Seasonal Tour Guide
(This is a part-time, non-exempt position.)
The Sacramento History Museum is looking for reliable self-starters with can-do attitude, integrity, enthusiasm, a sense of fun and a driven work ethic, to lead Old Sacramento Underground Tours, Gold Fever! Tours and Underground After Hours Tours in the Old Sacramento Historic District. Tour guides must be professional, have experience working with the public, possess excellent customer service skills, and have an interest in history, theater and education.
Preferential consideration will be given to those with college-level coursework in history, theater, education, multi-lingual, and to those with tour guide experience.
Please send resumes to sturner@cityofsacramento.org or mail to 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Duties include
- Speaking to large groups in a clear, organized and creative way, as you guide them through the District
- Returning tour groups to the starting point in a timely manner
- Answering visitors’ questions based on knowledge of Sacramento history
- Participating in tour guide training
- Reading the interpretive plan and using it to develop a unique 50-minute long tour
- Assisting the tour coordinators with ticket sales, equipment collection and other tour logistics
Successful candidates will be reliable, enthusiastic, energetic, articulate; good public speakers, friendly and responsible. Applicants who speak multiple languages, including American Sign Language, are encouraged to apply. Candidates should keep in mind that this is a part-time position. Tour guide shifts are created as needed. Guides should be prepared to work as few as zero hours and as many as 15 hours a week, but must be available to work at least three shifts a month.
Tour guides should be able to
- Walk on stairs and uneven surfaces
- Lift 25 pounds
- Unlock/lock buildings and return keys to the proper location at the end of the shift
- Understand and appreciate Sacramento history
- Research to expand their knowledge
- Remain calm and in charge of the group, and respond quickly to questions and emergencies
- Arrive for shifts on time, and be counted on to carry out tour assignments
- Work without the aid of museum staff or volunteers on the tour route
- Vary tours by interpretation, choice of information and the needs of their tour group
- Present tours in period-appropriate clothing
- Work evenings and weekends as needed
- Have an email address and check it frequently for tour program updates
(Note: those with compromised immune systems, such as asthma and allergies,
should carefully consider before applying)