Garden of Lights Technical Manager

Sandhills Community College; Pinehurst (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Sandhills Community College is seeking a part-time Technical Manager for the Garden of Lights, a seasonal outdoor event. You will perform pre-show checks, monitor the display during events, and address electrical issues quickly while following safety protocols.

The role combines electrical troubleshooting with basic handyman tasks in an outdoor garden setting, with on-site or on-call duties and a strong emphasis on guest safety and experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as electrician/electrical tech or handyman with outdoor lighting skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical problems quickly and safely under time pressure.
• Basic handyman skills: carpentry/metalwork, securing fixtures, problem-solving.
• Comfortable outdoors in evenings, cold weather, and variable terrain.
• Reliable transportation and prompt on-site arrival when on call.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-show system checks and maintain lighting circuits and displays.
• Monitor show and respond to outages, faults, and safety hazards during events.
• Conduct post-show inspections and secure the site; maintain issue logs.
• Coordinate with Nightly Event Manager and Gardens leadership on repairs and safety.
• Assist with setup/teardown or reconfiguration of displays as needed.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

Handyman skills

Outdoor night work

Safety emphasis

Clear communication

Education

Licensed electrician

CPR/First Aid

Tools

DMX lighting controllers

LED lighting systems

GFCI outdoor circuits

Power tools

Job description

This is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position. Work is performed on site during event nights or on call, Wednesday through Sunday, from November 18, 2026 through January 10, 2027, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. The event is closed December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1.

The Garden of Lights Technical Manager keeps the entire lighting display at Garden of Lights, one of the college’s premier community engagement events hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, running safely and continuously while guests are present. When on site, the Technical Manager completes pre-show system checks, monitors the show throughout the evening, and quickly resolves any electrical or physical issues. When on call, the Technical Manager responds promptly to lighting or equipment problems reported by event staff.

This is a proactive, problem-solving role that combines electrical troubleshooting with general handyman skills in an outdoor garden setting. Safety is the top priority, for guests, staff, and the Technical Manager.

This is a family event, and the lighting display is the heart of the guest experience. Garden of Lights is a fast-paced event, with new groups of guests arriving every 30 minutes, so outages and hazards must be identified and resolved quickly.

Works as part of the Garden of Lights event team, in close coordination with the Nightly Event Manager, and follows all electrical and safety procedures, escalating significant issues or needed daytime repairs to the Executive Director of the Gardens.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Work is scheduled Wednesday–Sunday, November 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1), on site or on call, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. On-site shifts begin before gates open for the pre-show walkthrough and end after the post-show inspection. Consistent evening and weekend availability is required throughout the season.

Before Each Show:

• Check in with the Nightly Event Manager to review any known issues, weather conditions, and expected attendance.
• Arrive early enough to complete a full pre-show walkthrough and system check of all lighting circuits, controllers, timers, extension cords, and displays.
• Identify and correct outages, damaged cords, loose displays, and trip hazards before guests arrive.
• Maintain an organized supply of spare bulbs/LEDs, cords, fuses, tools, and replacement parts, and report supply needs.

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the Executive Director of the Gardens or VP of Engagement.

During the Show (On Site or On Call):

• Monitor the show throughout the evening and respond immediately to any outages, flickering, tripped breakers, damaged cords, or equipment failures.
• When on call, respond promptly to calls from event staff and arrive on site as quickly as possible to resolve issues.
• Perform basic electrical repairs and troubleshooting (replacing bulbs/LEDs, resetting GFCI/breakers, checking connections, swapping controllers or power supplies) while following all safety protocols.
• Address physical/handyman issues that could affect the show or guest safety, such as securing loose displays, repairing or reinforcing temporary structures, clearing trip hazards, adjusting stakes/anchors, or fixing minor mechanical problems with props and fixtures.
• Follow all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE, lockout/tagout awareness, and weather-related precautions; cordon off or shut down any area or display that is unsafe.
• Maintain clear radio communication with the Nightly Event Manager and operations team, and report any significant issues or needed daytime repairs.
• Assist with minor setup/teardown or reconfiguration of displays when needed.

After the Show:

• Conduct a post-show inspection and secure the site (power down systems as directed, lock equipment, note any problems for the next day).
• Keep a log of issues, repairs, and parts used, and share it with the Executive Director of the Gardens and the Nightly Event Manager.
• Success in this role will be measured by display uptime, fast response to issues, zero preventable safety incidents, and guest satisfaction.

Required education and experience:

• Proven experience as an electrician, electrical technician, or experienced handyman with strong electrical skills (residential/commercial lighting and temporary outdoor power systems preferred).
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical problems quickly and safely under time pressure.
• Basic handyman skills: use of common tools, securing fixtures, minor carpentry/metalwork, and general problem-solving.
• Comfortable working outdoors in evening/night conditions, including cold weather, wind, light rain, and uneven garden terrain.
• Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive on site promptly when on call.
• Ability to work a consistent evening schedule throughout the season, including weekends and holiday weeks.
• Strong attention to safety and guest experience.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work with event staff under pressure.

Preferred education and experience:

• Licensed electrician or relevant electrical certification (highly desirable).
• Previous experience with holiday/event lighting displays, outdoor temporary power, or similar seasonal attractions.
• Familiarity with LED lighting systems, DMX or basic lighting controllers, and GFCI-protected outdoor circuits.
• Familiarity with the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Does this position supervise others? No