Event Specialist

This is professional work in the planning, production, and execution of city-wide special events. The work requires an understanding and application of logistical planning principles, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques and knowledge of event and entertainment logistical technical requirements usually gained through degree granting schools, or an equivalent level of practical knowledge gained through experience. Contacts with others require skills in understanding and/or influencing people, and are important in providing client services, including skills of persuasiveness, assertiveness, and sensitivity to others' point of view, that are required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around to achieve project objectives. The work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards, and because of the changing priorities, or different situations, incumbents have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence. The work is performed in an office and field environment, but the risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable. Operates motor vehicles, utility carts, and standard office equipment such as personal computers. Physical demands may involve moderate activities during the setting up of special events such as lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 40 pounds. Work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, techniques, and the employee organizes his/her own work, and the work is reviewed for results achieved. Examples of Work Plans, organizes, produces, and executes departmental and city-wide special events and entertainment programs/productions. Researches entertainment options. Creates event site layout and mapping. Coordinates needed services from other departments or outside contractors/agencies such as public safety, sound, lights, staging, scaffolding, electrical, backline, and audiovisual equipment. Sets up and attends events to coordinate and monitor activities and resolve problems. Contributes to the post-events evaluation and follows up on the financial assessment. Supervises and coordinates special events volunteers and vendors. Prepares correspondence and reports pertaining to special events. Creates and executes contracts for events. Coordinates and tracks all phases of the special event permit review process, including review by other city departments and collecting necessary documentation from applicant. Orders MOT equipment for events requiring street closure and communicates closure information to businesses and residents. Establishes and maintains records and files. Operates motor vehicles and utility carts. Operates standard office equipment such as personal computers using word, spreadsheet, database, mapping and other related software. Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies. Performs related work as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of logistical planning principles, practices, procedures, methods, and techniques. Knowledge of event logistics and entertainment technical requirements such as talent buying, sound, staging, lights, scaffolding, electrical, backline, and audio visual equipment. Knowledge of event site layout and mapping. Knowledge of the preparation of entertainment contracts and applicable legal terms. Knowledge of special event permit requirements and guidelines. Skill in using word processing, spreadsheet, mapping, and database computer applications. Skill in communicating effectively, orally and in writing. Ability to plan, organize, produce, execute, and evaluate special event and entertainment programs. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions conducting tours of venues and working onsite at the event Ability to establish effective working relationships. Ability to operate motor vehicles and utility carts Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computers using word, spreadsheet, database, mapping and other related software. Open Requirements/Supplemental Information Five years of education and/or professional experience in recreation and leisure activities, special events, or a related field, of which must include at least one year of responsible experience in producing special event and/or entertainment programs involving logistical planning and event execution. LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license during employment in this class. Must qualify for, obtain, and maintain a City of Jacksonville public driver certification for employment in this class.