Event Production Associate
Position description:
The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a part time Event Production Associate to join the Events team. On this position, you will play a hands-on role in delivering exceptional events that inspire conservation of our marine environment. This dynamic position supports the seamless execution of diverse events, including promotional daytime events, virtual broadcasts, and evening rentals. As a key contributor to the Events department, you will collaborate across teams, coordinate logistics, and help create memorable experiences for guests and partners. If you are detail-oriented, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are passionate about events and conservation, we encourage you to apply!
Key functions:
Oversight and Collaboration
- Participate in cross-departmental event committees and other event-related groups, providing support for meeting logistics, note-taking, and implementation of action items as directed by department leadership.
- Assist in the execution of in-person donor and fundraising events, promotional events, virtual broadcasts, and video projects by supporting pre-event preparations, on-site logistics, and post-event breakdown activities.
- Serve as the main point of contact during day or evening events, supporting the training and coordination of volunteers, security, maintenance, and guest services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all event participants.
- Provide support for audio-visual needs, collaborating with the Aquarium’s A/V team and managing in-house rental equipment.
- Provide hands-on support during event setup and takedown, ensuring logistical needs are met efficiently.
Administrative Support
- Support the day-to-day operations within Momentus, the Aquarium’s event management platform, by entering event details, maintaining data accuracy, and assisting with reporting needs.
- Leverage Microsoft Office and other tools to assist with communication, scheduling, and event-related activities and analysis.
- Assist with the purchasing and procurement of event materials, including inventory tracking and order fulfillment as directed by department leadership.
Guest Experience and Safety Support
- As needed, lead Aquarium tours and provide interpretation of animal exhibits and behaviors in various settings, including feeding demonstrations.
- Monitor guest behavior, ensuring a safe event environment and protecting animals and habitats.
- Act as a first responder in emergency situations during events.
Mission Driven Leadership and Learning
- Regularly update knowledge of exhibits, animals, and any pertinent information to support guest experiences and maintain accurate event information.
- Seek opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and bring unique and culturally diverse perspectives to improve systems and practices with the team.
- Actively participate in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices aligned with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values, ensuring these principles are woven into all interactions and event activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned, consistent with the position’s level and responsibilities.
Required skills and experience:
The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
- At least one year of experience in event production, event planning, or similar roles, focusing on event execution and team coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage stress effectively, and communicate clearly with colleagues, guests, and vendors.
- Strong organizational skills, with the capability to manage multiple tasks and timelines autonomously.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal, written, and basic report-writing abilities. Multilingual and multicultural communication experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Teams.
- Familiarity with event management platforms, such as Momentus, is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of audio-visual equipment and live stream production is a plus.
- Opportunity for paid training in CPR, first aid, and AED certifications; completion within 90 days of the start date is recommended.
Working conditions:
- Constant movement throughout the Aquarium campus, working in areas with moderate to loud noise levels and variable outdoor weather conditions.
- Frequently operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator or telephone.
- Frequently move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds across campus for various event needs.
- Occasionally ascends/descends ladders and maneuvers into tight spaces under tables and within equipment areas to maintain and adjust technical and event equipment.
- Proficient in clear and engaging communication, adept at effectively conveying information both in constant one-on-one interactions and when presenting to diverse groups, including co-workers, the public, and individuals from various cultural backgrounds, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all communication channels.
- Flexibility to work long, irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Salary and benefits: $27.50 - $28/hourly, Dependent on experience. Please include pay expectations in your materials. Part-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s part-time benefits package, which includes paid sick time, medical, vision, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, a flexible spending account, an Aquarium Family Plus membership and access to a subsidized ORCA pass.
Reports to: Senior Event Production Manager
Status: Part-time, hourly, benefitted position
Hours of work: Variable schedule, 28-30 hours a week, need for weekend or after-hours work as related to events and other projects.
How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.