Public Event Coordinator

Description

Bring the magic of The Living Desert to life

The Living Desert is looking for an energetic, organized, and guest-focused Public Event Coordinator to help create memorable events that connect our community with wildlife, conservation, and the beauty of the desert. From signature seasonal experiences to community celebrations and mission-driven programs, this role helps turn ideas into engaging, well-run experiences for guests of all ages.

If you love the energy of live events, enjoy bringing people together, and want your work to support a mission-based organization, this is a meaningful opportunity to make an impact every day.

What you’ll do

• Support the planning and execution of public, promotional, community, and mission-driven events.
• Assist with event logistics including timelines, maps, work orders, staffing assignments, signage plans, setup, onsite operations, breakdown, and post-event follow-up.
• Coordinate communication with internal departments, vendors, performers, sponsors, volunteers, seasonal staff, and community partners.
• Help create a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and memorable experience for guests.
• Track event supplies, expenses, invoices, purchase requests, and other event details.
• Support sustainability and conservation practices through thoughtful event planning and operations.

Why this role matters

Events at The Living Desert are more than gatherings—they are opportunities to inspire conservation, build community, create joy, and deepen the connection between people and the natural world. As Event Coordinator, you’ll help bring those moments to life while supporting a mission that makes a difference for wildlife, habitats, and future generations.

The kind of person who will thrive here

You are detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and energized by creating great experiences. You enjoy working behind the scenes and onsite, communicating with many different people, keeping details organized, and jumping in wherever needed to help an event succeed. You take pride in excellent guest service and want your work to be connected to something bigger.

Schedule and working conditions

This is a hands-on events role that requires flexibility, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on event schedules. Work may include occasional driving, bending, climbing, reaching, moving event materials up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation, and working outdoors in desert conditions.

Why join The Living Desert?

Working at The Living Desert means being part of a passionate team dedicated to conservation, education, wildlife, and community connection. Every event is a chance to welcome guests, spark curiosity, and support a mission that reaches far beyond a single day or evening. If you are ready to bring energy, organization, and heart to a role with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today

Help us create events that delight guests, support conservation, and celebrate the spirit of The Living Desert.

Requirements

What we’re looking for

· At least two years of experience in event coordination, hospitality, guest service, nonprofit, entertainment, cultural institution, or community event environments.

· Strong organization, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

· Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on event environment with changing priorities.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team while following established procedures.

· Experience supporting public, large-scale, or multi-department events preferred.

· Associate’s degree or coursework in event management, hospitality, communications, business, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

· Valid California driver license and insurability on The Living Desert’s automobile policy required.