KHC is Hiring! EmberFest Program Assistant!

Organization: Kicking Horse Culture
Position: Program Assistant – EmberFest 2026
Contract Term: January 23 – February 22, 2026
Wage: $22/hour
Location: Golden, BC

Kicking Horse Culture is seeking a Program Assistant to support EmberFest 2026, acting as a key member of the festival team. This role supports everything from running our Open Studio weekends to assisting with festival setup, on-site coordination, and clean up.

The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, is adaptable, and is comfortable working both independently and as part of a fast-moving festival environment. Strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to pitch in wherever needed, and the ability to stay calm in a fast paced festival environment is essential.

This position requires weekend work starting January 24–25, with a higher rate of work during the festival from February 13–22.

Responsibilities

Open Studios (Pre-Festival)

The Program Assistant will be responsible for running the Open Studios, which are free, drop-in art-making weekends. Duties include:

• Setting up on Saturday and tearing down on Sunday open studio
• Attend FlickerFolk meetings and the dress rehearsal. 
• Supporting volunteer artists
• Welcoming participants and explaining the different art-making stations
• Helping create props and decorations for the festival
• Being on site for the full Open Studio weekend
• Has a creative mind and loves making props and decorations out of reused materials. 
• Manage supplies (e.g., picking up, sorting, and organizing materials)
• Prepare workstation materials, kits, supplies, and signage
• Help organize, distribute, and maintain festival signage
• Knowledgeable about all festival events

Festival Week (February 13–22)

• Provide on-the-ground support with setup, decoration, wayfinding, and more
• Help organize, distribute, and maintain festival signage
• Support hospitality needs (refreshments, greenroom setup, etc.)
• Assist with venue setup for workshops and events
• Communicate with volunteers, workshop artists, and ticket holders
• Handle set-up, tear-down, and room reset requirements
• Assist with front-of-house, box office, and participant check-ins
• Respond quickly to changing needs in a dynamic environment
• Maintain a welcoming, energetic presence for participants and audiences

Festival Week (Feb 14–22) involves a significant increase in workload, including long days, evening shifts, and fast-paced changes. The Program Assistant must be able to maintain composure, professionalism, and a positive attitude, even during high-demand periods. Because of the intensity and pace of Festival Week, experience working in festivals or live events is a strong asset.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable
• Ability to multitask and stay calm under pressure
• Comfortable with physical tasks (moving chairs, supplies, signage)
• Experience in events, festivals, or community arts (asset but not required)
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
• A passion for community, creativity, and helping things run smoothly

Compensation & Employment Details

• Wage: $22/hour
• Status: Part-time, non-permanent contract position
• Term: January 23 – February 22, 2026
• Schedule: Part-time hours, primarily on weekends leading up to the festival, with increased hours required during Festival Week (evenings and weekends).

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys project-based work and thrives in a creative, community-centred environment.

How to Apply

Send your resume and a letter of interest to info@kickinghorseculture.ca with the subject line: “Program Assistant_ First Name, Last Name_EmberFest 2026”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.