(Seasonal) Winter Lights RCRR Assistant

The University of North Carolina System; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Seasonal part-time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina System is seeking a Rocky Cove Railroad Winter Lights Assistant for the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC. This seasonal, part-time role runs during Winter Lights with evening hours from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining the Rocky Cove Railroad exhibit and engaging guests. Paid training sessions are required prior to the event, which runs November 13 through January 3.

Qualifications

• Evening availability required.
• Customer service and organizational skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Ensure tracks are clear of debris before running trains.
• Start trains for Winter Lights each night.
• Monitor trains for smooth operation and address derailments.
• Maintain batteries and supplies to keep show running.
• Coordinate with Rocky Cove Railroad volunteers; act as lead in case a volunteer is unavailable.
• Shut down trains and store safely at end of night.

Job description

Rocky Cove Railroad (RCRR) Winter Lights Assistant

Winter Lights, our largest fundraiser, transforms our gardens into a dazzling display of lights during November and December, creating an enchanting experience for all who visit. As part of our seasonal team, you'll help bring this wonder to life, ensuring that our guests enjoy a cozy, memorable evening surrounded by beauty. If you're looking to spread holiday cheer and be part of something special, we'd love to have you on board!

The North Carolina Arboretum is currently seeking a Rocky Cove Railroad (RCRR) Winter Lights Assistant to aid in operating and maintaining its permanent garden-scale railroad exhibit, Rocky Cove Railroad during the Arboretum's primary fundraiser event, Winter Lights. The primary function of this position is ensuring the exhibit is up and running smoothly throughout the run of the event. The rate of pay is $16 per hour.

This temporary seasonal role is responsible for ensuring that the trains are running smoothly and equipment is functioning properly. The Assistant will operation the site music, maintain the exhibit per show design requirements and will also provide a guest services role by engaging with guests. This positions requires standing for long periods of time and working outside.

At least one paid required training session at the railroad and required orientation will be held prior to the event opening. Including rehearsal evenings, Winter Lights will run from November 13 through January 3 and the work hours are 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. nightly. Holiday availability is required.

Duties will include:

• Making sure the tracks are clear of any debris before running the trains.
• Starting up the trains for the opening of Winter Lights each night.
• Ensuring the trains run smoothly (attending to any derailments or issues with the trains).
• Ensuring that the trains have adequate batteries and supplies to keep the show running throughout the Winter Lights event.
• Working with Rocky Cove Railroad volunteers to help run the trains. In case a volunteer is unable to work the event, the RCCR assistant will be in charge of running the trains.
• Stopping the trains at the end of each night worked and placing them safely away in the depot.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434 acre public garden affiliated with the University of North Carolina featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational activities, and plant-centered research and economic development programs. The North Carolina Arboretum Society is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation that supports the Arboretum's mission of cultivating connections between people and plants through the
membership program, individual and corporate giving programs, retail operations, sponsored research activities and fee-based educational program and exhibits and green events. The responsibilities of the Exhibits Department focus on making a significant impact on the Arboretum's mission to connect
people, plants and places by engaging rotating and permanent exhibitions.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

This position requires evening availability. Some weekends and holidays may be required. Graduation from High School or an equivalent combination of education and experience are welcome. Customer service and organizational skills.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

Customer service skills are a plus as is any prior experience of working with G-scale trains although prior experience with trains is not required.

• Classification: (Seasonal) Winter Lights RCRR Assistant
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA22
• Appointment Type: Time Limited
• 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:
• Posting Number: req756

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]