Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant is an important member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, and quality control of the annual in-house exhibitions Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow. The Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant will support installation and de-installation before and after the exhibition period, as well as perform opening duties prior to extended evening hours. The Assistant supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service.

This is a temporary position with an expected start date of 9/28/2026 and an end date of 12/31/2026, consisting of an average of 16-24 hours per week.

Compensation: $16/hr + tips

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works hands-on within seasonal holiday exhibitions (Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow) to ensure a high quality of displays and a positive visitor experience.

• Assists with tasks to prepare props prior to each exhibition period, including painting, assembly, basic construction, and wrapping string lights.

• Completes assigned installation and deinstallation tasks to support holiday exhibitions by working with other staff members to install lights, secure props, and address issues.

• Performs daily opening procedures and troubleshoots found problems for the Aglow exhibitions, including a full lighting walkthrough, adjustment of display props, music and projector checks, signage and stanchion checks, etc.

• Prepares exhibition spaces for installation projects, in addition to packing and unpacking objects as well as organizing storage spaces when appropriate.

• Supports organizing and transporting of props and lights between offsite storage and the Conservatory.

• Operates equipment and tools safely and correctly to efficiently accomplish work, including but not limited to: carts, drills, saws, blowers, trucks, tractors, etc.

• Follows proper use and wear of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Promptly observes and reports concerns regarding exhibition displays or safety issues, or addresses situations when appropriate.

• Performs other duties as assigned and demonstrates focus on serving the visitors and guests of the Conservatory.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required; some relevant higher education or vocational training is preferred.

• 1 year of experience constructing set designs, working with audio-visual components, and/or installing exhibitions within a relevant cultural institution, including repair and maintenance with the use of power tools or performance of similar duties in a technical role.

• Valid Driver’s License with the ability to provide own transportation to and from work?sites if needed.

• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic software programs (Word, Excel, and Microsoft workspace).

• Ability to translate exhibition designs into realized displays with project guidance.

• Ability to implement effective maintenance routines with strong attention to detail and quality.

• Ability to safely operate and maintain tools and machinery such as electrical equipment, power tools, saws, lifts, trucks, etc.

• Team focused with the ability to follow directions and work independently.

• Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish plant or exhibition installations and maintenance with or without accommodation.

• Ability to work in a variety of settings ranging from outdoors, office environment, and warehouses.

• Ability to operate lifts and ladders to ascend spaces for exhibition installation.

• Ability and willingness to perform hands-on labor in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.

• Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

EEO Statement: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.