Tour Guide

Student Adventures, Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Student Adventures, Inc. is seeking a Tour Guide to lead educational and enjoyable experiences for students, teachers, and chaperones in the Washington, DC area.

You will present historical and cultural information with enthusiasm, accuracy, and confidence while staying organized and customer-focused. You will coordinate with the bus leader, tailor commentary to group interests, manage pacing, and encourage questions.

Qualifications

• Guild Certification
• Able to conduct tours from 4 to 12 hours
• General Liability Insurance
• References required

Responsibilities

• Provide engaging, educational experiences for students, teachers, and chaperones.
• Communicate with the bus leader to determine group interests, pace, and commentary level.
• Offer concise, meaningful information and allow time for exploration, photos, and destinations.
• Maintain a comfortable pace and manage time for rest stops and itinerary.
• Collaborate with transportation team to confirm departure times and routes; communicate with drivers respectfully.
• Present factual, unbiased information and avoid personal opinions; handle safety concerns when needed.
• Engage participants through conversation, storytelling, and questions rather than lengthy lectures.
• Represent the company with integrity, enthusiasm, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.

Job description

The Tour Guide is responsible for providing an engaging, educational, and enjoyable experience for students, teachers, and chaperones while maintaining a professional, organized, and customer-focused approach throughout the tour. Tour Guides serve as ambassadors for the company and are expected to create memorable experiences by presenting historical and cultural information with enthusiasm, accuracy, and confidence.

Successful Tour Guides understand that every group has different expectations. Before beginning each tour, they communicate with the bus leader to determine the group’s interests, preferred pace, and desired level of commentary. They provide concise, meaningful information that allows guests adequate time to explore, take photographs, and experience each destination rather than overwhelming them with lengthy presentations.

Tour Guides are expected to communicate clearly and professionally, speaking loudly enough for all guests to hear while encouraging questions and interaction. They should provide practical information at each stop, including the amount of time available, meeting locations, restroom opportunities, and any restrictions regarding food, beverages, backpacks, or other personal belongings.

The Tour Guide is responsible for maintaining a comfortable pace throughout the tour, recognizing that a relaxed and enjoyable experience is more valuable than attempting to visit every possible attraction. Time should be managed effectively to accommodate restroom breaks, scheduled stops, and the overall itinerary.

A successful Tour Guide works collaboratively with the transportation team by confirming departure times, pickup locations, and travel routes with the bus drivers to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Professional communication with drivers is expected at all times, and any concerns should be addressed respectfully and constructively.

Tour Guides must maintain professionalism in all interactions. They are expected to present factual and unbiased information and must refrain from expressing personal political opinions or making comments regarding race, religion, ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. Student discipline remains the responsibility of the teachers and chaperones, and Tour Guides should never attempt to correct student behavior unless an immediate safety concern exists.

Throughout the tour, Tour Guides should engage participants through conversation, storytelling, and questions rather than lengthy lectures. Commentary at each location should remain focused and concise, allowing guests to fully experience each site while keeping the tour on schedule. Above all, Tour Guides are expected to represent the company with integrity, enthusiasm, professionalism, and exceptional customer service, ensuring every guest enjoys a safe, informative, and memorable travel experience.

Requirements

• Guild Certification
• Able to conduct tours from 4 to 12 hours
• General Liability Insurance
• References required

Note

Tour starting locations will be near the Washington DC subway lines