Seasonal Hospitality Associate

Seasonal Hospitality Associate

Department: Hospitality Services
Supervisor: Hospitality/Event Supervisor or Lead Coordinator
Supervises: N/A
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Availability: This position requires availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout the fall nighttime experience as well as the eight-week Galaxy of Lights event, with flexible scheduling and availability to start shifts at 3:30 p.m.

Position Summary:

The Seasonal Hospitality Associate supports the Huntsville Botanical Garden's fall and winter experiences of Spellbound and Galaxy of Lights event by providing exceptional guest service and assisting with food, beverage, concessions, and event operations.

This is a cross-trained position. Associates may work concessions in the Fern & Feast Bistro, the food trailer, the Cocoa Castle, or bar service at one of two bar stations, based on event needs. Employees must be comfortable moving between assignments and working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. All candidates must complete their Rserving (Responsible Serving) certification.

Essential Functions:

• Welcome guests and provide friendly, professional, and enthusiastic service.
• Take orders, operate the POS system, and accurately process electronic payments.
• Prepare and serve food, snacks, hot cocoa, coffee, and popcorn.
• When trained and authorized, provide alcoholic beverage service in accordance with Garden policies and Alabama Beverage Control requirements.
• Set up, stock, maintain, and break down Bistro, Cocoa Castle, food truck concession, and beverage service areas.
• Monitor inventory and communicate supply needs or shortages.
• Maintain clean, organized, and sanitary work and guest areas.
• Assist with event setup, breakdown, restocking, cleaning, guest flow, and other operational needs.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, safety, cash-handling, and Garden procedures.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with Garden staff, volunteers, vendors, and other event personnel.
• Report guest concerns, safety issues, incidents, or property damage to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor throughout each shift.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of seasonal experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:
Must be 18 years of age or older. High school diploma or equivalent and strong communication and customer service skills. Must be able to operate or learn a POS system, handle payments accurately, multitask, perform multiple hospitality functions, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and obtain required food handler or alcohol service certifications. Must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Success Factors:

• Embrace the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants and display core values.
• Friendly, dependable, adaptable, and proactive
• Strong commitment to guest service
• Comfortable learning and performing multiple roles
• Able to adjust to changing priorities and event needs
• Works effectively as part of a team
• Maintains a positive and professional attitude during high-volume periods

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous hospitality, food service, customer service, concessions, events, or bartending experience and be  21 years of age or older.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: Continuous ability to stand during shift, and frequently walk, bend, reach, stoop, kneel, work in small service or storage areas. Occasionally will lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Work Environment: Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including cold, rain, and wind, with work taking place throughout the Garden, including the Bistro, Cocoa Castle, outdoor concession areas, event venues, and guest service locations.
• Equipment: Commercial cooking/kitchen and general office equipment, gas and/or electric powered carts/shuttles, point of sale (POS) system, and tablets.

What we offer:

• Competitive Pay: $13 - $15 per hour (plus tip share) 
• Benefits: Garden Membership, discounts, and flexible scheduling. The Huntsville Botanical Garden is recognized as a “Best Place for Working Parents in 2026”. 
• Work Environment: Work in a naturally delightful setting grounded in the values of exemplifying expertise, embracing curiosity, looking forward, collaborating with compassion and taking time to celebrate.  

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job, and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hiring and developing employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.