Holday Events Assistant (Seasonal) (Second Shift 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM)

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden; Oakdale (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is seeking a Holiday Events Assistant to welcome guests, assist with admissions, memberships and event registrations, and support operations during light displays and special nights.

You will ensure excellent customer service, manage POS transactions, and help staff beverage stations while following safety and alcohol regulations. Flexible, part-time hours support garden events and seasonal activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous customer service experience required.
• Detail-oriented with ability to troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear, tactful communication with a pleasant demeanor.
• Demonstrated collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Reliable and able to work independently with little supervision.
• Valid PA driver’s license required.
• RAMP certification preferred; must comply with PA liquor laws.
• Food safety training a plus.
• CPR/first aid certification a plus.
• Willing to obtain background clearances (Child Abuse, PA State Police, FBI).

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and address needs promptly, including questions and directions during the light display.
• Process admissions, gift shop, memberships, and event registrations.
• Remain current on Holiday Events activities, promotions and benefits.
• Adhere to customer service guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure cash drawer security and balance per cash handling policy.
• Ensure station coverage and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Provide service in garden venues and beverage stations; serve alcohol responsibly.
• Prepare and serve food and beverages following safety standards.
• Verify guest IDs and comply with liquor laws.
• Process sales through POS system; follow cash handling policy.
• Assist with event setup, directing vendors as needed.
• Follow safety procedures during events and assist with closing procedures.
• Perform other duties to support Garden operations or holiday events.

Skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Reliability

Independent work

POS system knowledge

Altru/POS system

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Altru/POS system

Job description

Description

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.

The Holiday Events Assistant welcomes and assists guests, supports visitor experience and event operations, and helps ensure a positive experience during general admission, group visits, and special event nights.

Essential Job Functions

• Greet guests in a friendly, attentive way and address their needs promptly, including answering questions and providing directions throughout the light display.
• Process admissions, gift shop and merchandise sales, memberships, and event registrations.
• Remain current on Holiday Events activities, Garden development, membership levels, benefits, and promotions.
• Adhere to PBG Customer Service guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure cash drawer security and balance and adhere to all other aspects of the PBG cash handling policy.
• Ensure constant coverage of the station to which you are assigned.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, guests, and patrons.
• Provide friendly, attentive customer service in the Garden’s food and drink venues and event beverage stations.
• Prepare and serve food and beverages, including hot drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, following food safety standards and PBG procedures.
• Verify guest identification and serve alcohol responsibly in accordance with RAMP standards and applicable Pennsylvania liquor laws.
• Process food and beverage sales through the POS system, adhering to the PBG cash handling policy.
• Assist with event setup and execution as assigned, including directing vendors to their assigned spaces and assisting as needed.
• Follow safety procedures to reduce risk during events; the Holiday Events Assistant may be required to intervene in various situations for the safety of guests.
• Assist with closing procedures, including securing gates and doors, to ensure the property is left in good condition.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Garden operations or holiday events.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Previous experience in customer service is required; experience in event operations or food and beverage service is a plus.
• Must have a high attention to detail and be able to troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to communicate clearly and tactfully with a pleasant demeanor.
• Demonstrated collaboration and creative problem-solving skills.
• Be reliable and able to work independently with little supervision.
• Have basic computer knowledge and the ability to learn the Altru/POS system.
• Must have a valid PA driver’s license.
• RAMP certification is preferred; must be able to verify identification and serve alcohol responsibly in compliance with Pennsylvania liquor laws.
• Food safety training is a plus.
• CPR certification and first aid training are a plus.
• Must be willing to obtain background clearances (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; FBI Fingerprint Background Check).

Work Conditions

• Typically, this position is scheduled 15–25 hours per workweek. Seasonal workers may receive hours through the end of December.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required, with shifts potentially as late as midnight.
• Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions.
• This position works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including winter weather.
• Work involves moving between indoor venues, including food and drink service areas, and the outdoor light display.
• Activities include movements such as bending, reaching, walking, and lifting and carrying supplies.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and periodically lift and carry up to 25 pounds.