This position is responsible for preparing, setting-up and tearing down of the facilities/grounds for scheduled events. This position is also responsible for preparing the Event Center for the annual Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo which includes animal pens setup, concessionaire and exhibitor placement, cleaning, painting, forklift, and tractor use. The Event Center includes the Expo Center, Conference Center, and Silver Lake Visitor Center.

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

• Prepare and setup facilities and grounds for scheduled events, as well as tear-down after the events.
• Serve as the event staff during weekday and weekend events for general building, facilities, and equipment issues. Assist concessionaires, exhibitors, and the public to maintain the Event Center’s high customer service goals.
• Collaborate with other event staff and vendors to ensure the event set up and tear down is performed in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner.
• Perform, as assigned, a variety of semi-skilled and non-skilled tasks, including but not limited to mowing, cutting, and trimming grass areas, using manual tools and powered equipment such as a tractor, rollers, mowers, and trimmers. Tractor work includes preparing the ground in the indoor and outdoor arenas for equestrian and other animal events.
• Prepare the Event Center for the annual Cowlitz County Fair and Rodeo. This includes animal pens setup, concessionaire and exhibitor placement, cleaning, painting, forklift and tractor use, and other duties as assigned.
• Perform general indoor cleaning and sanitation duties, supplying and cleaning of staff and public restrooms. Perform regular overall upkeep of indoor and outdoor areas to ensure they are clean and safe for overall efficient and adequate presentation.
• Perform general maintenance, minor repairs and services to facilities, department tools and equipment. Report needed major maintenance and repairs to the Director.
• Consult with the Director of the Event Center to determine work priorities and resources. Promptly communicate supplies and resources needs, as well as problems and situations that require managerial attention. Provide follow-up event reports.
• Attend and participate in staff and briefing meetings, training meetings and seminars.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Two years’ experience in event setup and preparation and/or experience in landscaping, construction, parks, or golf facility maintenance.
• Knowledge and experience operating lawn mowers, tractors and forklift equipment, or ability to learn and be cleared to operate and become certified, as required, within 2 months of employment.
• Sufficient strength and agility to perform assigned tasks.
• Have a good working knowledge of departmental tools and equipment and their proper use and capabilities.
• Must be personable and able to work well with the public and other employees.
• Observe and abide by all County and Event Center policies, practices, methods, goals, and objectives.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of commonly used equipment, tools, and substances of the trade. Able to read, understand and interpret product label information in order to follow proper use instructions and safety alerts.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Able to organize own daily work activities to attain daily work goals, and able to multi-task.
• Be able to work and communicate well with the public and other employees within own and other County depts.
• Good communications skills. Provide status reports and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
• Able to tactfully handle problems related to the Event Center and the public, following department guidelines.
• Basic knowledge of mechanics and tools maintenance; general/basic building maintenance, and general landscaping.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.