Assistant Rentals Manager

John Ball Zoo - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Description

Under the guidance of the Rentals Manager, the Assistant Rentals Manager will help oversee the daily operations of the Rentals department. The Rentals department manages all rentable spaces throughout the zoo and coordinates a diverse range of events, including but not limited to weddings, corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and community functions. The team ensures exceptional guest experiences by overseeing event logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site execution while maintaining the zoo’s standards and mission. Key responsibilities include training and scheduling seasonal staff, managing bar operations, coordinating various rental events, and supporting the manager in analyzing financial data and planning future events to enhance the department’s success.

This position’s pay ranges: $21.00 - $24.71 per hour

 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ASSISTANT RENTALS MANAGER AT JBZ

The Assistant Rentals Manager provides leadership, direction, and supervision to the Rentals team, maintaining strong working relationships with all functional areas of John Ball Zoo. They supervise seasonal employment, including hiring, scheduling, payroll, and other related responsibilities. They provide coaching to Rentals team members, providing direct feedback on standards and procedures, communicating with staff about daily operations, and making informed recommendations for hiring, coaching, discipline, and terminations. The Assistant Rentals Manager controls all liquor inventory from purchase through service and usage analysis and coordinates all events with over 1,000 guests and other rentals as necessary to support the coordinator team. They provide input on new approaches, develop new rental opportunities, and research competitive products to ensure the Rentals department meets and exceeds guest expectations.

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • College degree in Hospitality or Business Administration and 2+ years related experience, or comparable combination of education and experience
  • Minimum 1-year previous management, supervisory, or leadership experience
  • Excellent customer service skills, ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and show flexibility with daily responsibilities and minimal guidance
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and presentation delivery
  • Proficiency in Point of Service software applications, rentals reservations software, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
  • Ability to learn and proficiently use time and attendance scheduling systems
  • TAM or equivalent Alcohol Service certification, or ability to obtain the certification with 4 weeks of employment
  • Michigan Chauffeurs license, or the ability to obtain the license within 4 weeks of employment 
  • Ability to work irregular hours including evening, weekends, and holidays; flexing work hours may be needed throughout the year
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

Details

Type of Position: Full-Time Position
Segment of Industry: Meeting & Event Management
Salary: $21.00 - $24.71 / Hour
Hours: 40

Company Information

John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St. W
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
616-336-5062
Contact: Drake Trujillo

How To Apply

Follow the link and apply on our career page: https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/DE13E0FD 

Application Deadline: 01/01/2026

Additional Information

WHO WE ARE

At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who can experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation and know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:

  • Conservation 
  • Education
  • Community
  • Celebrate 
  • Compassion

BENEFITS AT JBZ

We offer incredibly competitive benefits. These include:

  • Two medical plan options including HSA-eligible plan, including a free option
  • Employer paid Short-term and long-term disability
  • Employer paid Life Insurance and voluntary buy-up coverage for family members
  • Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
  • Dental & vision for employee & family
  • 12 full weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
  • Daily zoo walks
  • YMCA gym discounts
  • Medical and dependent care flex spending accounts
  • Wellness plan and healthy living reimbursement
  • We offer generous Personal and Vacation time, and 11 paid Holidays each year
  • 401(k) with a 4% match and 3% employer contribution
  • Zoo discounts including employee-only zoo experiences
  • Tuition reimbursement after 1 year of employment
  • Additional medical benefits to meet you and your family's needs,
  • A FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations. 

Visit our website at www.jbzoo.org to see what we are all about!

Attached Document

No attachment uploaded

Posted: 11/14/25