SOLSTICE Temporary Nightly Event Staff

Organization:
Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres and is situated in Watertown and Cambridge near Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1831, and visited by over 200,000 people each year, Mount Auburn is a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first “rural cemetery” and the inspiration for the American Parks Movement during the 19th century. As an active cemetery, Mount Auburn inspires all who visit, comforts the bereaved, and commemorates the dead in a landscape of exceptional beauty. As an accredited arboretum, Mount Auburn features 5,000 trees and more than 20,000 plants overall.
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 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 Type: Seasonal/Temporary ($25/hr)
Position Summary: The temporary Nightly Event Staff support Mount Auburn’s signature annual event, SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light (December 7-21, 2024). Staff are stationed throughout the large event space—inside and outside—in buildings, on pathways, and near the outdoor artworks. Event staff are not required to work every day; you will be scheduled based on availability and need. Please tell the hiring manager if you cannot work outside and/or if you have specific accessibility needs. The Nightly Event Staff report to the Public Events Producer who schedules, trains, and supervises all Event Staff. Possible working dates (which are also the event dates) include: December 7-8, 10-11, 13-15, 17-18, 20-21. Shifts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will start at 4:00pm and end between 10:00pm-10:30pm. Shifts on Saturday will start at 3:30pm and end between 10:00pm-10:30pm. Shifts on Sunday will start at 3:30pm and end between 9:00pm-9:30pm.
Additional working hours will include one virtual information session and one on-site training session.
Responsibilities may include (depending on staffing location):

• 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 (e.g. no running, no scooters or bicycles, no touching monuments, no wandering outside of the event area, etc.)
• 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

Please refer questions to Julie-Anne Whitney, Public Events Producer, at