Tram Tour Guide

Chicago Botanic Garden•Glencoe, IL

About The Position

Position Overview: As an ambassador of the Chicago Botanic Garden and its mission, the tram tour guide will be friendly with an outgoing demeanor and exceptional communications and customer relations skills. The tram tour guide narrates a scripted tour for adults and children while driving a 48-passenger open air tram or walking on designated routes throughout the Garden. As needed, the tram tour guide assists other areas of the Visitor Services department such as helping with Garden events and exhibitions through a welcoming greeting, ticket sales, and line management. Creating a positive and memorable experience for Garden visitors is a priority while following the Garden's values and behaviors. This position requires an average of three days per week, including one weekend day and some holidays/evenings. Hours scheduled may differ throughout the year.

Requirements

Minimum age requirement of 18 years old.
Possession of a valid Illinois driver's license, driving record with no violations and insurable by the Chicago Horticultural Society is required; must be safety oriented.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Articulate, with a strong command of the English language.
At least one year of experience in the service and/or tour industry as a public speaker with a talent for engaging an audience of adults and children or equivalent.
Available days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish is a plus.
Knowledge of and interest in horticulture is preferred.

Responsibilities

As both tram driver and tour guide, you will be trained to safely transport Garden visitors, staff, and volunteers along predetermined routes while simultaneously providing engaging, scripted 35-minute tours.
Occasionally transport visitors, staff, and volunteers in a variety of vehicles (e.g. vans, club cars) throughout the Garden.
Demonstrate both a high standard of safety for visitors and a strict adherence to the Chicago Horticultural Society's rules and regulations.
Maintain the cleanliness of the vehicles and monitor operating conditions.
Provide support for Garden attractions, exhibitions, and events including ticket sales, bar code scanning, and line management.
Remain knowledgeable of Garden current events, garden displays, and exhibitions, and proactively communicate these to visitors.
Customer service oriented, able to work independently and willing to work as a part of a team.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor while on-site or in uniform.
Work outdoors in all varieties of weather conditions and temperatures.
Assist the Visitor Experience manager and coordinator in other areas as requested.