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.
Setup (Before Doors Open):

• 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
During the Event:

• 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.

Closing (After Guests Have Departed):

• Help the Bartenders count remaining inventory and return all alcohol to locked, secured storage.
• Break down and clean the bar, coolers, and equipment; drain ice; and remove trash and recycling to the designated collection area.
• Restock the bar and supplies so they are ready for the next evening’s event.
• Success in this role will be measured by a consistently stocked and clean bar, safe work practices, support of the Bartenders, guest satisfaction, and reliability.

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

Must be at least 21 years of age. Must pass a background check in accordance with college policy. Ability to lift and carry heavy items safely and to work at a fast pace for an entire shift. Ability to anticipate needs, stay organized, and work with minimal direction. Strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow laws, policies, and procedures consistently. Friendly, professional manner with guests and coworkers, and the ability to work as part of a team. 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]

Previous experience as a barback, busser, or stocker, or in a bar, restaurant, catering, or event setting. Responsible alcohol service training (e.g., TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or NC ABC Responsible Alcohol Seller Program), or willingness to obtain. Interest in training as a backup Bartender. Food handler or food safety certification (or willingness to obtain). CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Additional Responsibilities:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Other Duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate and/or necessary by: President / Senior Leadership Team / Dean / Department Head / Supervisor

Does this position supervise others? No