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Tent & Event Technician

1420 North Neil Street, Champaign, IL, USA

Job Type

Operations

About Us

Are you ready to elevate your career in the dynamic world of event rentals? Come help Central Illinois celebrate! We are Herriot’s Rentals, Central Illinois’ longest running event rental company and a leading provider of exceptional tent and event rentals. We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Tent & Event Technicians for this and all upcoming seasons (March-November).

At Herriott’s, we take pride in transforming ordinary events into extraordinary memories. Our focus is on providing a wide range of high-quality event rental equipment including various styles of tents, tables, chairs, furniture, stages, dance floors, expo equipment, concessions, catering equipment, glassware, dinnerware, décor, and much, much more! From weddings and corporate gatherings to festivals and private celebrations, our commitment to quality and attention to detail sets us apart. Join us in creating memories that last a lifetime.

Job Description

  • Tent Installation & Dismantling: You'll travel central Illinois efficiently setting up and taking down tents and event structures according to specifications and safety guidelines for a wide range of events including weddings, festivals, graduation ceremonies and parties, corporate events, expo shows, holiday parties, birthdays, and more. 

  • Equipment Handling: Safely handle, transport, and install event equipment, ensuring proper care and maintenance. Event equipment includes tables, chairs, bars, dance floors, staging, lighting, heaters, catering equipment, dinnerware, and much more. 

  • Problem Solving: Address on-site challenges and troubleshoot effectively to guarantee a flawless event experience.

  • Customer Interaction: Interact professionally with clients and provide excellent customer service during setup and teardown.

  • Driving: Safely transport rental equipment to and from the warehouse and customer. 

Requirements

  • Valid driver’s license

  • Ability to frequently lift up to 75 pounds, lift and carry heavy equipment, stand for extended periods of time, climb up ladders, and climb in and out of box trucks.

  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.

  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality service.

  • Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions.


Additional Helpful Experience:

  • Previous experience in event setup or related field.

  • Forklift experience.

  • Experience with power tools.

  • Construction site, logistics/moving, or landscaping experience.

  • Experience in team-based settings (organized sports, etc.).

Benefits

  • Competitive hourly wage starting at $17/hr with defined benchmarks for merit-based pay increases

  • Opportunities for overtime during peak event seasons

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Holiday pay

  • Paid vacation time

  • Bonuses

  • Company matched retirement account

  • Discounts for childcare, theme parks, movie tickets, and other local perks

  • Employee discount

  • Free Illini Football tickets

  • Paid team-building events and training

  • Free Champaign Library card regardless of residential eligibility

  • Free CALM App subscription

Why Work at Herriott's

1. Dynamic Work Environment: Joining Herriott’s means a unique workday every day. Some days you may work with a large team to install enormous tent structures for a music festival. The next day you could be working with a smaller team to put together an elegant wedding. And the next day you could be working independently doing small deliveries of tables and chairs for backyard BBQs. Every event is unique, which means no two days at work are identical.

2. Paid Travel: Travel in company vehicles all over Illinois installing events, but still make it home every night. Most of our work is local, but our radius extends south to Evansville, north to Kankakee, East to Indiana, and West to Peoria.

3. Seasonal Work: Consistently make great money each busy season and enjoy the downtime during the winter months.

4. Team Spirit: We believe in the power of collaboration. Working with a diverse and talented team, you’ll experience a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, creating an atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued.

5. University Football Games: Illini fan? We’re the official tent provider of the local university athletic division. After you’ve finished installing the football gameday tents, enjoy free gameday tickets on us.

6. Skill Development: Herriott’s is committed to helping you grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to enhance your skills, we offer training opportunities to help you reach your full potential. Learn the ropes (literally) to tenting and gain skills on forklifts, articulated loaders, stake drivers, commercial truck driving, trailer towing, frame assembly, and much more.

7. Join an Inclusive & Thriving Industry: With the lifting of Covid restrictions, people are eager to get back to celebrating with friends and family. Events are back stronger than ever. By joining Herriott’s, you are joining an industry full of amazing people and amazing opportunities.

8. RAPID Merit Based Pay Increases: We value individuals who are intentional with their professional growth. As your skills grow, so will your pay. Start at $18/hr, then meet clearly defined skill benchmarks to enjoy rapid pay advancement.

9. Weekend and Overtime Opportunities: While there are a handful of weekend events that are required, there are many opportunities to take on additional work on a volunteer basis for weekends and evening events to expand your paycheck! 

Am I the Right Fit? 

We're mindful of the impact every new hire has on our company culture, so we stay transparent about our expectations. Our ideal candidate demonstrates the following characteristics:


1. Team Player: While individuals can be strong, collaboration is at the heart of our success. It takes a coordinated team of professionals who communicate effectively, share ideas, and work seamlessly with one another to achieve the goals we set.

2. Positive Mindset: We believe optimism is contagious. Positivity is the grease that keeps our teams running even when stress is high.

3. Adaptability: Each event presents unique challenges that require a flexible approach. The ideal candidate for this position thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

4. Physical Stamina: You can probably quit your gym membership, because tent and event installation is a workout. You will be lifting heavy loads, carrying equipment, climbing in and out of box trucks, and pushing heavy carts, which can take a heavy toll when temperatures and humidity are high or the weather is rough.

5. Detail-Oriented: Executing a single festival, wedding, or expo requires attention to detail. Executing hundreds of them over the course of a year requires EXTENSIVE attention to detail. Demonstrate your attention to detail to us by telling us you read this section during your interview.

6. Consistent Attendance: With great reliability comes great teamwork. In order to execute as many events as we do in a season, we must be able to rely on employees to consistently show up for work. If you are a punctual and consistent individual, you will thrive here.

7. Inclusive: Come as you are. We believe diversity drives innovation. If you hold mutual respect for others regardless of differences and expect the same from others, you'll fit right in. 

Sound like you? 

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