Desert Tours Guide & Public Speaking Host

Living-Desert-DBA-the-Living-Deser; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Living Desert in Palm Desert seeks a dedicated docent to guide pre-booked groups through exhibits, share knowledge, and support the Group Sales Department. You will lead entertaining tours, conduct shuttle operations, and ensure a high standard of guest experience in outdoor settings.

Applicants should have docent training or equivalent and 2+ years of public-speaking/group experience, with strong customer service and organizational abilities. Local travel for programs may be involved.

Qualifications

• Strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively to groups of up to 30 people.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Must be a motivated self-starter who needs minimal supervision.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with others in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain through knowledge of The Living Desert’s exhibits, philosophy and future.
• Be familiar with The Living Desert’s emergency procedures.
• Arrive ½ hour early prior to the tour start time.
• Will be trained in driving shuttles and explorers as well as for walking tours.
• Give entertaining and educational tours and make sure the tour concludes at the time that has been instructed by step on guide or sales manager.
• Report any special circumstances regarding the tour to the Group Sales Manager.
• Assist with familiarization tours for prospective clients or development when needed.
• Assist in other areas of the Sales Department as needed.
• Prepare the shuttle for the tour by performing a visual inspection, cleaning and drive Shuttle to designated area for start of tour.
• Able to deal courteously and effectively with the public always, and to represent the institution at the highest standard of professionalism.
• Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
• Other related responsibilities as necessary to accomplish department objectives.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water and energy use, and inspiring guests and team members to take conservation actions.

Skills

Public speaking

Group communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Clear/concise communication

Self-motivation

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Docent training or equivalent

2+ years experience with groups/public speaking

Job description

The Living Desert in Palm Desert seeks a dedicated docent to guide pre-booked groups through exhibits, share knowledge, and support the Group Sales Department. You will lead entertaining tours, conduct shuttle operations, and ensure a high standard of guest experience in outdoor settings.

Applicants should have docent training or equivalent and 2+ years of public-speaking/group experience, with strong customer service and organizational abilities. Local travel for programs may be involved.