Event Captain - Temp Casual

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Arboretum seeks a part-time event staff member to oversee events, set up bars and POS, and coordinate front-line staff with hospitality. You will act as main contact for clients and vendors, ensure safety, enforce policies, and handle teardown as needed.

Flexible evenings and weekends preferred; physical effort required. Responsibilities include stocking the bar, setting up concessions, communicating needs to facilities and security, and delivering friendly service to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of various alcoholic beverages.
• Ability to complete TIPS training by first shift.
• Ability to obtain any government-required license or certificate.
• Basic mathematical and computer skills to operate a cash register and perform cash drops.
• Ability to read, speak and understand English to communicate with guests and staff.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions and short memos.
• Ability to present information clearly to customers, clients, and employees.
• Ability to handle keys and locks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee events and staff; act as main Arboretum contact for clients and vendors.
• Set up and tear down bars and point of sale equipment.
• Respond to questions with hospitality and enforce Arboretum policies.
• Coordinate with facilities and security on needs and concerns.
• Stock and resupply bar; manage supply rooms and signage.
• Ensure proper run of show and cleaner up at event end.
• Provide bartending, serving, and event staff support as needed.

Skills

High school diploma

Food & beverage knowledge

TIPS training ready

Government license readiness

Cash handling & math

English language proficient

Reading & writing simple instructions

Present information to customers

Key & lock handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 375199

Location: All Other -See Job Description

Contract type: Part-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Employee Class: Civil Service

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Job Code: 0006

About the Job

Position Overview

This position oversees events, handles set-up and teardown of bars and points of sale. It also responds to customer and vendor needs in a timely and courteous manner.

• Act as main Arboretum contact for clients and vendors throughout events
• Familiarize oneself with unique needs of each event in advance
• Respond to questions and requests with hospitality
• Enforce Arboretum rules and policies
• Manage frontline Arboretum staff throughout events
• Manage and assist in set-up of bar, and other venue-provided amenities
• Keep bar stocked and resupplied throughout event
• Unlock and relock supply rooms as needed
• Set up points of sale for bars and concessions
• Communicate cleaning, repair, and furniture needs to Arboretum facilities crew
• Communicate Security concerns to Arboretum Security team
• Manage and assist in bar clean-up and tear-down
• Close down points of sale according to Arboretum Policy
• Clean up linens at the conclusion of events
• Put out and away Arboretum signage as needed
• Communicate effectively with Arboretum management
• Act in the role of bartender, server, and event staff as needed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must have basic knowledge of food and beverage preparation and service of various alcoholic beverages
• Ability to successfully complete T.I.P.S. Training by first shift
• Ability to obtain any needed government-required license or certificate.
• Basic mathematical and computer skills necessary to operate a cash register, make change, total guest checks, count total bank, prepare cash drops, total all other charges, and understand portion sizes
• Ability to read, speak and understand the English language in order to communicate with guests, staff
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos and to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and employees.
• Ability to handle keys and locks

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiar with Arboretum spaces, personnel, and practices
• Available for evenings and weekends
• Prior events experience

Special / Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Sufficient manual dexterity in hands in order to use a knife, pick up glassware and bottles, scoop ice, mix drinks, and reach overhead to retrieve stock.

About the Department

Rooted in plant science and community, we grow knowledge and inspire action to support thriving ecosystems and our vital relationship with nature.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, part of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), is a public garden, research center, and horticultural education institution. Located in Chaska, Minnesota, the Arboretum spans over 1,200 acres of gardens, woodlands, prairies, and trails. Since its founding in 1958, it has served as a community hub and living museum, promoting environmental stewardship, plant conservation, and horticultural excellence. Welcoming over 500,000 visitors annually, the Arboretum advances the University's land-grant mission through research, education, and public engagement.

The Arboretum serves a broad and diverse public audience, offering employees the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization that connects people and plants in meaningful ways. Depending on the role, team members may engage with visitors, members, donors, community partners, or volunteers - whether through formal responsibilities or everyday interactions. Volunteers, in particular, are essential collaborators, bringing energy and support to programs, operations, and events. Working at the Arboretum means joining a passionate community dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and creating an inclusive, welcoming space for all.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.00 a hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience. As a University of Minnesota employee, this position cannot accept gratuities.

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

Diversity

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 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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.