Park Operations Foreman (Full-Time - DAYTIME)

Company Description

At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world. 

Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.

Our 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Position Summary

The Park Operations Foreman supports Ravinia’s mission to produce accessible, meaningful, and impactful festival events. Reporting directly to the Park Operations Manager, while the  Park Operations Assistant Manager provides on-site supervision and work direction, this full-time position provides operational and logistical support, assists with general park operations, and leads a small seasonal team. The role combines hands-on work with people leadership in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Concert & Event Operations
  • Assist the Park Operations Assistant Manager with daytime activities before, during, and after concerts and special events.
  • Coordinate cross-departmentally to ensure operational readiness.
  • Supervise vendor load-in and load-out activities, including event staging, fencing, seating, and crowd-flow elements. 
  • Monitor park conditions during events and address operational issues in real time.
  • Ensure compliance with safety protocols, permits, and event-specific operational plans.
    
• Team Leadership & Supervision
  • Supervise, train, and support park operations staff and seasonal crew members.
  • Assign daily tasks and schedules based on operational and event needs.
  • Provide on-site leadership, direction, and problem-solving during events and peak periods.
  • Model and enforce safe work practices and proper equipment use.
  • Communicate expectations clearly and provide performance feedback as needed.
    
• Event Setup & Breakdown
  • Lead the setup and breakdown of events
  • Ensure setups meet event specifications, timelines, and safety standards.
  • Inspect completed setups and make adjustments as needed.
  • Coordinate equipment staging, storage, and post-event cleanup.
    
• General Park Maintenance
  • Perform and oversee routine park maintenance, including groundskeeping, minor repairs, and facility upkeep.
  • Monitor park conditions and identify maintenance needs related to landscaping, walkways, lighting, and structures.
  • Respond to maintenance issues promptly to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for patrons and staff.
  • Assist with seasonal preparation and weather-related responses.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Collaborates effectively within a team to support park operations.

• Thrives in a fast-paced, physically active environment, contributing to a safe and welcoming space.

• Proficient with Google Workspace to support administrative tasks.

• Capable of safely lifting and handling up to 75 lbs 

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Experience managing events and/or banquets is a plus 

• Facility management experience is a plus

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record 

Success Factors:

• Concert & Event Operations: Events run safely and smoothly with no preventable disruptions; operations are coordinated across departments; vendors are managed efficiently; issues are resolved in real time; and all safety, permit, and operational requirements are consistently met.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Staff are well-trained, clearly directed, scheduled, and supported; daily operations are adequately staffed; safety practices are followed; expectations are understood; and performance issues are addressed promptly and constructively.
• Event Setup & Breakdown: Event setups and breakdowns are completed on schedule, to specification, and without safety incidents; equipment is properly staged, inspected, stored, and sites are fully restored post-event.
• General Park Maintenance: The park remains safe, functional, and welcoming; routine and event-related maintenance needs are identified early, addressed promptly, and seasonal or weather-related impacts are managed with minimal disruption. The foreman demonstrates familiarity with, or actively learning, Ravinia’s grounds, buildings, and departmental operations.

Work Environment

• The Park Ops Foreman will be expected to work a flexible schedule based on the time of year and the events or performances taking place at Ravinia.  

• Offseason (October-April) 7:00 am-3:30 pm, occasional weekends and evenings

• Summer concert season (May-September) 7:00 am-3:30 pm, and includes holidays and weekends 

• This role requires significant time spent outdoors, and preparedness for the elements is essential.

Benefits

Excellent health and welfare benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, TeleDoc options, and life insurance. Company-paid employee well-being program, basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and four weeks of paid parental leave. Benefits also include comprehensive time off plans (holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days). Additionally, a generous employer-sponsored 401(a) retirement savings plan, employee-elected 403(b) retirement savings plans, learning and mentorship opportunities, and Ravinia lawn tickets for two (general admission) to the grassy areas, ideal for picnics (all concerts, except the Gala day concert).

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success, and we strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.