Solstice Temp

Mount Auburn Cemetery; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Mount Auburn Cemetery is seeking temporary SOLSTICE set-up staff for its annual Reflections on Winter Light event. The role involves assisting with outdoor light installations and indoor experiences, and supporting guests and operations across the site.

Most positions are nighttime, with the majority of tasks performed by the day or night crew. Compensation is hourly, and staff may work across multiple shifts from December 3 to 21, 2026, under the supervision of the Public Events team.

Qualifications

• Previous event support experience preferred.
• Previous customer service experience a plus.
• Familiarity with Mount Auburn Cemetery a plus.
• Excellent “people skills,” including the ability to work harmoniously with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public.
• Ability to adapt to changing pace or new responsibilities.
• Warm, friendly demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming guests.
• Giving directional instructions for artworks, bathrooms, buildings, and other facilities.
• Directing guests to Check-In Tents and event maps.
• Managing Food & Beverage area, Gift Shop, Info Desk, and Parking areas.
• Scanning event tickets for guest Check-In and handing out candles.
• Answering event-related questions and enforcing event rules.
• Opening heavy doors for guests and assisting with nightly event break-down.

Skills

Event support

Customer service

People skills

Adaptability

Warm demeanor

Job description

Organization

Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first rural, or garden, cemetery in the United States, located on the line between Cambridge and Watertown 4 miles west of Boston. It is the burial site of many prominent Bostonians as well as being a National Historic Landmark. Dedicated in 1831 and set with classical monuments in a rolling landscaped terrain, it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The 175-acre cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as botanic garden. It is Watertown's largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2003.

Organization

Mount Auburn Cemetery is the first rural, or garden, cemetery in the United States, located on the line between Cambridge and Watertown 4 miles west of Boston. It is the burial site of many prominent Bostonians as well as being a National Historic Landmark. Dedicated in 1831 and set with classical monuments in a rolling landscaped terrain, it marked a distinct break with Colonial-era burying grounds and church-affiliated graveyards. The 175-acre cemetery is important both for its historical aspects and for its role as botanic garden. It is Watertown's largest contiguous open space and extends into Cambridge to the east. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2003.

Event Summary

SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey through large-scale light and sound artworks (created by MASARY Studios), and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting. Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape and explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere, and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins. Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty, consider an intention for the new year, or commemorate the memory of a loved one. Let the Solstice light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn.

• Position Title: SOLSTICE Daily Event Set-Up Staff
• Position Type: Temporary ($25/hr)
• Reports to: Director of Events, SOLSTICE Temp Event Lead
• Event Website: https://www.mountauburnsolstice.org/
• Confirmed Event Dates: December 3-21, 2026

Position Summary

The SOLSTICE temporary event staff team supports Mount Auburn’s signature annual event, SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light (Dec 3, 5-21, 2025). The Daily Event Set-Up team reports to the Public Events Assistant who will manage and monitor all event set-up and assign specific tasks as needed. Once hired, you’ll be assigned to the day crew or night crew based on availability. Please note that the majority of positions are nighttime roles.

Night Crew

• Welcoming guests
• Giving directional instructions for:
• Artworks
• Bathrooms
• Buildings
• Check-In Tents
• Event Maps
• Food & Beverage area
• Gift Shop
• Info Desk
• Parking areas
• Scanning event tickets for guest Check-In
• Handing out candles
• Answering event-related questions
• Opening heavy doors for guests
• Kindly reminding guests of event rules
• Helping with nightly event break-down

Qualifications

• Previous event support experience preferred
• Previous customer service experience a plus
• Familiarity with Mount Auburn Cemetery a plus
• Excellent “people skills,” including the ability to work harmoniously with fellow staff, volunteers, event partners, and members of the public.
• Ability to change pace and/or pivot to new responsibilities if required
• Warm, friendly demeanor

Working Conditions

• Working in all weather conditions
• Indoor and/or outdoor work
• Standing for hours at a time

Mount Auburn Cemetery is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship status, physical or mental ability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.