VISITOR INFORMATION SPECIALIST

General Description

Provides visitor information, public relations and administrative support to the Tourist Development Department. Serves as a front-facing representative by greeting and assisting visitors, answering inquiries, distributing promotional materials, and supporting the promotion of local attractions, events, and visitor experiences.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, nor does every position allocated to the class necessarily perform every duty listed. Personal characteristics required of all employees such as honesty, industry, sobriety and the ability to get along with others, are presumed qualities and may not be listed specifically.

• Greets visitors in a friendly and professional manner; provides information and gives direction to visitors relevant to area attractions, activities, lodging and festivals.
• Handles incoming phone calls; responds to information requests; directs calls appropriately; maintains records of daily contacts.
• Prepares correspondence, informational and promotional materials, documents as well as department and statistical reports, maintains and updates conference room calendar.
• Monitors beach flag conditions and postings.
• Maintains and organizes tourist information, to include inventory of brochures and flyers.
• Markets display space and orders tourist information from restaurants, lodging facilities, campgrounds, attractions, state and national organization.
• Ensures the visitor information center is neat and adequately supplied.
• Monitors contacts for bed tax partners and tourism related partners.
• Coordinates details of events such as tradeshows and business meetings; monitors event timelines to ensure deadlines are met.
• Assists with student appointments and special programs for the department.
• Travels in-state and out-of-state to attend conferences, trade shows, and to assist with trade booth setup and coordination. Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Assists with monitoring social media engagement (comments, questions, messages) and relays items requiring follow-up to appropriate staff.
• Communicates effectively with advertising or marketing partners regarding social media needs and promotional priorities.
• Must demonstrate commitment to our mission, vision, values and goals and represent the County in a professional, dignified manner at all times both in actions and appearance.
• May have a role in the County’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as designated in the County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; may be required to work before, during and/or after an emergency.
• Must be able to meet minimum attendance standards.
• Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL, VISUAL AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: The physical requirements are that of light work and include exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The work requires some physical exertion, such as walking and standing occasionally. Requires repetitive motion of the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Required to operate a motor vehicle to attend offsite events and meetings.

Requires close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures. Transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

Requires the expression or exchange of ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly. Requires perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make the discriminations in sound.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The working environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions and is nearly absent of potentially disagreeable elements, such as irate customers, outdoor weather conditions, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, odors, dust, etc. The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of business English, spelling, arithmetic and office practices and procedures; database software; internet, spreadsheet, word processing and presentation software. Requires proficiency in Google Workspace applications, including Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and related tools. Understanding of social media platforms, including awareness of what types of content perform well and current trends.

Required to operate a personal computer, calculator and word processing, spreadsheet and/or database programs; creative writing, public speaking, business writing; proofreading and editing.

Required to read and comprehend moderately complex instructions, short correspondence, and memos; write correspondence; make arithmetic computations and tabulations accurately and with reasonable speed; effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers; effectively represent the County and the department in answering questions, responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with concerns from the public, community organizations, other County staff and other agencies; express ideas effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain working relationship with officials, industry partners, employees and public.

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications

A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent; supplemented by two (2) years of tourism, marketing or hospitality industry experience; or an equivalent combination of education training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be computer literate. Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. Experience using social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube) to share or promote information is preferred.

LICENSURE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS:

Requires a valid driver license at the date of hire and maintain said license while employed in this position.

Supplemental Information

Applicants must have at least the minimum educational documentation and/or certifications (requested within the job description) uploaded with their application to be eligible for consideration. Documentation may be uploaded at the time of application, scanned and emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered.

NOTE: The information given on your application will be evaluated against the minimum qualifications of the job description. After all applications are evaluated, your name will be placed on the employment list and sent to appropriate hiring authority for consideration.

The online application and complete job descriptions can be viewed at www.santarosa.fl.gov Complete job descriptions may also be obtained at the Human Resources office located at 6495 Caroline Street, Suite H Milton, FL 32570.

Candidates may be asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the position during the interview process.

A Drug Free Workplace/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /Veteran's Preference will be given in accordance with Florida Statutes.