Winter Wonderlights Manager on Duty-PT

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a part-time Winters WonderLights Manager on Duty for the State Botanical Garden of GA in Athens. You will oversee nightly operations, manage volunteers and staff, and ensure smooth operations during the Winter WonderLights show.

Ideal candidates have strong project management, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and availability in evenings and weekends through late January. This position supports events and security across outdoor settings.

Qualifications

• Strong project management background with focus on team development.
• Excellent communication, customer service and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to facilitate discussions to identify true goals of a problem.
• Evenings and weekends availability essential.

Responsibilities

• Execute nightly operations of the Winter WonderLights show.
• Provide customer service and troubleshoot issues.
• Ensure employee and volunteer productivity and efficiency.
• Train external volunteers and coordinate with vendors and staff.

Skills

Customer service

Project management

Team development

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Working Title:

Winter Wonderlights Manager on Duty-PT

Department:

PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

College/Unit/Department website:

https://botgarden.uga.edu/wonderlights/

Employment Type:

Employee

Additional Schedule Information:

Must be able to work 4pm – 11pm November 1st through January 31st with emphasis on December 18th – December 23rd and December 26th – December 30th

Advertised Salary:

18.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date:

10/27/2026

Posting Date:

08/26/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Must be able to work 4pm – 11pm November 1st through January 31st with emphasis on December 18th – December 23rd and December 26th – December 30th

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EOO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This position is expected to execute nightly operations of the the Winter WonderLights show and other special events at the Garden if needed. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to customer service, troubleshooting issues and ensuring employee and volunteer productivity and efficiency.

Percentage of time:

100

Classification Title:

Temporary Skilled Crafts/Trades

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

.49

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Winter WonderLights Manager at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA, this part time employee will help execute operational plans for special events at the garden. This position is expected to execute nightly operations of the Winter Wonderlights show which will include late nights and outdoor work in all types of weather. The part time Manager on Duty is also expected to support the Winter WonderLights Manager with training external volunteers and working with external vendors, full time and temporary staff.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

A qualified candidate for this position should also have a strong project management background with a focus on team development and documentation. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills are expected. Ability to facilitate discussions to identify true goals of a problem, flexibility, as well as availability on evenings and weekends is essential.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift containers of supplies weighing between 50-75 pounds, spend time sitting or squatting on the floor or standing for longer periods of time, long hours of standing/walking, perform duties with repetitive motion of wrists, arm, and shoulder, possess hand and finger coordination; ability to reach, climb, balance, crouch, twist, crawl, and kneel; and work in noisy, hot/cold environments.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Tripp Dukes

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]