(Seasonal) Winter Lights Guest Services Lead - Admissions

(Seasonal) Winter Lights Guest Services Lead - Admissions

Winter Lights, our largest fundraiser, transforms our gardens into a dazzling display of lights from November 15th through January 4th, 2026, creating an enchanting experience for all who visit. As part of our seasonal team, you'll help bring this wonder to life, ensuring that our guests enjoy a cozy, memorable evening surrounded by beauty. If you're looking to spread holiday cheer and be part of something special, we'd love to have you on board!

We are seeking a (Seasonal) Winter Lights Guest Services Lead-Admissions dedicated to providing excellent guest service and engagement. This role will perform ticket sales for the Winter Lights show at our entrance using Eventbrite. This role will begin at 4:30 p.m. and end by 10:00 p.m.. The pay is $17 per hour.

The Admissions Lead will be responsible for making sure that the admissions team is ready to open each night, including getting the scanners and ticket lists in place, assisting with scanning and selling tickets, assisting with traffic management, and generally keeping the admissions area running smoothly. The Admissions Lead is the senior Guest Service staff member on-site during the event and is responsible for communicating issues to campus police, providing regular communication to show producers, contacting the staff on call if necessary, and must occasionally make judgment calls regarding ticket policy or admissions procedures.

Duties will include answering questions, scanning tickets and assisting customers with issues that are solution-based. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working on computers and able to learn and grasp new software fairly quickly. This position will involve cash management duties and will also assist with some gatehouse duties including controlling vehicular access to the NC Arboretum. Guest Services staff are expected to work evenings and weekends. Holiday availability is REQURIED of all positions.

There will be a mandatory paid training prior to the even opening. Winter Lights will run form November 15th through January 4, 2026.

Still not sure? Join us at The North Carolina Arboretum (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806) for a job fair on Wednesday, October 1st, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and learn more about us and our seasonal openings.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit
Winter Lights is the primary fundraiser for The North Carolina Arboretum. Featuring over a million lights, guests will walk through the gardens to experience the show. Winter Lights runs every evening from November 15th through January 4th.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have some experience in customer service and cash handling (including nightly reconciliation). A high school diploma or equivalent is required and background checks are conducted on all new employees.

Competencies
Competencies and/or qualifications for the position:
At least 18 years of age.
Customer Service: This position will require strong customer service skills including a solid knowledge of event procedures, attentiveness to customer feedback and the ability to use positive language. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations. Ability to reliably and predictably carry out your duties.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit. The employee is required to walk; stoop, kneel, crouch and stand for long periods of time.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.

• Classification: (Seasonal) Winter Lights Guest Services Lead - Admissions
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA22
• Employment Type: SHRA
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 9/29/2025
• Posting Close Date:
• Posting Number: req617

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

EEO Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: ophiring@northcarolina.edu