations management or related field, ideally in a zoo, park, or entertainment environment.
• Strong vendor management experience, particularly in outdoor or event settings.
• Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills, particularly in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and teams simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage with a variety of teams and guests.
• Must be able to work evenings (Wednesday-Sunday, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM); training will take place during normal business hours during the month of October and there will be some flexibility in schedule at that time.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing  
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Enjoyment – finds joy in one’s work, approaches tasks with thoughtfulness & intentionality, and fosters collective well-being by embracing the unique skills and qualities of colleagues.
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Self-motivated– effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally.  This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.  

• The Glowfari Operations Manager will primarily work outdoors, in the zoo’s Glowfari event area, during evening hours.
• The role involves managing operations in an event setting, which includes a dynamic environment with varying weather conditions (rain, wind, etc.) and fluctuating guest attendance levels.
• The position requires the ability to navigate and supervise in areas that may have uneven terrain, including pathways and attractions.
• The manager will be active for extended periods, occasionally lifting or carrying materials (up to 25 pounds), and moving between multiple areas of the zoo.