Operations Staff- Petersen Event Center

The Operations Staff role at the Petersen Events Center is responsible for event setups and conversions, facility maintenance, and operational support across the venue. The role prepares and maintains the facility for a wide range of events, including sporting events, concerts, banquets, commencements, and private functions. Working under the direction of the Lead Utility, the position supports daily operations and assists with shift leadership responsibilities when appropriate. This is a hands-on operational role within a unionized workforce, requiring a high degree of scheduling flexibility including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform event setups and tear-downs including staging, flooring, tables, chairs, pipe & drape, and related equipment.
• Support all major facility conversions, adapting the venue to accommodate a wide array of activities including sporting events, performances, trade shows, and private functions.
• Read and follow event setup layouts and instructions.
• Move and position furniture, athletic surfaces, and event items according to diagrams.
• Assist with deliveries, equipment transport, and logistics.
• Perform general maintenance, painting, minor repairs, and other upkeep tasks throughout the facility.
• Maintain exterior areas, ensuring safety and cleanliness in all weather conditions.
• Handle inclement weather response, including plowing, shoveling, and salting.
• Maintain and clean basketball courts, athletic playing surfaces, and telescopic bleachers.
• Operate and maintain forklifts, lifts, snow blowers, plow trucks, and other equipment.
• Provide direct supervision to part-time/casual utility staff during conversions and event operations.
• Assign tasks, ensure proper workflow, and oversee work quality during shifts.
• Serve as acting lead when no senior full-time utility staff are present.
• Assist in training new full-time and part-time utility staff in proper procedures and equipment use.
• Communicate effectively with Event Operations leadership regarding work progress, issues, or safety concerns.
• Adhere to and enforce all mandatory safety regulations and facility procedures (including OSHA and NFPA standards) among staff during shifts.
• Actively promote a safe working environment by properly operating all equipment, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and immediately reporting all hazards or unsafe conditions.

Requirements

• Willingness to work a highly flexible, event-driven schedule, including overnights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and moving heavy equipment (tables, chairs, staging, etc.)
• Team-oriented mindset with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Clear and professional communication skills—both verbal and written.
• Possess the ability to adapt quickly, take initiative, and maintain a high level of professionalism regardless of the hour or challenge.

Nice to have

• High school diploma or GED preferred; relevant experience in facility operations, event setups, or conversions is highly desirable.
• Strong verbal communication, teamwork, and the proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and interpret technical setup diagrams.
• Must maintain a highly flexible schedule, including consistent availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
• Valid driver’s license and specialized equipment certifications (e.g., Forklift) are preferred or required upon hire.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.