As the nation’s premier Halloween event, we pride ourselves not only on providing high quality entertainment, but also exceptional customer service. Whether visitors are parking, buying tickets, entering the building, screaming in a haunted house, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying private events, we want them to have a first-class experience. We need friendly and energetic employees to make all of this possible!
Applicants for these positions must attend a group interview. Hiring managers will interview applicants to fill the positions listed below.
Please read the descriptions that follow to decide which position best suits you. Bring your COMPLETED Customer Service application and a resume with you to interview.
Interested in a different kind of role? Return to the overview page to explore other open Halloween Nights positions.
Retail Staff
Our retail staff run cash registers, interact with visitors, and restock, organize and sell our exclusive line of merchandise. Members of this team also answer basic questions about Eastern State’s other programming and hand out brochures encouraging Halloween Nights guests to return for a daytime prison tour. An interest in history is a plus. Customer service skills and cash handling experience are encouraged. Some computer skills/POS are required. Retail staff wear a uniform; they do not wear special FX makeup.
Guest Services Staff
Guest services staff are positioned at checkpoints throughout the attraction and in front of house spaces. Guest services staff help orient visitors, answer guests’ questions, scan tickets, and keep an eye out for situations that should be brought to the attention of security. This position requires a friendly, upbeat attitude and patience. Guests services staff wear a uniform; they do not wear special FX makeup.
Parking Lot Attendant
This team shares some of the same responsibility as guest services staff, but they work at our off-site parking garage at the Philadelphia Zoo (3500 West Girard Ave). This team does not work on-site at the penitentiary. In addition to orienting visitors and answering questions, this team hands out information sheets, collects parking vouchers, and assists guests in boarding and exiting the buses. They do not collect cash or direct the parking of cars. Excellent customer service skills are required. Parking Lot Attendants wear a uniform; they do not wear special FX makeup.
Line Control Staff
Our line control staff help orient and control the flow of visitors inside and outside of the penitentiary. They work near the entrance of the building and the perimeter as well, guiding guests and groups through the entry process by helping them find the appropriate line, answering event questions, and providing exceptional customer service. Other responsibilities are to control the flow of the show, while being the eyes and ears for the safety of guests and employees. This position requires energy and patience! Depending on your position line control staff employees wear costumes and special FX makeup or a uniform every show night to enhance the look and feel of the experience. No acting experience required.
Custodial Staff
Our custodial staff is in charge of keeping the site looking professional and clean. They operate outside of the haunted attractions. Custodial staff must be able to lift 50 pounds and work independently. Examples of responsibilities include sweeping, breaking down cardboard boxes, routinely taking out garbage and recycling, and other duties as assigned. Custodial staff wear a uniform; they do not wear special FX makeup.
Positions will be filled on a first come, first-considered basis – meaning that you have a better chance of getting a position by attending an earlier audition/interview. Auditions and interviews run RAIN OR SHINE.
2023 Customer Service Position Interviews
All interviews are held at Eastern State Penitentiary. Late arrivals will not be permitted. You do not need to make an appointment. Please bring your resume and your COMPLETED Customer Service application. Applicants without a resume will not be allowed to interview.
Monday, July 10 (6-8 pm)Wednesday, July 12 (6-8 pm)Wednesday, July 26 (6-8 pm)Saturday, July 29 (1-3 pm)Monday, July 31 (6-8 pm)Wednesday, August 2 (6-8 pm)Monday, August 14 (6-8 pm)Wednesday, August 16 (6-8 pm)Monday, August 28 (6-8 pm)
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment. ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.