Little Island Usher Corps Program
Little Island seeks engaging and energetic individuals to be members of our Usher Corps Program. Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Workforce Development, Ushers play a key role in fostering a hospitable, welcoming, and inclusive environment for visitors and audience members. Ushers perform front-of-house duties for performances and serve as Little Island representatives for the public. In addition to fulfilling their job responsibilities, Ushers will also connect with professionals within the Little Island network and attend weekly professional development seminars, workshops, and neighborhood excursions highlighting New York City’s public art and public spaces. These experiences are centered around: Leadership, Financial Capability, Public Art, Public Space and Communication.
A successful Usher has a passion for interacting with people, an interest in art and community spaces, and is an enthusiastic collaborator who enjoys working outdoors. Candidates who can converse in multiple languages (including but not limited to Spanish, Mandarin, American Sign Language, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
This program is designed for people who are 18-26 years old and are either:
- Currently enrolled in a CUNY program OR
- Recently graduated from a CUNY program (2 years or less) OR
- An alumni of a Little Island Workforce Development Program
About the Role
Role Details
- Hourly Rate: $18.50
- Job Type: Part-time, Temporary
- Employment Status: Non-Exempt
- Schedule Expectations: Ushers will work evenings, weekends, and select early afternoons in support of the artistic programming calendar, typically working Wednesday-Sunday. All ushers are expected to be available for a minimum of 3 shifts per week.
- Projected Start Date: May 21, 2024
- Projected End Date: September 28, 2024
- Employment Duration: If employed in a temporary position, candidates should note that they will need to reapply for any future positions and there is no presumption for rehire or reoccurring employment in subsequent seasons.
- How to Apply: Click the ‘Apply Here’ button below to submit your application. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please let us know at jobs@littleisland.org
What You’ll Do
- Play a key role in fostering a safe and welcoming environment and demonstrate a basic knowledge of Little Island, including:
- Educating visitors on park rules and safety, including a good understanding of and ability to support evacuation procedures from all points within each venue
- Sharing background information and programming schedule of events to encourage visitors to engage with the art
- Greet and direct audience members to and from their seats to support traffic flow and maintain capacity levels and address audience issues as they arise
- Attend pre-event Usher meetings and other trainings as required by management
- Scan the theater for potential safety issues and lost and found items
- Check assigned section for cleanliness and light clearing of trash when needed
- Remain at assigned post throughout the event unless taking an assigned break
- Participate in professional development seminars/workshops, neighborhood field trips, supervisor check-ins, and other learning opportunities centered around leadership, financial capability, public art, public spaces, and communication
- Other duties and tasks related to the park and its operations as assigned
What You Bring
- Effective communication and collaboration skills with a wide variety of personalities and situations requiring hospitality
- Good instincts: you notice when to help others and know when to ask for support
- An interest in public space, the arts, and theatrical performance
- Patience, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm in a fast-paced, busy environment
- Passion for engaging with visitors and guests of Little Island, ensuring they feel welcome and have the information they need in service to a memorable experience
- Comfort conversing in multiple languages is a plus
- Ability to climb steps repeatedly; stand for long periods of time; work in a busy environment with environmental conditions such as noise, dim/absent lighting; bend, stretch, reach, kneel without restriction and transport or lift park equipment ranging from 30-40 lbs. is not required of everyone on the team at all times, but some Ushers will need this ability to complete certain aspects of the role
- Possession of F04 Fireguard Certification a plus
- Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.
Benefits and Perks
- Commuter benefit in the form of a Metro card
- Eligible for accrued sick time (up to 7 days)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Access to discounts at neighborhood businesses
Life at Little Island
- Park employees will spend time onsite at Little Island working in outdoor weather conditions, navigating the entire park multiple times a day, and interacting with park visitors to ensure operations are running effectively. Little Island is ADA compliant, and park employees are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for each other and our park’s visitors.
- Little Island’s Headquarters, located near the park, provides an open floor plan office, shared work areas and kitchen, a locker room, and rehearsal space. It is a dynamic and multi-use space where employees and artists can collaborate, connect, and unwind in between shifts, meetings, and events.
- Little Island is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In short, you are welcome here no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. Our park is for everyone, and so is our workplace.