Position Mission: The Seasonal Exhibits Manager serves as a working supervisor responsible for leading the planning, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of the annual Zoo Lights event while coordinating seasonal exhibits throughout the year. This role oversees display design and fabrication, lighting and technology integration, inventory management, and the safe storage of equipment and supplies. The position ensures zoo grounds remain safe, accessible, and visually engaging while delivering high-quality guest experiences that support visitation, community engagement, and the zoo's mission.
As supervisor of the Seasonal Exhibits team, the manager assigns work to staff and volunteers, coordinates cross-departmental efforts, collaborates with third-party vendors and exhibit providers, ensures proper training and resources, and manages event-related purchases within approved budgets. As a working supervisor, this position balances hands-on technical and installation work with leadership responsibilities, actively participating in the construction, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and removal of displays and exhibits. Through effective leadership and project management, the Seasonal Exhibits Manager ensures the successful execution of Zoo Lights and seasonal exhibits while fostering a positive and productive team environment.
Essential Functions: Responsible for leading the planning, design, installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of the annual Zoo Lights event and coordinating seasonal exhibits throughout the year, including displays such as Dinosaurs, Washed Ashore, LEGO®, and Photo Ark. Coordinates staff, volunteers, internal departments, exhibit providers, production companies, and external vendors to ensure successful execution of all projects and events. Oversees inventory management, equipment storage, logistics, scheduling, technology integration, and guest-area presentation while maintaining compliance with safety standards. Supports a welcoming, immersive guest experience while ensuring all work aligns with the zoo's mission, operational goals, and aesthetic standards.
Core
· Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of the Zoo Lights event, including the installation, maintenance, and deinstallation of displays, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
· Develop annual project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource requirements for Zoo Lights and seasonal exhibits, identifying opportunities to enhance guest experience, operational efficiency, and event performance.
· Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair issues with displays, lighting equipment, and technology systems to ensure reliable operation throughout events and exhibit runs.
· Perform and supervise fabrication, installation, maintenance, and repair work for Zoo Lights displays and structures, including rough carpentry, minor electrical work, and troubleshooting of lighting and technology systems.
· Collaborate in the planning and design of Zoo Lights and seasonal exhibits, including the physical environment, lighting, and auditory elements that create an immersive guest experience.
· Hire, supervise, and support departmental staff and vendors, ensuring personnel have the training, resources, and guidance needed for successful event execution.
· Ensure staff and volunteers are properly trained, certified when required, and provided with the materials, tools, and equipment necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively.
· Coordinate and supervise volunteer work sessions, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
· Maintain project documentation, schedules, task assignments, and tracking systems to support project completion and effective communication across teams.
· Manage event-related purchases within approved budgets and maintain accurate records of expenditures and inventory.
· Oversee vendor selection, contract administration, and service delivery for Zoo Lights and seasonal exhibits, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with organizational standards.
· Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulations by staff, volunteers, and vendors throughout installation, event operations, and teardown activities.
· Coordinate the planning, installation, operation, and removal of seasonal exhibits, including vendor coordination, logistics, scheduling, equipment needs, layout planning, and storage, ensuring alignment with the zoo's mission while enhancing the guest’s experience.
· Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and supporting community traditions, with creativity, enthusiasm for event-based work, and a focus on the continued success of Zoo Lights and seasonal exhibits.
General Responsibilities:
· Maintain a professional, courteous, and tactful demeanor when interacting with guests, co-workers, and external partners.
· Lead and support team members in alignment with the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Mission, ensuring decisions are in line with organizational values.
· Foster strong relationships through ongoing communication with internal teams, external partners, vendors, the Board of Directors (BOD), and key stakeholders.
· Deliver superior service by resolving issues promptly and addressing concerns with urgency and efficiency.
· Proactively identify solutions to problems, both in day-to-day operations and urgent situations.
· Stay informed on current industry trends and developments that can benefit the zoo, actively seeking opportunities for professional growth.
· Represent FOTZ professionally in all settings, including onsite activities, community events, and communications.
· Participate in meetings as required and contribute to team discussions and planning.
· Respond to customer, staff, and vendor inquiries in a timely and helpful manner.
· Answer telephone calls and provide prompt, professional responses.
· Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
· Follow FOTZ’s policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
· Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the zoo.
