Gainesville Glows - Special Events Associate

Gainesville Glows transforms the Gainesville Garden into a winter wonderland featuring sparkling light displays, interactive installations, festive experiences and larger-than-life displays throughout the woodland. 

The Gainesville Glows Special Events Associate is a seasonal position supporting the Garden’s Holiday Light Exhibit. SE Associates are trained in multiple areas and may work in different assignments throughout the season, including bartending, beverage production, s’mores, and event support/runner. This is an active, customer-facing role in a fast-paced environment ideal for someone who stays flexible, takes initiative, and has a positive attitude. 

This position is a part-time temporary position that will start early November and may continue through January 5th.

Application Deadline: October 30th

Open Interviews: 

• September 17th, 3pm – 7pm
• September 18th, 10am – 2pm
• October 29th, 3pm -7pm
• October 30th, 10am – 2pm

Required Training: November 9th, 12th, and 17th (Daytime)

Exhibit debuts: November 18th

Pay: $15/hour + pooled tips 

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive, guest-focused attitude during all shifts and events
• Monitor inventory and maintain supply levels throughout each shift
• Assist with opening and closing duties, including safely securing the Garden at closing
• Complete nightly paperwork accurately
• Communicate and work professionally with team members and guests
• Adhere to Garden-wide standards and Department policies
• Other duties as assigned

Bartender

• Serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes and safety guidelines
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized bar area

Beverage Production

• Prepare beverages (hot cocoa, apple cider, drink prep, etc.) in bulk by assembling ingredients according to specifications
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by following established procedures and safety guidelines

S’mores Sales

• Safely light, monitor, & maintain fire pits, while ensuring guests follow safety guidelines 
• Provide friendly, helpful service and address customer concerns, reporting issues to management as needed

Event Runner/Support

• Provide support to all private events and bars, replenishing product and equipment as needed 
• Relay key information to bartenders, event leads and MOD as needed

• 1+ year of bartender experience or hospitality work preferred
• TIPS Certification must be completed within 1 week of hire (Garden-provided)
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Able to lift chairs, tables, product, and relocate to various areas throughout the Garden
• Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Must be self-motivated, adaptable, and quick to solve problems
• Reliable transportation and flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements

• Standing and walking 90% of the time
• Regularly lift, carry, and move items weighing 40 pounds
• Must be able to work outside in the elements in varying weather conditions, including cold temperatures

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

• Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mind
• Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden
• Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone
• Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication
• Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard