Seasonal Event Attendant

The Seasonal Event Attendant provides high-impact support during peak demand times, outdoor winter events, and periods of high visitor traffic at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, located on site in Chaska, Minnesota. This is a seasonal position centered on Northern Lights season event (11/10/2026 - 12/31/2026) with potential for occasional shifts or additional hours leading up to 11/10/2026. Operating primarily on evenings and weekends, this role ensures seamless guest experiences and smooth operational flow during the Arboretum's Northern Lights event. The ideal candidate is adaptable, comfortable working indoors and outdoors in winter conditions, and capable of pivoting between direct guest service, point-of-sale (POS) operations, and light event setup/breakdown.

Key Responsibilities
70% | Guest Engagement, Admissions & Wayfinding

• Frontline Guest Service: Welcome visitors in a warm, professional, and inclusive manner at welcome stations throughout the event landscape. Answer questions, provide directions, and maintain a positive environment in guest-facing areas.
• Gate Entry & Retail Support: Assist with gatehouse admission operations (e.g., scanning tickets, ticket purchases, and traffic management, concessions, and retail sales accurately using electronic scanners, POS systems and established money handling procedures.
• Site Care & Set-Up: Assist with the setup, positioning, and restocking of event stations (e.g., firepits, seating areas, s'mores carts, promotional signage). Maintain clean, accessible, and operational guest spaces throughout the shift.

30% | Shift Closeout, Communication & Safety

• End-of-Shift Closeout: Secure facilities, equipment, and outdoor stations at the conclusion of event hours. Clean and store event supplies according to established protocols.
• Team Communication: Actively monitor and utilize team radios to coordinate supplies, station restocks, and timing updates with management.
• Safety & Hazard Monitoring: Maintain active awareness of outdoor grounds safety. Immediately report weather/ground hazards, medical needs, or emergencies to On-Site Management and Security.

Required:

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with the public in a respectful, professional, and inclusive manner.
• Strong communication skills, including fluent spoken and written English.
• Prior experience in customer service, retail, or hospitality, including basic familiarity with POS tools, cash handling, or touch-screen devices.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions independently and adapt quickly to shifting operational needs.
• Availability: Flexible evening and weekend availability during the Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve window, including willingness to accept call-in shifts during peak-volume dates.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working outdoor events or seasonal attractions.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

All work is performed in-person and onsite at the Arboretum in Chaska, Minn. This active role requires:

• Indoor/Outdoor Adaptability:Tasks are performed both indoors and outdoors in Minnesota winter conditions.
• Built-in Staff Rotations: Outdoor shifts feature active staff rotations and regular indoor warming breaks in accordance with University safety procedures.
• Physical Activity: Ability to stand and walk continuously for shifts up to 4-6 hours.
• Lifting & Equipment Handling: Ability to regularly push, pull, lift, and carry event supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
  

Pay Range: $18.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.