Supervisor-
- Hire, train, guide, encourage, develop, and coach staff.
- Create and hold staff accountable for performance objectives that align with the overall mission and values.
- Daily performance management
- Train and cross-train staff to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Department and specific tasks for their roles.
- Ensure uniformity of processes, tasks, and expectations
- Provide counsel and support to staff.
- Ensure issues are addressed consistently and fairly.
- Leadership and mentor for staff
- Position tasks
- Oversee and manage the annual evaluation and compensation review process for staff (direct reports)
- Implement work procedures and processes to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Monitor, review and approve expense invoices.
- Manage employee policies and issues.
- Ensure staff coverage to meet the needs.
- Regular visits with staff to evaluate day-to-day operations.
- Regularly advise leadership.
- Regularly represent the organization at community events and networking functions
Performance Measurements & Primary Accountability:
· Timely and accurate completion of work tasks, ensuring all deliverables are met with attention to detail.
· Strong, collaborative relationships with guests, staff, and stakeholders are maintained, contributing to a positive work culture.
· Demonstrate teamwork by accomplishing tasks in collaboration with others.
· Ability to adapt to change, accepting and supporting management decisions positively.
· Achievement of individual and team objectives as set by leadership.
· Consistent and reliable attendance, arriving and departing work on time as scheduled.
Qualifications: (Knowledge, Skill, and Ability)
· Proven experience in event planning, management, and execution, preferably in large-scale outdoor events, attractions, exhibits, or similar environments.
· Knowledge of lighting systems, electrical components, and the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair a variety of displays, equipment, and technology systems.
· Basic to intermediate carpentry and construction skills with the ability to safely perform minor electrical and maintenance work.
· Strong leadership and supervisory skills with experience managing staff, volunteers, contractors, and external vendors.
· Demonstrated ability to function as a working supervisor, balancing hands-on project work with staff leadership and operational oversight.
· Excellent project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple projects, priorities, teams, and deadlines simultaneously.
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with guests, staff, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.
· Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain high-quality performance in a fast-paced environment.
· Strong commitment to workplace safety and the ability to train, monitor, and enforce safety standards and procedures.
· Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks associated with installation, maintenance, and teardown activities.
· Experience managing budgets, purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, and service contracts, with strong ability to track expenditures, maintain accurate records, and ensure responsible use of organizational resources.
· Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required by operational needs and event schedules.
Physical Demands:
· Mobility & Physical Requirements: The ability to frequently walk across the assigned area, and perform physical tasks such as reaching, bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 50 pounds), pulling, twisting, pushing, squatting, and dragging. This requires good hand-eye coordination and physical stamina to sit, stand, or move intermittently throughout the workday.
· Indoor/Outdoor Work: This role requires flexibility to work both indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and possibly wet, icy, or muddy conditions. Exposure to hay, dust, and other outdoor elements is common.
· Vision & Concentration: Must have the ability to read computer screens, emails, and documentation, while maintaining focus on detailed information for extended periods. Requires good vision abilities, including close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
· Safety & Compliance: A critical aspect of this role is ensuring safety in the work environment by exercising caution to prevent accidents. Must adhere to safety standards and comply with all relevant regulations and policies, including those set by TZCC, AZA, and USDA.
· Multitasking & Time Management: The role demands strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. Must manage time efficiently, stay productive, and prioritize tasks while engaging with the public and working collaboratively as part of a team or independently.
· Attendance & Punctuality: Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for this position.
· Documentation & Computer Skills: Proficiency in documenting pertinent information and utilizing computer software (e.g., Word, Excel) is required, along with strong communication skills.
· Vehicle Operation: Ability to operate golf carts and on-the-road vehicles as part of job responsibilities.
Work Environment:
· Customer & Staff Interaction: Ability to effectively engage with staff and visitors, including handling challenging situations or difficult customers.
· Flexible Scheduling: Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet the demands of the role.
· Animal Safety Awareness: Knowledge of safety protocols and precautions when handling or working around dangerous animals.
· Vehicle Operation: Ability to safely operate a golf cart and other zoo vehicles as required.
· Adaptability & Stress Management: Capable of adapting to changing circumstances, managing pressure, and maintaining composure in stressful situations involving animals and guests.
· Emergency Response: Able to stay calm and respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $48,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Event planning: 1 year (Required)
- Supervisory: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
