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 Tours, Hosting and Protocol 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 at ada@inl.gov 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 Tours, Hosting and Protocol 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 engaging tours and presentations for a wide range of audiences, translating complex scientific and technical concepts into accessible, compelling content. Coordinate tour logistics, schedule presenters, and ensure compliance with security requirements.
- Act as an INL ambassador by delivering exceptional tour and engagement experiences for government, industry, community, and VIP audiences, including dignitaries, elected officials, and high-ranking civilians.
- Become proficient in all areas, facilities, and research programs of the lab. Develop the ability to communicate technical information in an engaging and understandable way for diverse audiences.
- Support public outreach efforts, including speaking to community groups across Eastern Idaho and engaging students, parents, educators, and other stakeholders at local and regional events.
- Work with INL's STEM and Tribal Engagement teams to align visits to INL's mission areas, ensuring cultural, educational, and programmatic priorities are accurately and respectfully represented.
- Partner cross-functionally with INL’s communications teams to align outreach efforts and deliver cohesive, mission-driven programming.
- Serve as a collaborative member of the Tours, Hosting, & Protocol team, supporting colleagues and sharing responsibilities to ensure every visitor experience is polished and professional.
- Prepare agendas for visitors to ensure arrangements have been properly coordinated, and all responsible parties have been advised.
- Look for ways to use super intelligence, commonly known as artificial intelligence, tools to streamline workflows, enhance content development, and improve efficiency.
- Support INL's Protocol and Events Team, including special events with some evenings and weekends required.
- Qualify for and maintain a position within INL's Emergency Operations Center or Joint Information Center. Maintain current knowledge of emergency communication programs and procedures, and annual training qualifications.
- Level 1: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field. Relevant fields include communications, public relations, journalism, education, public administration, marketing, organizational communication, science, engineering, and related disciplines. Degrees in science, engineering, and other technical disciplines are considered relevant when combined with professional experience involving public engagement, education, outreach, or communication.
- Level 2: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in hospitality, communications, public relations, or a closely related field, and 2 years of related experience; OR a master’s degree or PhD in hospitality, communications, public relations, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Degrees in science, engineering, and other technical disciplines are considered relevant when combined with professional experience involving public engagement, education, outreach, or communication.
- Related professional experience may include roles in tour operations, docent or interpretive guide work, visitor services, museum or cultural programming, public education, outreach, or other positions involving regular structured presentations 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 at ada@inl.gov 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