Tour Guide

Living Desert; Palm Desert (CA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Living Desert seeks a docent to conduct guided tours for pre-booked groups, including convention and escorted tour groups, private groups and organizations. You will assist the Group Sales Department and support other tasks as needed, delivering entertaining and educational experiences with professionalism.

You will arrive early, be trained in driving shuttles and walking tours, and maintain strong public speaking and customer service skills while upholding the institution’s standards and

Qualifications

• Docent training or equivalent.
• Two years prior experience in working with groups or public speaking.
• Knowledge of the tourism industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead entertaining and educational tours within the scheduled time.
• Maintain knowledge of The Living Desert’s exhibits, philosophy and future.
• Assist in other areas of the Sales Department as needed.
• Prepare the shuttle for the tour by performing a visual inspection and drive to start location.
• Arrive ½ hour early prior to tour start time.
• Report any special circumstances regarding the tour to the Group Sales Manager.
• Assist with familiarization tours for prospective clients or development as needed.
• Be courteous and professional when representing the institution.

Skills

Public speaking

Group communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Written & verbal communication

Self-motivation

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Docent training or equivalent

Public speaking experience

Tourism industry knowledge (plus)

Job description

Description

Gives guided tours of The Living Desert to pre-booked groups, including groups from the convention industry and the escorted tour industry, private groups and organizations and assist with other tasks within the Group Sales Department as needed by performing the following tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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 an 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.

CONDITIONS OF WORK

• PHYSICAL EFFORT: Must be in excellent physical condition for walking and standing outside for long periods of time when working with groups.
• DISCOMFORT/RISKS: Moderate; working outside in sometimes high temperatures and rain. If trained in animal handling must be aware of animal bites or scratches from critter close-ups.
• HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: The position may require evening, early morning,
• TRAVEL: Some local travel required for offsite programs.

EQUIPMENT USED

General office equipment, telephone, radio, microphone, electric cart and shuttle.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Requirements

SPECIFIC SKILLS

• 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.

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES

Living Desert Docent training or equivalency. Two years prior experience in working with groups or experience with public speaking. Knowledge of the tourism industry is a plus.