Tour Guide

The Annenberg Foundation Trust At Sunnylands•Rancho Mirage, CA

just now•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Paid internship and Job Opportunity for College Students. Tour Guide I is the first year guide in a 3-year internship program at The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands. Tour Guide I is a non-exempt, part-time seasonal position that is scheduled for no more than 24 hours per week. The position is responsible for advancing the educational mission of The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands. The guides will provide a welcoming experience at the Center & Gardens, historic house, and grounds through guided tours. In addition, Tour Guide I interns who return as Tour Guide II and III are able to support administrative and logistical needs related to high-level, official retreats held at Sunnylands. The Tour Guide program is designed for college students and provides work experience that may be eligible for internship credits from participating colleges, universities, and majors. In addition, Tour Guides will have access to professional development activities, discussions with former government leaders and professionals from the museum, environmental sciences, and communication disciplines. Sunnylands is committed to working around the class schedules for those who are accepted into the program.

Requirements

An interest and awareness of art, history, gardens, education, and public service
Ability to speak and interact comfortably with diverse groups
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Capable of learning new material rapidly and willing to spend time and effort to study material for tours
Ability to respond to changing or unusual situations in a professional manner
Maintain appropriate uniformed appearance (uniforms provided)
Ability to balance multiple priorities effectively, be enthusiastic, self-motivated, and committed to excellence
High school diploma or general education (GED) required
Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Required to work weekdays, weekends, some evenings, and maintain flexible hours up to (24) hours per week
Punctual and reliable in providing tours and maintaining assigned schedule
Currently enrolled in a higher education institution

Nice To Haves

Experience or education in history, political science, art, or teaching is preferred
Ability to speak a second language is preferred

Responsibilities

Work location: Onsite, weekday and weekend shifts
Successful completion of a 5-week immersion program that is conducted 4 days per week with each day consisting of 8 hours of training. The training sessions are conducted in August, Mondays through Thursday. The training involves: o Attend in-person lectures and workshops, and participate in group and individual instruction o Complete the online Sunnylands tour guide course o Read and study training material and continually be informed of changing exhibitions o Give a sample tour to 4-6 visitors accompanied by staff
Conduct public and private tours of the Center and historic estate (of approximately 30-90 minutes in length)
Check in and retrieve materials for tours
Greet and welcome tour participants at the Center and upon their arrival at the shuttle access point
Responsible for assigned tour; must notify supervisor in a timely manner if you are unable to give the assigned tour
Resolve problems tactfully, courteously, and in accordance with established policies and procedures
Report any problems or unusual incidents to the Deputy Director and Center & Gardens Supervisor in a timely and accurate manner
Answer guests’ questions, confirm ticketed tour participants, answer the telephone, respond to reception emails, and execute all reception desk essential functions as outlined in the Tour Guide Front Desk Manual
Other duties as assigned by supervising staff
Opportunity to assist in high-level retreats on a case-by-case basis