Lead, Event Operations

Lead, Event Operations

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create offbeat experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of formal garden collections and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings — a sanitary landfill. Today, South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation as it continues to transition from landfill to landmark.

The stunning Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is a signature experience, along with the show-stopping Living Wall, a long-term exhibit of eight remarkable large-scale works of fine art sculpture, a seasonal butterfly pavilion, annual public programs and rotating traveling exhibitions. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science, and wellness activities. Even more excitement is ahead with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming years.

There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team.

SCBG fosters an environment where strategic focus and cultural health work hand-in-hand, ensuring alignment and resilience. The ideal candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports SCBG’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature, and has the grit necessary to grow with the Garden. Candidates should be excited to collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the organization’s strategic goals.

POSITION TITLE: Lead, Event Operations

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Manager, Assets & Event Operations

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Year-Round, Non-Exempt

PAY RANGE: $22.00–$24.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead, Event Operations serves as the day-to-day working leader of the Event Operations team and coordinates the successful setup, strike, movement, storage and organization of Garden-owned event assets and operational resources.

Working closely with the Manager, Assets & Event Operations, this position translates operational plans into effective execution by coordinating staff, assigning daily work, monitoring completion and ensuring established quality and safety standards are met. The Lead supports the successful delivery of events, programs, exhibits, rentals and organization-wide initiatives.

This is a hands-on position that actively participates in operational work while providing shift leadership and guidance to Event Operations Specialists. The Lead models professionalism, teamwork, accountability, safety and service while supporting the training and development of team members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Event Operations Execution

· Coordinate and actively participate in event setups, strikes, room flips, equipment deployment and other operational logistics.

· Review event layouts, work orders and setup plans and help translate them into clear assignments for the Event Operations team.

· Ensure operational support activities are completed safely, accurately and on schedule.

· Monitor setup quality and verify that layouts, equipment and event spaces meet established specifications and presentation standards.

· Conduct pre-event and post-event walkthroughs as assigned.

· Identify and address operational concerns before they negatively affect guests, employees, vendors or events.

· Support exhibits, public programs, private rentals, festivals, special events and organization-wide initiatives.

· Adjust work assignments and resources in response to changing priorities, weather conditions and operational needs.

· Escalate significant issues, delays or resource needs to the Manager promptly.

Team Leadership

· Provide day-to-day work direction to Event Operations Specialists during assigned shifts.

· Assign tasks, establish work priorities, coordinate workflow and monitor completion.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for the Event Operations team during assigned shifts.

· Communicate daily expectations, timelines, safety requirements and operational changes clearly.

· Assist with onboarding, training and coaching new and existing team members.

· Reinforce established performance, attendance, conduct and safety expectations.

· Model the Garden’s Core Values and promote teamwork, accountability and a positive work environment.

· Provide the Manager with timely, objective feedback regarding employee performance, attendance, training needs, workplace concerns and potential policy violations.

· Document operational or employee-related concerns as directed.

· Refer formal disciplinary and other significant employment decisions to the Manager.

Asset Management and Organization

· Support the inventory, tracking, movement and organization of Garden-owned operational and event assets.

· Ensure assets are properly handled, maintained, cleaned, stored and secured after use.

· Conduct routine inspections of equipment, vehicles and storage areas.

· Identify and report damaged, missing or replacement-needed assets.

· Assist with inventory audits, equipment counts and asset-tracking initiatives.

· Maintain safe, clean, organized and efficient storage and work areas.

· Help ensure frequently used equipment and supplies remain available and ready for deployment.

· Follow established procedures for checking equipment and assets in and out.

Customer Service and Internal Support

· Provide responsive, professional and solutions-oriented support to departments across the Garden.

· Communicate operational timelines, resource limitations, changes and updates clearly.

· Help identify practical solutions to operational challenges while remaining attentive to safety, staffing and organizational priorities.

· Foster positive working relationships with employees, departments, vendors and other operational partners.

· Support a service culture focused on helping others succeed and creating positive guest experiences.

· Respond appropriately to requests and escalate conflicting priorities to the Manager when necessary.

Communication and Continuous Improvement

· Communicate operational needs, concerns, risks and opportunities to the Manager.

· Support the implementation of operational processes, procedures and systems.

· Provide input regarding workflow improvements, asset utilization and operational efficiencies.

· Help ensure team members understand work expectations, deadlines and priorities.

· Support training related to event operations, equipment use, asset management and safety.

· Participate in team meetings, planning sessions and post-event debriefs as assigned.

Safety and Operational Readiness

· Model and promote safe work practices and proper equipment usage.

· Ensure team members follow established safety procedures and immediately address or report unsafe practices.

· Promptly report hazards, injuries, incidents, damaged equipment and other operational concerns.

· Maintain operational readiness for events, programs and daily Garden activities.

· Use appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure team members do the same when required.

· Support emergency preparedness and response efforts as directed.

· Follow all Garden policies, procedures and applicable safety requirements.