Assistant Tour Supervisor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers seeks an Assistant Tour Supervisor to manage daily visitor experiences and educational programming at the Virginia State Capitol.

You will support the Tour Supervisor-Historian and Capitol staff, lead a team of tour guides, coordinate schedules for school groups and VIP guests, and ensure smooth operations of the Capitol Visitor Center with a focus on accuracy, inclusivity, and top-tier customer service.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in History, Political Science, Museum Studies, Hospitality, Communications, or related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in visitor services, museum education, historic site operations, or hospitality management, including at least 1 year in a team lead or supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge of Virginia history, the legislative process, and the historic significance of Capitol Square.
• Exceptional public speaking and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage diverse audiences dynamically.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Assist in overseeing, coaching, and evaluating frontline tour guides. Lead regular team briefings to communicate daily event schedules, VIP arrivals, and security notices.
• Tour Coordination & Logistics: Manage the daily master schedule for guided and self-guided tours. Troubleshoot sudden shifts in group arrivals, building closures, or legislative session interruptions to minimize visitor impact.
• Visitor Experience Quality: Regularly step in to conduct high-profile, VIP, or large-group tours of the Capitol, and surrounding grounds. Ensure all tours meet rigorous historic accuracy and inclusivity standards.
• Operational Oversight: Act as the primary floor supervisor during peak hours, handling visitor feedback, medical or building emergencies, and accessibility coordination for guests with disabilities.
• Administrative Support: Create the work schedule for the guide staff. Assist with the digital tour reservation system, track accurate visitor metrics, and coordinate with Capitol Police regarding security screenings and crowd management.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Visitor services

Program coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Title

Assistant Tour Supervisor

Hiring Range

$60,000 per year

Pay Band

4

Agency

House of Delegates

Location

State Capitol

Agency Website

https://vga.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type

General Public - G

Job Duties

The Assistant Tour Supervisor plays a critical role in managing the daily visitor experience and educational programming at the historic Virginia State Capitol. Working under the direction of the Tour Supervisor-Historian and the House and Senate Clerk’s Offices, this position assists in leading a team of tour guides, coordinating schedules for large groups (including schools, international dignitaries, and the general public), and ensuring the smooth operational flow of the Capitol Visitor Center. The ideal candidate blends an authentic passion for Virginia’s rich legislative history with exceptional supervisory, logistical, and public-facing customer service skills.

Core Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Assist in overseeing, coaching, and evaluating frontline tour guides. Lead regular team briefings to communicate daily event schedules, VIP arrivals, and security notices.
• Tour Coordination & Logistics: Manage the daily master schedule for guided and self-guided tours. Troubleshoot sudden shifts in group arrivals, building closures, or legislative session interruptions to minimize visitor impact.
• Visitor Experience Quality: Regularly step in to conduct high-profile, VIP, or large-group tours of the Capitol, and surrounding grounds. Ensure all tours meet rigorous historic accuracy and inclusivity standards.
• Operational Oversight: Act as the primary floor supervisor during peak hours, handling visitor feedback, medical or building emergencies, and accessibility coordination for guests with disabilities.
• Administrative Support: Create the work schedule for the guide staff. Assist with the digital tour reservation system, track accurate visitor metrics, and coordinate with Capitol Police regarding security screenings and crowd management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor's degree in History, Political Science, Museum Studies, Hospitality, Communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in visitor services, museum education, historic site operations, or hospitality management, including at least 1 year in a team lead or supervisory capacity.
• Knowledge: Deep familiarity with Virginia history, the legislative process, and the historical significance of Capitol Square.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional public speaking and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage diverse audiences dynamically.

Preferred Additional Considerations

• Experience working within a state government agency or legislative environment.
• Proficiency with modern museum ticketing, scheduling software, or customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
• Conversational proficiency in a second language.

Additional Considerations

• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods, navigating historic stairs and uneven outdoor terrain at Capitol Square.
• Requires a flexible schedule, including routine weekend work, holidays, and extended evening hours during active General Assembly sessions.
• Maintain professional, nonpartisan neutrality in the execution of duties, and may not engage in public political advocacy, campaign management, or visible partisan activities that could conflict with Capitol Guide Staff’s reputation for neutrality during their employment.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Mark Greenough

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.