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Santa Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Educational Aide, Fine Arts

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Summary Santa Fe College's Fine Arts department is hiring multiple educational aides for a variety of positions. The Educational Aide will maintain a functional and efficient work environment and ...

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the ...

Work Study - Units

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$30.25 - $41.50/hr

Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the ...

Work Study Student, CTLE-3

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $14.25/hr

The CTLE Work Study Student also assist Santa Fe College's (SF) Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) by providing insight on the challenges and barriers to success students encounter as well as a student ...

Work Study Student-1

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$30.25 - $41.50/hr

Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours. Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Must ...

Work Study Student-2

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$30.25 - $41.50/hr

Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours. Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted. Must ...

Showing results 21-40

Santa information

See Florida salary details

$35

$44

$52

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in Florida is $44.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.43 and $49.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Santa?

Santas, also known as Santa Clauses, are individuals who dress up as the legendary figure of Santa Claus during the holiday season. They typically appear at malls, holiday events, parties, and parades to spread cheer, pose for photos, and listen to children's Christmas wishes. The role requires a friendly personality, a jolly demeanor, and often a convincing costume, including a red suit and white beard. Being a Santa is about creating magical experiences and joy for both children and adults.

What does a Santa do?

A professional Santa Claus plays the role of Santa Claus at the mall or Christmas events. Your responsibilities include interacting with children and having pictures taken with guests. Other duties include wearing the red Santa Claus suit, growing a beard (or wearing a fake one), and convincingly emitting jolly laughter. You typically work long hours during the holidays, with some shifts are as long as 12 hours to save children the cognitive dissonance of witnessing two simultaneous St. Nicholas’s. You work with children and may have to answer difficult or tricky questions about religion or divorce. You maintain the comforting fantasy of Santa Claus for children.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Santa?

To thrive as a Santa, you need strong interpersonal skills, a joyful demeanor, and the ability to engage with children and families, often supported by a background in acting or customer service. Familiarity with scheduling tools, costume care, and sometimes background checks or child safety certifications are typically required. Exceptional patience, improvisational ability, and warmth help Santas create magical experiences and handle a variety of situations. These skills are crucial to ensuring children feel comfortable, maintaining the magic of the season, and delivering memorable interactions.

What challenges do Santas face during the holiday season?

One of the main challenges faced by professional Santas is maintaining high energy and a positive demeanor throughout long shifts, often while engaging with excited children and large crowds. Santas must also be prepared to handle a wide range of emotional interactions, from shy or anxious children to those with special needs. Additionally, the role often requires working in warm, heavy costumes for extended periods and adapting to various event environments, from malls to private parties. Effective communication and improvisational skills are crucial for creating memorable experiences and managing unexpected situations.

What is the difference between Santa vs Elf?

AspectSantaElf
Required CredentialsNone specific, often festive experienceSimilar, often with craft or toy-making skills
Work EnvironmentPublic events, shopping malls, paradesWorkshop, toy factories, holiday events
Industry UsageHoliday entertainment, charity eventsToy manufacturing, holiday decorations
Common Search/ComparisonSantaElf

Santa is primarily known for appearing at public holiday events, spreading cheer, and engaging with children, often without formal credentials. Elves, on the other hand, are typically involved in toy-making and workshop activities, supporting Santa's mission. While both roles are integral to holiday festivities, Santa's role is more about public appearances, whereas elves focus on production and preparation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Santa jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Santa jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Santa jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Santa job openings:

Infographic showing various Santa job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,411 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Work Study Student, Academic Advisement Center

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, FL • On-site

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary
The Academic Advisement Center (AAC) at Santa Fe College (SF) is dedicated to assisting and supporting Associate in Arts (A.A) students who are embarking on their educational journey by providing information, guidance, and advisement. Through personalized guidance tailored to individual needs and goals, the Center provides valuable assistance for students navigating their degree program, exploring academic interests, and overcoming educational challenges.
The Work Study Student provides front desk coverage and administrative support to staff within the Academic Advisement Center.
Job Description
Responsibilities and Duties Include:
  • Provides a professional, helpful, and welcoming atmosphere by greeting, responding to, and directing visitors in-person and over the phone.
  • Distributes mail and office supplies and operates and maintains copier/printer.
  • Accepts, screens, and routes telephone calls concerning activities and operations of the office, directing inquiries as appropriate and/or providing information.
  • Provides administrative support to the faculty and other staff members.
  • Strictly honors the privacy and security of student records and other sensitive information according to appropriate state, federal and college regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Complies with all published College Rules, procedures, guidelines, and laws/regulations governing public employees, including but not limited to those related to document retention and destruction, FERPA, and confidentiality.
  • Provides service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible, and professional engagement.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Lead Advising Specialist
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Must be a currently enrolled Santa Fe College student, in good academic standing, taking six (6) or more credit hours.
Additional Requirements: A criminal background check will be conducted.
General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Adaptability to Change - able to be flexible and supportive, able to positively and proactively assimilate change in rapid growth environment.
  • Communication - able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.
  • Customer Service - ability to respond promptly and courteously to all questions from students and faculty, demonstrating patience and persistence when helping students with little or no computer skills.
  • Ethics - able to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, civility, and a high degree of ethics in all job-related actions.
  • Organization & Time Management - able to plan, schedule, and organize tasks related to the job to achieve goals within or ahead of established time frames.
  • Problem Solving - proven skills in identifying issues, determining their cause, developing creative solutions, and following through with implementing resolutions.
  • Detail Oriented - Proven accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Multi-task - Ability to expeditiously organize, coordinate, manage, prioritize, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to swiftly assess a situation, determine a logical course of action, and apply the appropriate response.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Santa Fe College (SF) is committed to maintaining a work and educational environment that embraces diversity and where no member of the college community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subject to discrimination in any college program or activity based on: their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy status, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, political opinions or affiliations, or veteran status. This commitment applies to employees, volunteers, students, and, to the extent possible, to third parties, applicants for admission, applicants for employment, and the general public. sfcollege.edu/eaeo
Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies or concerns about discrimination or harassment, including concerns about sexual harassment or sexual violence under Title IX, should be directed to: equity.officer@sfcollege.edu
Santa Fe College reserves the right to extend deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions. Preference will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans.