Program Assistant Jobs in Salt Lake City, UT (NOW HIRING)

Announcement
Details
Open Date
08/17/2026
Requisition Number
PRN17372N
Job Title
Program Assistants
Working Title
Garden After Dark Event Staff
Career Progression Track
S00
Track Level
S2 - Intermediate, S1 - Entry Level Support
FLSA Code
Nonexempt
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Type
Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?
Yes
Standard Hours per Week
29
Full Time or Part Time?
Part Time
Shift
Variable
Work Schedule Summary
Position runs September 2026 - December 2026
Event Dates: October 15 - 30 | 4 PM - 10:30 PM (Evening and weekend work required during event)
Pre & Post Event Schedule: M - F | 10 AM - 4 PM (work schedule may vary)
Is this a work study job?
No
VP Area
President
Department
00340 - Red Butte Garden & Arboretum
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
$14.00 - $16.00, depending on experience
Close Date
10/12/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
10/12/2026
Job Summary
Are you looking for a fun and fulfilling job? Look no further than becoming part of our Garden After Dark Event Staff! Unleash your creativity at beautiful Red Butte Garden as we bring one of our most beloved seasonal events to life. Join us in celebrating Halloween in the Garden with a dash of imagination, from crafting eye-popping displays and custom decorations to engaging guests with interactive stories, local performers, and thrilling outdoor explorations.
But it's not just about the fun! As part of the Garden After Dark Event Staff, you'll also hone essential skills in leadership, communication, set design, decoration fabrication, and event planning. Grow as a leader and make a difference in your community as you help inspire the Halloween spirit in our guests. Join the Garden After Dark Event Staff today for one unforgettable job!
Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.
Responsibilities

• Perform assigned elements of setup and breakdown of Garden After Dark.
  • Design and fabricate displays and decorations
  • Install signage, lights, displays, and decorations
  • Review event and provide constructive feedback
  • Cleanup, store, and remove event displays, decorations, lighting, and signage
  • Actively participate in all event duties as assigned

• Serve as the on-site event staff during Garden After Dark.
  • Be present for the entirety of all assigned event shifts
  • Maintain a positive, proactive, solution-oriented demeanor when responding to guests, volunteers, coworkers, performers, and vendors
  • Check functionality of displays and decorations
  • Troubleshoot any lighting issues, signage placement, and pathway closures

• Maintain high standards of health and safety.
  • Follow all event safety and security rules, procedures, and guidelines
  • Help monitor supplies, equipment, and facilities to ensure proper utilization, care, and maintenance.
  • Notify management of any unusual circumstances, safety issues, or damages to property

• Represent Red Butte Garden when interacting with Garden After Dark guests, volunteers, performers, and vendors.
  • Provide excellent customer service to guests
  • Ensure guest satisfaction before, after, and during the event as much as possible
  • Engage with large crowds of guests and assist with crowd management
  • Help relay pertinent information to performers and vendors
  • Provide direction, leadership, and feedback to event volunteers
  • Calmly attend to unexpected incidents related to the event

• Assist with other activities and programs as needed by performing other relevant duties as assigned.

Working Environment

• This position is active and requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting program materials. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Programs occur in public spaces that may be crowded, noisy, and fast-paced. Staff regularly interact with children, families, and Garden guests.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Program Assistant,, I: Requires little to no related experience.
Program Assistant,, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.
Preferences
• Excellent customer service skills
• Self-directed, punctual, enthusiastic, and highly organized
• Experience crafting or creating backgrounds, sets, props, or other decorative elements
• Previous experience working festivals or special events
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.