Firehouse Nutz is seeking a dependable, hands-on Event & Rental Operations Manager to oversee and actively participate in the daily operation of our event and rental business. This is a physical, primarily outdoor position. While this individual will have management and operational responsibilities, this is not a desk-based management role. The manager will personally participate in loading, unloading, transporting, setting up, operating, breaking down, cleaning, and storing heavy event equipment on a regular basis. Our equipment includes bounce houses and other inflatables, tables, chairs, a motorized train, climbing rock wall, concessions and specialty event equipment. The schedule is driven by the event calendar rather than traditional business hours and will regularly include mornings, evenings, weekends, some holidays, and event days. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys physical work, is mechanically inclined, takes pride in equipment and organization, can lead a team while working alongside them, and is comfortable with a job where no two days look exactly alike.
Primary Responsibilities
Equipment Setup, Breakdown and Physical Operations
Personally participate in the loading, unloading, setup, breakdown, and movement of all
Firehouse Nutz rental and event equipment.
Set up and break down bounce houses, inflatable attractions, tables, chairs, games,
concessions, tents and other event equipment.
Assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of specialty attractions including the
motorized train, climbing rock wall, and other large equipment.
Safely roll, lift, push, pull, maneuver and position large and heavy equipment.
Secure inflatables, attractions and other equipment according to established safety
requirements.
Load and secure equipment in trucks and trailers for transportation.
Work efficiently during physically demanding setups and breakdowns, which may occur
after long event days.
Ensure equipment is cleaned, dried, inspected and properly stored following use.
Event Operations
Work on-site at community festivals, private parties, school events, corporate functions
and other special events.
Ensure event setups are completed correctly, safely and on schedule.
Oversee the operation of Firehouse Nutz attractions and equipment during events.
Troubleshoot equipment and operational issues in the field.
Interact professionally with customers, event organizers, vendors and community
partners.
Coordinate event staff and ensure employees understand their assignments and safety
responsibilities.
Remain actively involved in event operations rather than functioning solely as a
supervisor.
Inventory and Equipment Management
Maintain accurate inventory of rental equipment, event supplies, tools and accessories.
Organize and maintain equipment storage and warehouse areas.
Prepare equipment and supplies for upcoming events.
Inspect equipment before and after rentals.
Identify damaged, missing or worn equipment.
Perform or coordinate routine equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
Maintain blowers, generators, trailers, vehicles, inflatables, games and specialty
attractions in event-ready condition.
Maintain appropriate maintenance and inspection records.
Transportation and Logistics
Drive company vehicles and transport equipment to and from events.
Tow equipment trailers as required.
Determine appropriate loading configurations for scheduled events.
Safely load, secure and transport large rental equipment.
Coordinate delivery, setup, pickup and return schedules.
Maintain the cleanliness and operational readiness of company vehicles and trailers.
Team Leadership
Direct event and setup staff during loading, transportation, setup, operation and
breakdown.
Assign responsibilities and keep the team working efficiently.
Train employees on equipment handling, safety procedures, event setup and customer
service.
Set expectations for care and proper handling of company equipment.
Lead by example and perform the same physical work expected of the team.
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Applicants should carefully consider the physical requirements of this position before
applying.
This is a highly physical job involving substantial manual labor on a routine basis.
The employee must be able to:
Repeatedly lift, carry, push and pull heavy equipment throughout a workday.
Work cooperatively with other employees to move equipment that may weigh several
hundred pounds.
Maneuver large, heavy and awkward items including rolled inflatables.
Load and unload trucks and trailers.
Push and pull equipment across grass, pavement, gravel and other uneven surfaces.
Frequently bend, kneel, squat, climb, reach, twist and work from ground level.
Remain on their feet and physically active for extended periods.
Perform strenuous physical work during both setup and breakdown.
Continue performing physical work after working an event for several hours.
Work outdoors for extended periods
Safely perform physically demanding work while maintaining awareness of customers,
children, coworkers and surrounding equipment.
Qualifications
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
Ability and willingness to perform physical labor required.
Experience driving trucks and towing trailers strongly preferred.
Previous experience in event rentals, attractions, recreation, facilities, landscaping,
construction, moving, warehouse operations, logistics or another physically intensive
field is beneficial.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple events and changing priorities.
Ability to lead employees while actively working alongside them.
Dependable and punctual with strong personal accountability.
Comfortable working independently and making decisions in the field.
Strong customer-service and communication skills.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time salaried position.
Compensation will be established based on experience and qualifications.
Firehouse Nutz does not currently offer health insurance.
Who Will Be Successful in This Role
This position is best suited for someone who genuinely enjoys being active and working with their hands.
A typical day may involve loading a trailer in the morning, hauling and setting up heavy
equipment in the heat, operating an attraction at an event, troubleshooting equipment during the day, breaking everything down that evening, returning equipment to storage, and preparing for the next event.
The successful candidate will be someone who takes ownership of the operation, notices problems before they become emergencies, cares for equipment as if it were their own, works well under pressure, and isn't afraid to be the person pushing, lifting, loading and sweating alongside the rest of the team.
This is a management position, but it is first and foremost a hands-on operations position.
Pay: $50,339.14 - $60,623.49 per year
Work Location: In person
