Guest Experience Associate - Festival of Trees (seasonal)

Job Title: Guest Experience Associate – Festival of Trees (Seasonal)
Location: The Garden at Elm Bank, Wellesley, MA
Reports to: Director of Guest Experience and Education
Dates: November 23 – December 31, 2026 (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)

Position Overview:
The Garden at Elm Bank is hiring part-time seasonal Guest Experience Associates for Festival of Trees, our signature holiday event. Associates are the first point of contact for festival guests, welcoming visitors, managing admissions, and running the raffle that makes the festival possible. We’re looking for reliable, upbeat, independent “people people” who enjoy busy, festive environments and can keep lines moving with a smile. Weekend, evening, and holiday-week availability is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

Guest Services and Admissions

- Greet and assist festival guests with enthusiasm and professionalism

- Sell and scan festival admission tickets, memberships, and add-ons

- Manage guest flow and lines during peak periods

- Answer questions in person, by phone, or by email about festival hours, tickets, parking, and directions

- Open and close the admissions booth and festival facilities

Raffle Coverage

- Sell raffle tickets and accurately process cash and card transactions

- Explain raffle rules, prize details, and how drawings work

- Help guests place tickets in the correct tree or prize entry boxes

- Monitor raffle stations to keep entry boxes secure, organized, and stocked

- Balance raffle sales and cash at the start and end of each shift

- Support end-of-festival raffle drawings and winner notifications as needed

Facilities and Event Support

- Keep the Visitor/Education Center, Gatehouse, and festival spaces clean, safe, and accessible

- Restock brochures, raffle supplies, and guest materials

- Assist with festival setup, daily resets, and breakdown

- Supervise and support volunteer greeters

- Enforce Garden rules and policies for visitor safety and site security

- Solve problems independently and use sound judgment during busy shifts

Qualifications:

- You love providing gracious hospitality to the public

- Experience in customer service, retail, hospitality, restaurant service, or another high-volume public-facing role

- Comfortable with electronic POS systems and cash and credit card transactions

- Strong attention to detail with money handling and record-keeping

- Able to answer and transfer phone calls and use general office equipment

- Able to stand for extended periods, bend, and occasionally lift and carry supplies between buildings

- Willing to work outdoors in cold and winter weather conditions

Hours and Compensation:

- Part-time seasonal position, November 23 – December 31. Training available prior to the festival.

- Weekend, evening, and holiday-period shifts required (scheduled in advance)

- Flexible scheduling; a range of shift patterns can be accommodated

- The pay range for this position is $15 to $17/hour.

Application Requirements:

- Resume

- A brief letter (one page max) sharing practical examples of your experience working with the public, handling sales or cash, providing information, and/or keeping a space tidy (Appreciated, but not required)

- References

- Successful completion of a background check prior to hire