Garden of Lights Show Assistant

About the role

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission is seeking a Garden of Lights Show Assistant to assist with the fabrication, repair, installation, operation, and takedown of lights and fabricated forms for the Garden of Lights winter light show at Brookside Gardens. This part-time position runs from August 2026 through mid-March 2027.

Responsibilities

• Clean and repair light forms as needed
• Install strands of lights on trees and shrubs
• Install light forms in garden areas
• Use ladders to safely install lights and light forms on trees, shrubs and structures
• Use power cords, tools, carts and other equipment safely
• Remove, clean, sort and store lights and light forms at the end of the show
• Support effective execution of daily tasks through teamwork and communication
• Scan and redeem tickets using a phone-based ticketing system
• Assess parking lot capacity and direct vehicles to park accordingly
• Monitor light show installations and make repairs in the field
• Monitor event operations to ensure visitor safety and event success
• Provide support to Brookside Gardens staff
• Perform related tasks as required
• Engage with Garden visitors and provide friendly, helpful customer service
• Respond to visitor questions and requests in a positive and informative manner
• Provide visitors with respectful guidance on Garden rules

Requirements

• Ability to lift to bend, stoop, stretch, climb and lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand for at least two hours at a time
• Walk at least half a mile up and down moderate hills without difficulty
• Tolerance for working outside in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, humidity and cold
• High School diploma or GED
• Must be at least 18 years or older
• Experience with technical lighting, set design or electrical equipment
• Experience with and knowledge of special events
• Previous customer service experience
• Previous retail experience
• Experience driving vehicles

Qualifications

• May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing

When You’ll Work

• During light show installation and take-down, the work shift is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Installation and take-down runs from August through mid-November and January through March.
• When the light show is operating from mid-November through early January, the work shift is weekday and weekend evenings from approximately 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., depending on the show schedule.

Additional Information

• This position is part-time and not eligible for benefits.
• A background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
• This position is based in Wheaton, MD.
• Position pays at a rate of $18.25 per hour; 24-40 hours/week. The position requires weekday, weekend, and evening availability according to the event schedule.
• The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.