(Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate

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

Job summary

The Arboretum in Asheville, NC, is hiring for the (Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate to support two indoor shops during the annual Winter Lights show. Earn $16.00 per hour with up to 25 hours per week; shifts mostly 5:30–10:30 p.m. The season runs November 12 through January 3, with paid trainings in the first week of November.

Background checks are required. This part-time position is ideal for students, teachers, or anyone looking for a fun evening gig and extra holiday income, with

Qualifications

• Evening availability required; weekends and holidays may be required.

Responsibilities

• Process sales transactions on a point-of-sale register.
• Restock merchandise and maintain a clean and appealing shop setting.
• Answer questions about retail products and the Winter Lights exhibit.
• Deliver excellent and friendly customer service that makes the visit memorable.

Skills

Cash-handling

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Evening availability

Stand for long periods

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Point-of-sale system

Job description

(Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate

Spend your evenings this holiday season working inside North Carolina's favorite winter tradition. The Arboretum is hiring Retail Associates for our annual Winter Lights show. This is a part-time position at $16.00 per hour, with flexible scheduling up to 25 hours per week. Most shifts run from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., and the season runs from November 12 through January 3, with paid trainings the first week of November. Weekends, evenings, and holidays are required.

Winter Lights transforms the Arboretum's gardens into a nighttime wonderland built from thousands of lights. It's our largest fundraiser and a holiday tradition for families across the Southeast. Our two indoor retail shops sit right in the middle of it, offering seasonal gifts, local arts and crafts, and merchandise, celebrating our mission to inspire connection with nature through wonder, knowledge, and stewardship.

This is retail at its best: you're indoors and warm, the shops are festive, and every customer chooses to be here and is excited about it. It's a short, defined season, perfect if you're a student, a teacher, a retiree, or anyone who'd like a fun evening gig and extra income for the holidays. Customer service and retail experience with cash-handling skills preferred, although we will provide paid training.

All offers are contingent on a background check.

What you’ll do:

• Process sales transactions on a point-of-sale register
• Restock merchandise and maintain a clean and appealing shop setting
• Answer questions about retail products and the Winter Lights exhibit
• Deliver excellent and friendly customer service that makes the visit memorable

What the job requires:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, which includes bending, reaching, and kneeling for tasks such as stocking
• Cash-handling and the ability to make correct change for a high volume of transactions
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills for engaging with a diverse clientele
• Effective manual dexterity for handling products and retail equipment
• The ability to occasionally lift and carry boxes of merchandise up to 25 pounds.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The Retail Department works within the Guest Experiences and Services group providing retail opportunities for guests to maximize their visitation to the Arboretum.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills

This position requires evening availability. Some weekends and holidays may be required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school (or equivalent)

Competencies

• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays during Winter Lights (November 12 through January 3);
• Ability to accurately make change;
• Ability to run a point of sale system;
• Ability to handle credit card transactions;
• Knowledge of cash handling procedures;
• Ability to effectively interact with customers; and,
• Strong interpersonal skills, exceptional communication skills.

• Classification: (Seasonal) Winter Lights Retail Associate
• 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: 9/8/2026
• Posting Close Date: 9/21/2026
• Posting Number: req750

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]