Visitor Assistant

Architect of the Capitol•Washington, DC

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), the gateway to the U.S. Capitol and Congress. Our staff welcome visitors from around the world for tours of the historic rooms of the Capitol, educational programs and congressional events. Our goal is to inform, involve and inspire every visitor. This goal is supported by 200 employees across five divisions: Visitor Services, Exhibits and Education, Retail, Communications and Marketing, and Planning, Operations and Evaluation.

Requirements

Must be able to pass a drug test and background check.
Resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
Must meet the definition of specialized experience.
To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet one of the categories below: A citizen of the United States; A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B); A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.
Must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position.
Must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.
Candidates for the GS-06 grade level must have at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level obtained either in the public or private sectors.
Specialized experience is defined as having experience: Providing assistance to customers in a retail, hospitality, or museum environment; Answering basic questions that arise from customers' inquiries; and Ensuring the safety of customers, when necessary.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System.
If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption.

Nice To Haves

Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

Provides visitor assistance services in support of tour operations throughout the Capitol Visitor Center and U.S. Capitol.
Assists with virtual tours, tour introductions, and visitor programming.
Coordinates visitor groups by providing instructions regarding tour procedures, safety requirements, and visitor conduct expectations.
Assists with managing large visitor groups and maintaining orderly visitor flow in high-volume public environments.
Collaborates with Visitor Assistants, Guides, and other staff to ensure tours and programs operate efficiently and on schedule.
Utilizes hand-held radios and other communication equipment to coordinate staffing needs and operational updates.
Greets visitors at tour staging areas and provides information regarding tour schedules, reservations, and program content.
Verifies, modifies, and creates tour reservations using automated reservation systems and issues visitor tickets.
Assists visitors with reservation changes, late arrivals, and scheduling adjustments.
Distributes listening devices, assists with theater loading and unloading, and supports audio-visual operations during programs.
Coordinates accessibility accommodations and services for visitors with disabilities.
Provides information regarding Capitol history, Congressional history, exhibits, and artifacts throughout the Capitol Visitor Center.
Delivers brief interpretive presentations and educational talks regarding Exhibition Hall exhibits and Capitol history.
Assists U.S. Capitol Police and supervisors during emergencies, security incidents, or safety-related situations.
Reports security concerns, prohibited items, medical emergencies, and operational issues to appropriate personnel.
Greets visitors, special guests, and organized groups and provides orientation to the Capitol Visitor Center.
Explains facility operations, visitor services, security procedures, and building layout.
Answers visitor questions regarding Capitol operations, Congressional offices, meeting locations, exhibits, and visitor services.
Provides directions and information regarding transportation, amenities, accessibility services, and special events.
Assists visitors with special needs, including individuals with disabilities, international visitors, distinguished guests, Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and photographers.
Supports visitor arrivals, entrance operations, coat check services, brochure distribution, and telephone inquiries.
Leads orientation walk-throughs of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Maintains current knowledge of CVC policies, procedures, exhibits, and operational requirements.
Assists with visitor flow activities, including moving stanchions, transporting unoccupied wheelchairs, restocking informational materials, and maintaining public areas.
Works outdoors in a variety of weather conditions at both Capitol Visitor Center entrances, greeting visitors and preparing them to enter USCP security screening.