(Temporary) Special Events/ Exhibits Install Lead

Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region. Guests can also enjoy traveling exhibits, music programs, can rent our facilities and a multitude of plant and flower shows.

We are currently seeking Special Events/Exhibits Install Lead to help us bring those events to life! The Special Events/Exhibits Install Lead will be paid $20 an hour and work 40 hours each week.

This position is considered 'temporary' under the State of North Carolina policies and may only work 11 out of 12 months each year, with a mandatory month-long furlough in March. This position will work 40 hours per week. Evening and weekend shifts are required for Winter Lights and other special projects.

The Special Events/Exhibits Install Lead works with the Special Events Supervisor to lead the Installation crew in executing the set-up for Special Events/Exhibits. The Install Lead will be briefed by the Special Events supervisor on a monthly and weekly basis to ensure that the design and installation timeline are being implemented adequately and to ensure all installation deadlines are met. Applicants should have managerial experience and be comfortable in supervising and training the special events team members effectively in the absence of the Special Events Supervisor.

This position will be responsible for the installation of our annual Winter Lights show, assisting with Event/Exhibit set-up, basic construction/carpentry, structural refurbishing and other special projects as needed. In addition, this position will be responsible for planning/implementation of any new special events/exhibits as they arise.

The incumbent must be able to move a work load of 50 pounds repetitively. Typical activities include climbing ladders, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching above head or below waist, stooping, crouching and visual acuity to utilize power tools. A large portion of this work will be outside and will be subject to the elements.

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 Special Events team works to ensure high quality and timely set-up of large scale events such as Winter Lights, The North Carolina Arboretum's primary fundraiser. An interdepartmental endeavor, money raised from this show helps fund educational programs, garden maintenance and campus improvements.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Applicants with managerial experience and one or more of the following skills:
Electrical work, including safety procedures and power distribution
Carpentry/experience building props
Experience with holiday light shows and/or programmable lights
Forklift Certification
IT knowledge/ creative troubleshooting ability

Competencies
Ability to be an effective leader in a team environment and to manage the workflow of the team in order to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to make on the spot decisions that are rooted in design aesthetics that align install timeline deadlines.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors, in all weather.
Ability to lift at least 50lbs repetitively (ideally at least 75lbs).
Ability to operate machinery used in landscaping, grounds maintenance and basic utility maintenance.
Ability to safely work at heights, including climbing ladders, working in trees, and occasionally from the bucket of a boom lift
Knowledge of standard office technology.
Communication: Must have courteous verbal communication skills for interaction with both internal and external publics. This position will need to follow and give both written and oral instructions.

• Classification: (Temporary) Special Events/Exhibits Install Lead
• Position Number: UNCSO-ATNCA9
• Employment Type: SHRA
• Appointment Type: Temporary
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-Time
• Recruitment Salary Range: 20.00
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 7/1/2025
• Posting Close Date: 7/14/2025
• Posting Number: req603

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: ophiring@northcarolina.edu