Garden of Lights Barback

This is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position with multiple openings. Shifts are Wednesday through Sunday evenings, beginning with setup before doors open and ending after guests have departed and closing duties are complete, from November 18, 2026 through January 10, 2027, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. The event is closed December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1.

The Garden of Lights Barback supports the Bartenders at Garden of Lights, one of the college’s premier community engagement events hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. The Barback keeps the bar stocked with beverages, ice, cups, and supplies; keeps the bar area clean and organized; and helps with setup and closing so Bartenders can stay focused on serving guests.

Safety and responsible alcohol service are the top priorities at the bar. The Barback follows all North Carolina alcohol laws, the event’s alcohol permit requirements, and college policies; keeps alcohol secured and under control when moving it between storage and the bar; and does not check identification or serve alcohol unless trained and directed to do so.

This is a family event, and a well-stocked, clean, and efficient bar is part of an excellent guest experience. Garden of Lights is a fast-paced event, with new groups of guests arriving every 30 minutes, so the Barback must anticipate needs and restock before supplies run out.

Works as part of the Garden of Lights event team, in close coordination with the Bartenders, the alcohol sales lead, and the Nightly Event Manager, and promptly reports any incident, low stock, or safety concern.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Shifts are Wednesday–Sunday evenings, November 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (closed December 24, 25, 31, and January
1), beginning with setup before doors open and ending after guests have departed and closing duties are complete, with a maximum of 25 hours per week. Garden of Lights is a cashless event. Consistent evening and weekend availability is required throughout the season.

• Attend required pre-season training on the event’s alcohol policies, responsible alcohol service, safe lifting, guest service standards, and emergency procedures.
• Check in with the alcohol sales lead or Nightly Event Manager to review the night’s menu, expected attendance, and stocking plan.
• Move beverages, ice, cups, and supplies from storage to the bar, and stock coolers so cold drinks are cold and warm drinks are warm before doors open.
• Help the Bartenders set up the bar, signage, trash and recycling containers, and work space.

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the Executive Director of the Gardens or Nightly Event Manager

• Keep the bar continuously stocked with beverages, ice, cups, napkins, and other supplies, restocking before items run out.
• Move stock safely between storage and the bar, using carts or hand trucks and safe lifting practices, and keep alcohol secured and in sight at all times.
• Keep the bar and surrounding area clean, dry, and organized; wipe counters; and clean up spills and broken items promptly to prevent slips and injuries.
• Empty bar trash and recycling as they fill, and break down boxes.
• Help keep the line organized and moving, and greet guests warmly.
• Tell the Bartenders and alcohol sales lead about low stock or sold-out items right away.
• Alert the Bartender or Nightly Event Manager to any guest who appears intoxicated or underage, or any adult passing drinks to minors.
• Never consume alcohol while on duty.

• Help the Bartenders count remaining inventory and return all alcohol to locked, secured storage.
• Br…