Assistant to Head Usher

City of Sarasota; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Sarasota is seeking a part-time Usher for the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to assist with admission and guest flow during performances. You will check tickets, direct guests to seating, and support arrival and departure procedures with a focus on friendly service.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent and can work nights, weekends and holidays; previous public-facing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, or equivalent; or sufficient experience and training to provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Training and experience may be used in lieu of educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assists in event arrival and departure procedures.
• Assists in directing audience flow.
• Checks information on ticket and directs guests to appropriate entrance relative to the seating assignment.
• Resolves conflicts as they arise or refers difficult problems or complaints to Head Usher for resolution.
• Offers assistance to guests who appear confused regarding admission procedures or seating.
• Answers inquiries regarding building facilities, program times and emergency procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service by maintaining a friendly, outgoing and helpful attitude.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

All current City of Sarasota employees must apply to job postings on the internal career site. Come work at a place where employees of the City serve with Excellence and Pride! NOTE: The City of Sarasota is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Veteran, E-Verify and Drug Free Workplace employer. Click to view the City's Veterans Recruitment Plan. Click to view a the City's Educational Equivalency Statement.

Department: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Employee Type: Temporary (Fixed Term) Time Type: Part time Salary Range: 18.8631 Hourly Job Posting Period: September 10, 2026 - September 21, 2026 12:00 A.M.

Job Description: Overview

To collect tickets or other procedures to check validity of admission of all guests at each performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (VWPAH). Assist the Head Usher to create a pleasant, professional experience for all guests, sponsors, visiting artists, artistic management and volunteers.

Essential Functions

• Assists in event arrival and departure procedures.
• Assists in directing audience flow.
• Checks information on ticket and directs guests to appropriate entrance relative to the seating assignment.
• Resolves conflicts as they arise or refers difficult problems or complaints to Head Usher for resolution.
• Offers assistance to guests who appear confused regarding admission procedures or seating.
• Answers inquiries regarding building facilities, program times and emergency procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service by maintaining a friendly, outgoing and helpful attitude.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school, or equivalent; or sufficient experience and training to provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Training and experience may be used in lieu of educational requirements.

Job Based Competencies

• Working knowledge of principles of good public and inter-personal relations and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
• Ability to develop a thorough knowledge of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall guest operations.
• Ability to understand complete instructions given in writing and orally by manager and to carry them out with efficiency and cooperation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of personalities and situations requiring diplomacy and tact.
• Visual and audio acuity to properly and quickly check the tickets of guests.
• Maintain a professional, neat and well-groomed appearance, adhering to the dress code of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
• Ability to work varied and irregular shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Responsibility

Under the direction of and responsible to the Department Head or designated representative. May exercise general supervision under certain circumstances, as assigned by the Head Usher.

Physical Requirements

Position requires considerable physical activity and that the incumbent be of sound physical condition without limitations as to standing for long periods of times and climbing of stairs frequently during performances. Position requires reaching, fingering, talking, and climbing of stairs frequently during performances. Position requires reaching, fingering, talking, and hearing to accurately perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for reviewing and checking tickets for performances and schedules. This position may require lifting up to 40 pounds occasionally.

Public Contact

Extensive public contact.

Retirement Benefit

The City of Sarasota made the transition to become a Florida Retirement System (FRS) employer effective December 1, 2021. To learn more about what this benefit may mean for you, please visit MyFrs.com. Please note that if you are hired to work for the City of Sarasota as an FRS employer, you will be asked to complete a form to certify your FRS status, as there may be an impact to any FRS benefit you are already receiving. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Jake Brown our ADA Coordinator. Jake can be reached via email at [e-mail] or via phone at 941-263-6299. For questions pertaining to general employment or job application status, please call 941-263-6476, or email [e-mail] The City of Sarasota believes in customers service, and delivering city service to its approximately 55,000 residents is a commitment we take serious. The City provides many services with the most recognizable ones being water, sewer, street maintenance and police protection. The quality and way these services are delivered have a direct impact on everyday life in our community and that is why the employees of the City serve with Excellence and Pride.