Tour Guide

State of Montana•Helena, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Historical Society seeks an energetic, motivated Tour Guide to represent the Society positively and share Montana history, art, and architecture with visitors ranging from preschool-aged children to senior citizens. Under the direction of the Museum Education Officer, the guide offers tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion, the Montana State Capitol, and the Montana Heritage Center. The position works a flexible schedule of up to 25 hours per week during peak tour months—the summer and legislative session—and fewer hours during slower periods. Weekend work is required, and hours may fall outside the regular Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule. The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week and is open on holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One year of experience in a customer-service-oriented industry.
Strong listening and people skills.
Ability to use public-speaking techniques to communicate ideas and concepts effectively to a wide range of audiences.
Ability to use interpretive techniques, such as asking visitors questions and posing thought experiments, to engage diverse audiences.
Ability to accept constructive feedback and guidance and work as a team member.
Ability to perform self-assessments and learn new interpretive techniques.
Able to speak and stand for long periods and sustain prolonged periods of activity.
Able to lift 20 pounds.
Able to work weekends, holidays, and special events.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public speaking, teaching, interacting with children, and/or providing tours. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion, Montana State Capitol, and Montana Heritage Center.
Master content associated with historic sites and exhibits.
Deliver accurate, engaging programming relevant to the sites.
Tailor tours to visitor interests, needs, and preferences.
Engage audiences using varied interpretive techniques and facilitate interactive, experiential learning.
Listen to visitors and foster social experiences and interactions.
Manage group dynamics during interpretive experiences.
Support public events such as lectures, conferences, and children’s programs.
Take appropriate measures to protect visitors, personnel, and the organization from risk and loss.
Complete daily reports and compile information.
Respond tactfully and diplomatically to visitor complaints or concerns, and answer questions on controversial issues.
Conduct self-assessments to identify areas to build on and improve.
Demonstrate professionalism in appearance, attendance, demeanor, and representation of the organization.
Work closely with MTHS tour and security staff to provide high-quality visitor services.