What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tour Guide & Guest Experience Specialist position at Augusta Canal National Heritage Area?
JOIN OUR TEAM: PART-TIME TOUR GUIDE & GUEST EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Are you passionate about history, nature, and engaging with the public? Are you interested in dedicating some of your time to a local community-based non-profit? The Augusta Canal Authority is seeking several enthusiastic, dynamic Part-Time Tour Guides and Guest Experience Specialists to join our team to share the rich story and natural beauty of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area with visitors of all ages.
Position Overview
- Role: Tour Guide & Guest Experience Specialist
- Status: Part-Time (Non-exempt)
- Hours: Approximately [10-20] hours/week
- Compensation: $12.00/hour
- Reports To: Education and Programs Coordinator
- Location: Discovery Center, Gift Shop, Petersburg Boats, and Heritage Area Grounds
As a Tour Guide and Guest Experience Specialist, you will serve as one of the faces of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, delivering exceptional customer service while leading interactive boat tours, teaching educational programs, supporting daily operations, and assisting with facility rentals and special events.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Tour Execution & Educational Programs
- Lead informative and engaging public boat tours, including history tours, Civil War tours, music cruises, and student science/social studies field trips.
- Teach interactive student lessons, present puppet shows and lead guided walks throughout the Heritage Area.
- Operate the Discovery Center theater and monitor museum exhibits to ensure a top-tier visitor experience.
Customer Service & Visitor Engagement
- Warmly greet all guests in person and via phone with a positive, professional attitude.
- Staff the Discovery Center reservation desk and gift shop, assisting customers and processing transactions through a point-of-sale system.
- Provide accurate information to visitors regarding the canal, local historical sites, dining, lodging, and community events.
- Assist visitors in the Discovery Center, gift shop, and rental facilities.
Daily Operations & Event Support
- Communicate smoothly with the Boat Captain and Reservation Desk; assist the Captain with boat duties as needed.
- Maintain clean, fully stocked brochure racks, educational worksheet racks, and visitor areas.
- Assist with setup and takedown for boat, Cotton Room, and Discovery Center facility rentals, ensuring guests have required amenities.
- Support team operations by monitoring restrooms, restocking inventory, and stepping in where needed.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Public Speaking & Storytelling: Clear, pleasant speaking voice with the confidence to speak engagingly in front of groups. Ability to memorize and present historical facts, dates, local flora/fauna, and anecdotes in an entertaining way.
- Customer-Focused: Friendly, patient demeanor with an enthusiastic attitude toward the local community and diverse guest groups.
- Problem-Solving & Safety: Ability to act calmly and safely during emergencies or drills.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand/sit for extended periods, climb stairs, bend, and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Work Environment: Comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions (summer heat, winter cold) on boats, trails, and towpaths.
- Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work varied shifts, including regular weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and occasional evenings for special events.
Education & Experience:
- Required: High school diploma (or equivalent) with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in customer service, public speaking, or tourism.
- Preferred: College degree in history, education, environmental science, or a related field. (ideal job for a retired teacher seeking a satisfying part-time position)
Why Join Us?
At the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, we value teamwork, mutual respect, and shared dedication to bringing history to life. If you love Augusta, the outdoors, local history, and delivering memorable experiences to visitors, we encourage you to apply!
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to:
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Attn: Tour Guide & Guest Experience
Brian J. Graham, Senior Director
Email: bgraham@augustacanal.com
Location: Augusta Canal Discovery Center, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $12.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $12