LIGHTS Concessions and Retail Specialist (seasonal)
Reports To: Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Employment Status: Seasonal, Temporary
Schedule: ? Flexible between mid-October and November 25 while preparing for the LIGHTS event: approx. 40 hours. ? Then, 19 nights during LIGHTS: approx. 100 hours.
Compensation: $18/hour. $150.00 Bonus Potential for completing all 19 assigned nights during LIGHTS.
About Fernwood
Fernwood’s mission is to welcome and inspire all to explore, discover, and connect with nature and one another. Beautiful gardens surrounded by forest are tucked into a 105-acre landscape of cultivated and natural areas along the scenic St. Joseph River valley. Miles of trails await, and indoors, visitors may enjoy an art gallery, fern conservatory, Education Center, café, and gift shop. Fernwood offers many possibilities for learning and enrichment, including classes, workshops, lectures, field trips, camps, tours, exhibits, concerts, and special events.
Position Summary
The LIGHTS Concessions and Retail Specialist is responsible for planning, stocking, setting up, and operating a concessions and retail area during the LIGHTS at Fernwood. This position ensures products are readily available, displays are attractive and organized, customers receive excellent service, and all food safety and cash-handling procedures are followed.
Key Responsibilities
? Plan daily and weekly inventory needs based on sales trends, customer traffic, and special events.
? Receive, organize, stock, and rotate concession products, supplies, and merchandise.
? Set up and maintain attractive, clean, and fully stocked concession displays.
? Operate point-of-sale (POS) systems and accurately process cash, credit card, and mobile transactions.
? Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs to management.
Key Responsibilities (continued)
? Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of concession areas, equipment, storage rooms, and customer service areas. ? Assist with opening and closing procedures, including cash reconciliation and securing inventory.
? Provide friendly, professional customer service and resolve customer concerns promptly.
? Follow all company policies, safety procedures, and health regulations.
? Work alongside Fernwood volunteers. Qualifications
? High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
? Previous retail, food service, concessions, or customer service experience preferred.
? Ability to operate a cash register or POS system.
? Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
? Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
? Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
? Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical Requirements
? Ability to stand for extended periods.
? Ability to lift and carry up to 30–50 pounds.
? Frequent bending, reaching, and stocking of products.
? Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Key Competencies
? Customer Focus
? Inventory Management
? Attention to Detail
? Dependability
? Time Management
? Cash Handling Accuracy
? Teamwork
? Problem Solving
Creativity & Revenue Generation
? Demonstrate creativity in developing and implementing sales and promotional ideas that enhance the guest experience and increase concession revenue during LIGHTS at Fernwood.
? Identify opportunities to upsell and cross-sell concessions, souvenirs, and seasonal merchandise.
? Create engaging product displays and themed offerings that align with the holiday event atmosphere.
? Recommend new products, bundles, and limited-time promotions based on guest preferences and sales trends. ? Help drive attendance and repeat purchases by contributing innovative ideas for customer engagement and special events.
? Maintain awareness of guest traffic patterns and adjust product placement, staffing, and inventory to maximize sales opportunities.
How to Apply: Please email a letter of interest, including a resume with relevant qualifications, to Elaine Rowland, Fernwood’s Director of Marketing, at erowland@fernwoodbotanical.org.
Application Deadline: October 10, 2026
