Event Lighting Lead

Description

Job Title: Event Lighting Lead 

Department: Learning and Public Engagement

Supervisor: Light Engineer and Design Manager

Supervises: Volunteers

FLSA Salary Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Revision Update: February 2026

Availability: Primary schedule of standard business hours. Some required evening and weekend availability for exhibit and major event installation, production, and takedown.

Position Summary:

Supports the Exhibits team in testing, assembling, and installing lighting technology and equipment for Garden events. In collaboration with the Lighting Engineer and Design Manager, this role leads event lighting installation, nightly production operations, and post-event takedown. The Event Lighting Lead works closely with Event Lighting Technicians to develop lighting designs for each event and to coordinate the installation and removal of all required equipment.

Essential Functions:

• Test, assemble, and install lighting technologies and equipment. Support integration of lighting technologies into current garden infrastructure and programs.
• Lead and coordinate event lighting installations for visitor program events and rental packages at the Garden.
• Follow installation schedules and expectations for all lighting integrations as directed by the Light Engineer and Design Manager. Lead volunteer teams on lighting installation when assigned and scheduled.
• Play a key role in scheduling, building, installing, and takedown of displays and lighting at the Garden. Obtain training on troubleshooting light experiences, safety protocols, and event-closing procedures. Comply with OSHA and Garden regulatory requirements. 
• Perform nightly maintenance and production for garden events, such as Galaxy of Lights and Spellbound, which include monitoring, problem solving, and reporting outages to the rest of the team. 
• Learn, understand, and demonstrate the ability to safely operate all heavy and small equipment at the Garden according to the operator’s manuals. Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment, complying with OSHA and Garden regulatory requirements. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Associate degree or 3 years of related experience in exhibits, major events, theatre production, or light shows is required. Comfortable using basic hand and power tools (drill, drivers, saw, level, hammer tape measure, etc.) and driving a Cushman cart. Ability to use and be trained on heavy machinery such as a forklift, telehandler, skidsteer, tractor, and pallet jack. Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in both daytime and evening hours. Must be comfortable working independently and in team settings. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.

Success Factors:

• A commitment to, and ability to effectively convey, the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants with genuine passion that also embraces and exemplifies the Garden’s core values. 
• Ability to follow schedules and direction is crucial to the success of this position. 
• Must have a willingness to learn, showing interest in lighting equipment and technological displays along with looking for new and innovative solutions to different lighting tasks.
• Must stay organized with the ability to lead many lighting installations simultaneously.
• Ability to work as a team to accomplish large-scale tasks on time-sensitive projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

5+ years' experience working with exhibits in museums, botanical gardens, or theatre. Background working with RGB or DMX lighting technology is a plus. Candidates that possess or are currently pursuing a degree in engineering or related fields are preferred. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical demands: Hand dexterity to work with electrical supplies safely and efficiently following OSHA standards. Sense of vision in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required. Limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.). Must be able to move between widely separated