GSMR Polar Express Event Leadership

Division/Department: Special Events

Job Title: Polar Express Event Leadership

Reports To: Special Events Manager

Type of Position: Non-Exempt / Hourly

Employee Classification: Seasonal (Late August to Mid January)

Location: Bryson City, NC

Compensation: $14 - $17

Job Summary:

Join the team behind THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, a beloved holiday experience at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This seasonal role offers flexible, hands-on opportunities across multiple departments including Stage, Production and Warehouse. You will rotate between roles as needed to support theatrical performances, logistics, event setup, guest experience, and more, gaining valuable experience in live event production while helping create magical memories for our guests. In this role you will work hand in hand with the Special Events Manager to bring the experience of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride to life for the thousands of guests who visit for this memorable event every year.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work as a member of THE POLAR EXPRESS leadership team providing effective leadership to colleagues and staff. 
• Takes a collaborative role in selection of direction, stage management, and design of production.

• Assist with event setup, daily operations, and teardown across all departments.
• Support the Special Events Manager and leadership team in executing the artistic vision and maintaining high guest service standards.
• Collaborate with fellow crew members to maintain a positive and professional environment.
• Follow all GSMR and Special Events policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Work closely with other departments to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Perform other duties across departments as assigned.

• Assist with front-of-house and back-of-house operations for the theatrical show onboard moving trains.
• Train, support, and coordinate actors, ensuring performance standards for expressions, movement, and timing.
• Help with show calling, cue coordination, and script timing.
• Decorate, maintain, and manage train car sets and props.
• Assist with lighting and sound elements along the track and onboard.
• Distribute, maintain, and collect uniforms.

• Maintain inventory of all event supplies, including props, costumes, cookies, and chocolate bars.
• Organize and distribute guest items and train car totes daily.
• Manage warehouse cleanliness and organization.
• Complete laundry and uniform maintenance services.
• Support employee check-in and check-out processes.
• Maintain Santa and Showbo changing areas.
• Lead teams and delegate tasks as necessary.

Work Environment:

• Work both indoors and outdoors, including varied terrain and weather conditions, during day and night hours.
• Irregular hours dictated by train and event schedules.
• Exposure to strobe lights, darkness, loud music, and sound effects onboard the train.

Benefits:

• Competitive pay.
• Fun, festive work environment.
• GSMR’s pass exchange program.
• Discounts on food and retail merchandise.
• Monthly train passes for you, your friends, and family.

Job Requirements:

• Experience or interest in theatrical shows, live event production, or stage operations preferred.
• Basic knowledge of MacOS and Microsoft Office 365 Suite.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and as part of a team.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand on your feet for 8 hours.
• Comfortable riding and moving safely throughout a moving train.
• Flexible schedule with availability on weekends, evenings, nights, and major U.S. holidays.
• Must pass background check and DMV check, Mineral & Skills training; valid driver’s license required.

Salary : $14 - $17