What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tour Guide position at Idaho National Laboratory?
Job Description
Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Tour Guide to serve as a professional representative of INL, shaping informed, meaningful experiences for stakeholders, partners, and the public. The role is based at the Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center in Idaho Falls on a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.
Reporting to the Labwide Communications Services manager, the Tour Guide exercises independent professional judgment to design and deliver experiences that build public trust, deepen understanding of INL's mission, and support engagement across government, industry, academia, Tribal Nations, and the community.
Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires the operation of office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Us
Benefits and Relocation
INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.
INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.
Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Tour Guide to serve as a professional representative of INL, shaping informed, meaningful experiences for stakeholders, partners, and the public. The role is based at the Critical Materials and Energy Systems Innovation Center in Idaho Falls on a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.
Reporting to the Labwide Communications Services manager, the Tour Guide exercises independent professional judgment to design and deliver experiences that build public trust, deepen understanding of INL's mission, and support engagement across government, industry, academia, Tribal Nations, and the community.
Essential Job Functions And Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic design and execution of INL tours — determining key messaging, identifying subject matter experts, and shaping narratives to align content, logistics, and sequence with institutional priorities and diverse stakeholder needs.
- Develop non-technical presentations and engagement materials that translate complex scientific and engineering concepts into accurate, compelling content for targeted audiences.
- Represent INL as an authorized ambassador during high-visibility engagements with dignitaries, elected officials, senior industry leaders, and community stakeholders, exercising discretion and professional expertise.
- Oversee the development of customized visit agendas, coordinating with internal organizations, senior leaders, and technical teams to ensure operational alignment, security compliance, and a high-quality visitor experience.
- Maintain deep working knowledge of INL programs and mission areas to inform decisions about tour routes, messaging strategy, and audience engagement.
- Identify and deploy AI-enabled tools that enhance workflow efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and content development.
- Contribute expert judgment within the Tours, Hosting & Protocol team on process improvements, audience-tailoring strategies, and operational prioritization to ensure a consistent, polished visitor experience.
- Partner with INL Communications to ensure all tour content, outreach, and stakeholder engagements reflect institutional messaging and organizational priorities.
- Represent INL in professional contexts with civic groups, educators, students, and public organizations, tailoring content to advance public literacy in nuclear science, clean energy, and critical infrastructure.
- Coordinate with INL STEM and Tribal Engagement teams to shape visit objectives, ensuring cultural, educational, and programmatic priorities are accurately and respectfully represented.
- Support INL's Protocol and Events functions with guidance on event flow, content, and visitor engagement for internal and external events. Some evenings and weekends required.
- Qualify for and maintain an active role in INL's Emergency Operations Center or Joint Information Center, applying professional judgment to emergency communication, scenario-based decision-making, and annual training requirements.
- Level 1: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, communications, or public relations from an accredited institution.
- Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, communications, or public relations from an accredited institution and 2 years of related experience, OR a master’s degree or PhD in hospitality, communications, public relations, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Related professional experience may include roles in tour operations, docent or interpretive guide work, visitor services, museum or cultural programming, public education, or other positions that involved regular structured presentation to public audiences.
- Relevant experience will determine placement level.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" clearance.
- Excellent writing skills and excellent oral, social media, and visual communications skills.
- Must have a valid driver's license — duties include driving visitors in a government vehicle.
- Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule, sometimes on short notice, including nights and weekends, based on operational needs.
- Previous experience with public communications, with a focus in science or engineering.
- Experience writing and producing technical materials for a general audience.
- Excellent presentation and organizational skills, with high attention to detail and ability to manage time effectively.
- Ability to develop contingency plans for visits due to factors such as travel delays, changes to rank and level of dignitaries, security, and national and international rules, procedures, and customs.
- Enthusiasm for INL's mission and comfort presenting information to large groups.
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance, high energy, and positive attitude.
- Ability to work both independently and as a collaborative team player, with the ability to change directions quickly.
- The pay range for this position is: Level 1: $47,424 - $92,568/ Level 2: $ 57,444 - $112,068.
- At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
- Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.
- TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires the operation of office equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Us
Benefits and Relocation
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
- Paid time off (personal leave)
- Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
- Comprehensive Relocation Package
- Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.
INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.
INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.
Salary : $47,424 - $92,568