Garden of Lights Shuttle Driver

This is a temporary, seasonal, part-time position. Shifts are Wednesday through Sunday, 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., 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 Shuttle Driver provides safe, courteous transportation for guests attending Garden of Lights, one of the college’s premier community engagement events hosted at the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Using a college-provided passenger van, the Shuttle Driver circulates through the parking lots of Sandhills Community College, picking up guests at their vehicles or designated shuttle stops and taking them to the event entrance, then returning guests to their cars at the end of their visit.
Safety is the top priority of this role. The Shuttle Driver is responsible for the safe operation of the college vehicle at all times; for the safety of passengers while boarding, riding, and exiting; and for the safety of pedestrians in dark, busy parking areas.
The Shuttle Driver is often a guest’s first and last point of contact at Garden of Lights and is expected to provide a warm, welcoming, and helpful experience that reflects the college’s mission and community values.
Works as part of the Garden of Lights event team under the direction of the Nightly Event Manager, follows established safety and vehicle-use procedures, and promptly reports any incident, vehicle issue, or safety concern.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Shifts are Wednesday–Sunday, 5:00–10:30 p.m., November 18, 2026 – January 10, 2027 (closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1), with a maximum of 25 hours per week. Consistent evening and weekend availability is required throughout the season.
Before Each Shift:

• Attend required pre-season training on vehicle operation, shuttle routes, passenger safety, emergency procedures, and guest service standards.
• Check in with the Nightly Event Manager at the start of each shift to receive assignments, route updates, a radio, and information on expected attendance and weather conditions.
• Complete a pre-trip safety inspection of the van (tires, lights, brakes, mirrors, wipers, horn, seat belts, doors, fuel, and emergency equipment) and document it on the vehicle checklist.
• Immediately report any mechanical problem or safety defect; never operate a vehicle that is unsafe.
• Ensure the van interior is clean, free of hazards, and ready for passengers.

May include other duties as they arise assigned by the Nightly Event Manager or VP of Engagement
During Each Shift:

• Safely operate a college-provided passenger van on designated routes through the Sandhills Community College parking lots, transporting guests between the parking areas and the Garden of Lights entrance.
• Drive defensively at low, posted campus speeds, with heightened awareness of pedestrians, children, and other vehicles in dark and congested parking areas.
• Obey all traffic laws, campus regulations, and college vehicle-use policies; never use a cell phone or other handheld device while the vehicle is in motion.
• Make sure all passengers are safely seated before moving and never exceed the vehicle’s rated passenger capacity.
• Assist guests boarding and exiting, including older adults, families with small children, and guests with mobility needs, in accordance with ADA requirements and college procedures.
• Greet guests warmly, answer basic questions about the event (entrance, hours, restrooms, accessibility), and represent the college professionally.
• Maintain radio contact with the Nightly Event Manager and parking staff; adjust pickup frequency and routes to meet guest demand and keep wait times short.
• Respond calmly to accidents, medical situations, or disruptive behavior by following established emergency procedures, and report every incident to the Nightly Event Manager immediately.
• Watch weather and lot conditions and pause or modify service when conditions are unsafe, in consultation with the Nightly Event Manager.
• Turn in any items left in the van to lost-and-found.

End of Shift:

• Complete final runs so that every guest is safely returned to their vehicle before service ends.
• Complete a post-trip inspection, refuel if required, and return the van, keys, and radio to the designated location.
• Complete the shift log (mileage, passenger counts, incidents, and vehicle condition) and report any issues.
• Success in this role will be measured by safe vehicle operation with zero preventable incidents, guest satisfaction, timely and reliable service, and adherence to safety procedures.

Required education and experience:
[Indicate requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity]

High school diploma or equivalent. Must be at least 21 years of age. Valid North Carolina driver’s license with at least three (3) years of licensed driving experience. Clean driving record: no DWI/DUI, reckless driving, or license suspension, and no at-fault accidents or major moving violations within the past three (3) years. Must pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) check and background check in accordance with college policy, and remain eligible under the college’s vehicle-use and insurance requirements. Ability to safely operate a passenger van, including at night and in low-visibility conditions. Strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow procedures and instructions consistently. Friendly, patient, and professional customer service and communication skills. Ability to remain calm and use sound judgment in emergencies or stressful situations. Dependable and punctual, with availability for Wednesday–Sunday evening shifts throughout the event season.

Preferred education and experience:
[Indicate requirements that are job-related and consistent with business necessity]

Experience driving passenger vans, shuttles, buses, or other passenger vehicles. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) or prior professional driving experience. Completion of a defensive driving course. Experience assisting passengers with disabilities or limited mobility. Experience in customer service, hospitality, or event environments. Familiarity with the Sandhills Community College campus and parking areas. CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Does this position supervise others? No