(Seasonal) Winter Lights Housekeeper/Custodian

The University of North Carolina System; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The North Carolina Arboretum, a unit of the University of North Carolina system, is seeking a Seasonal Winter Lights Housekeeper/Custodian in Asheville, NC. The role helps maintain clean indoor and outdoor spaces for guests during the winter lights show, including trash removal, restroom upkeep, and general cleaning after hours.

Shifts run 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., from November 13 through January 3, with weekends and some holidays required. Pay ranges from $16 to $18 per hour, based on experience.

Qualifications

• High School education or equivalent.
• Ability to work with cleaning chemicals safely.
• Strong attention to detail and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Empty indoor and outdoor trash and clean guest and staff areas.
• Sweep, mop, and spot-clean floors; maintain porches and terraces.
• Ensure restrooms and break rooms are clean and stocked.
• Keep walkways clear of debris and ice within 25 feet of the building.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Communication

Education

High School education or equivalent

Job description

(Seasonal) Winter Lights Housekeeper/ Custodian

Imagine working in a beautiful, illuminated garden under a starry sky, surrounded by festive lights and cheerful guests. As a housekeeper/custodian, you'll be essential to creating a clean, welcoming environment, helping everyone fully enjoy the magic of the season. This role is perfect if you love the holiday atmosphere and want to be part of a close-knit team bringing joy to visitors each night. You'll enjoy a unique, peaceful setting in the garden after hours, with beautiful winter scenes all around you.

We are currently seeking (Seasonal) Winter Lights Housekeeper/Custodians. This role is responsible for performing a variety of duties associated with the care and cleaning of work areas as well keeping some outside elements of the show clean and accessible. The Housekeeper/Custodian will help empty outdoor trash receptacles and help clean up the inevitable: spilled hot chocolate. Pay will be $16 to $18 per hour depending upon experience. The shift will run from 4:30 p.m. and will be complete by 11 p.m. Weekends and some holidays are required. The show will run from November 13th-January 3rd.

Responsibilities include frequently emptying indoor and outdoor trash cans and maintaining guest and staff areas by sweeping, mopping and performing general spot cleaning as needed. The cleaning of porches and terraces is included and you will be asked to ensure restrooms and break rooms are in excellent condition including cleaning toilets, hard surfaces, replacement of paper products, cleaning metal/mirrored surfaces and emptying trash and recycle receptacles.

It will be imperative that this position maintain the Arboretum's visitor standards of excellence and you will be asked to help keep walkways within 25' of building clear of debris/ice to insure safety during bad weather conditions.

Our housekeeping/custodial department is a vital part of our core team. This department helps set a positive tone for our guests and their experience with us.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The Facilities unit of The North Carolina Arboretum is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the 434-acre campus to meet the needs of employees and visitors. The duties of the unit include both strategic planning and day-to-day operations with particular emphasis on buildings and premises. Facilities is responsible for building and basic grounds maintenance, cleaning, vending, health and safety, and set up and break down of event space management.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

High School education or equivalent.

Competencies

Technical Knowledge: Extreme accuracy is required in this work due to the inherent dangers of working with cleaning chemicals and solvents. There is a high consequence of error in this position. Injury to the employee or to a guest and damage to Arboretum facilities may result if this position does not use extreme caution with cleaning products.

Communication: Employee works from oral instruction and written directions. The employee is required to have the capability of performing the majority of tasks assigned with little supervision after being given directions and training in all areas of housekeeping and setup. The employee has daily contact with Arboretum staff, volunteers and guests and has the responsibility to help create and maintain a favorable learning environment. Employee is expected to maintain a friendly, courteous and helpful attitude at all times. This position requires an intense awareness of the overall condition of the building and surrounding area as seen from the guest's point of view. Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Classification: (Seasonal) Winter Lights Housekeeper/Custodian
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA22
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 9/28/2026
• Posting Close Date:

EEO

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons shall submit a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with a State Application for Employment (Form PD-107 or equivalent) to the appointing authority.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

EEO Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: [e-mail]