Christmas Display Setup Specialist (NCS) - Department of Recreation and Parks

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$15.00-$30.00 Hourly

Starting Pay:

$30.00 Hourly

Job Summary

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary

The Christmas Display Setup Specialist is responsible for the hands-on assembly, installation, and maintenance of both large-scale and small holiday light installations for a walkthrough Christmas display show. This role requires technical problem-solving, physical stamina, and a strong eye for detail to transform a public park into a safe, functional, and magical holiday experience for visitors.

Essential Functions

Display Installation & Assembly

• Unload, unbox, and sort holiday displays, structures, and lighting equipment.
• Assemble large-scale displays (e.g., walk-through tunnels, giant wireframe sculptures, pixel trees) safely using hand tools and following blueprints or design layouts.
• Securely anchor ground displays, inflatables, and overhead arches to withstand winter weather elements (wind, snow, rain).
• Arrange smaller vignette displays, including character cutouts, themed scenes, and pathway lighting.

Electrical & Wiring Setup

• Lay out, connect, and conceal extensive networks of extension cords, power strips, and timers.
• Route electrical lines safely along pathways to eliminate tripping hazards for park visitors.
• Connect lighting elements to main power sources, generators, or breaker panels under supervision.

Quality Control & Troubleshooting

• Test all lighting elements, timers, and animations prior to the show's grand opening.
• Systematically troubleshoot burnt-out bulbs, faulty connections, and damaged wiring.
• Conduct daily pre-show inspections to ensure all displays are fully lit and operational.

Safety & Site Maintenance

• Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ladders, and power tools.
• Keep pathways, staging areas, and storage containers clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Assist with the safe teardown, packing, and organized storage of all displays at the conclusion of the event season.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit. PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

NOTE: YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH THE APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF APPLYING.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience: Previous experience in event setup, landscaping, construction, holiday decorating, or theatrical stage production is highly preferred.

Technical Skills: Proficiency with basic hand and power tools (drills, zip ties, ground anchors, mallets). Basic understanding of outdoor electrical setups and extension cord routing is a major plus

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly, bend, kneel, and stand for extended periods. Comfortable climbing ladders and working at heights. Weather Resilience: Willingness and ability to work outdoors in variable and harsh winter weather conditions (cold, rain, light snow).

Schedule Flexibility: Availability to work standard daytime setup hours in the weeks leading up to the event, with potential evening or weekend shifts once the show opens for maintenance.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-MONTH mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER