Event Lead - Seattle Botanic Gardens

Seattle Botanic Garden's mission is to promote, protect, and enhance the Washington Park Arboretum, Center for Urban Horticulture, Union Bay Natural Area, Yesler Swamp and the Japanese Garden by bringing people and plants together to cultivate a more sustainable, informed, inspired, and just community through education, research, plant conservation, advocacy and stewardship of inclusive spaces.

The Event Lead serves as the primary on-site representative for rental and public events taking place at the Center for Urban Horticulture and the Washington Park Arboretum. This role is responsible for executing event logistics as outlined in client contracts, ensuring a safe, seamless guest experience while protecting the integrity of the garden plant collections and natural spaces. Event Leads also support the rentals program by conducting event site tours for prospective clients.

The Event Lead schedule will vary based on event bookings. The position requires consistent availability Friday-Monday. Hours may include early mornings, evenings, and holidays. Flexibility is essential to accommodate event start and end times, setup, breakdown, and site tours for prospective clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Execution

• Serve as the primary on-site contact for clients, vendors, and guests
• Execute event logistics in alignment with contracts and event orders
• Execute event setup and breakdown, including the arrangement of tables, chairs, and event equipment
• Ensure spaces are accurately and efficiently reset for future use
• Carry out cleaning tasks before, during, and after events, including vacuuming, mopping, trash and waste removal, wiping tables and surfaces, restocking restrooms
• Execute basic A/V setup (e.g., microphones, speakers, projectors) and troubleshoot technical issues during events as they arise

Team Leadership

• Lead and support Event Attendants, delegating tasks and managing workflow
• Address on-site issues and escalate as needed

Guest Experience & Safety

• Maintain a welcoming, safe environment for all guests
• Monitor attendance and respond to incidents as needed
• Ensure all buildings are secured at the conclusion of events, including a security sweep, alarms set, and doors locked

Garden Stewardship & Policy Enforcement

• Ensure all guests and vendors adhere to garden event guidelines
• Protect plant life, landscapes, and infrastructure
• Halt any activity that risks damage or safety

Vendor & Client Coordination

• Provide vendor access, load-in/load-out, and approved use of space
• Communicate clearly with clients and vendors throughout events

Wedding & Event Tours

• Conduct site tours for prospective clients
• Present spaces in an engaging, knowledgeable, and professional manner

Reporting & Documentation

• Complete post-event reports
• Document and communicate incidents, damages, or follow-up needs

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

• 2+ years experience in event operations, hospitality, venue management, or a related field
• 2+ years working in a public-facing customer service environment
• Experience enforcing rules and policies in a professional, guest-focused manner
• Experience setting up and operating basic a/v equipment (microphones, speakers, projectors)
• Experience leading a team of staff and/or volunteers
• Background in outdoor venues, parks, gardens, or cultural institutions

Desired Skills

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, including public-facing presentation
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• Attention to details with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Comfortable leading site tours and speaking to prospective clients
• CPR/First Aid certification is a plus
• Basic knowledge or appreciation of horticulture, sustainability, or environmental stewardship a plus[EL1]

Physical requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to navigate stairs
• Ability to work shifts lasting up to 10 hours

ABOUT SEATTLE BOTANIC GARDENS

Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) brings together the unique strengths of the Washington Park Arboretum and the Center for Urban Horticulture to become a destination garden, exemplifying leadership in scientific research, public engagement, and inclusive access. Our vision is to be a home for discovery, a force for sustainability, and a gateway to wonder. In every visit and through every season, we help people of all ages meaningfully connect with the living world of plants and how they shape our lives and our shared future.

Seattle Botanic Gardens is a nonprofit organization that has provided public support for Seattle parks and arboreta since 1935. SBG manages arbor care, garden maintenance, volunteer programs, and environmental education, while raising funds for garden improvements.

BENEFITS

• Paid Vacation (tenure-based)
• Paid Sick and Safe Time (Per Washington State Law)
• 10+ paid holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan (Matching up to 3%)

To Apply

Please electronically send application materials, including resume and cover letter, to Seattle Botanic Gardens: jobs@arboretumfoundation.org. Please, no calls or in-person visits without an appointment. Position open until filled.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. All Seattle Botanic Gardens employees may be required to perform duties outside of their typical responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

Seattle Botanic Gardens’ EEO Statement:

Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at SBG are based on one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or, any other characteristic protected by law.

This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.

• Paid Vacation (tenure-based)
• Paid Sick and Safe Time (Per Washington State Law)
• 10+ paid holidays
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan (Matching up to 3%)