(Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate

(Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate

Our indoor retail spaces offer visitors a warm and welcoming place to find unique gifts, cozy up after cups of hot cocoa, and take a piece of the experience home.

The Arboretum hosts an annual "Winter Lights" holiday season light show and celebration of winter in the garden. The show serves as the largest fundraiser for the Arboretum. Guests walk through displays created form thousands of lights that will transform the Arboretum grounds and gardens into a nighttime wonderland and festival of family activities. Winter Lights offers a unique outdoor, evening experience for Arboretum guests and has created a new tradition for North Carolina and the Southeast.

We are currently seeking Retail Associates to help us with our annual Winter Lights Show. This retail position offers the opportunity to engage with visitors who are genuinely interested and excited to be here and support our largest fundraiser. You'll work with a defined group of customers who have specifically chosen to visit, creating a welcoming and positive environment. The pay will be $16.00 per hour. This position is part-time with flexible scheduling which could include up to 30 hours per week during Winter Lights. Most shifts run from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Including rehearsal evenings, the Winter Lights show will run from Friday, November 14th through Sunday, January 4th. Paid training will be held the first week of November. Weekends, evenings, and holidays are required.

As part of the visitor experience, two retail shops will offer seasonal gifts and local arts and crafts as well as merchandise reflecting the Arboretum's mission in connecting people with plants.

Retail associates will be responsible for:

• sales of merchandise using a point of sale system;
• restocking merchandise;
• answering customer questions concerning merchandise and Winter Lights exhibit; and,
• providing excellent customer service.

This role does require the ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry merchandise (often up to 25-50 lbs), bend, reach, and kneel to perform tasks like stocking shelves, and have good manual dexterity for handling products and equipment.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit
The Retail Department works within the Guest Experiences and Services group providing retail opportunities for guests to maximize their visitation to the Arboretum.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
This position requires evening availability. Some weekends and holidays may be required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school (or equivalent) with 2 years customer service work experience.

Competencies
Key skills required for the position include:
- Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays during Winter Lights (November 15 through January 4);
- Ability to accurately make change;
- Ability to run a point of sale system;
- Ability to handle credit card transactions;
- Knowledge of cash handling procedures;
- Ability to effectively interact with customers; and,
- Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional communication skills.

• Classification: (Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA22
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 9/12/2025
• Posting Close Date:
• Posting Number: req636

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: recruiter@northcarolina.edu