Capitol Tour Guide (Tour Guide Office) - 7 positions

State Preservation Board
Posting #2024-031

Tour Guide (Tour Guide Office) - 7 Positions

Primary Location: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin TX 78701

Job Type: Part-Time 20 hours per week; one weekend a month

Hiring Rate: $16.00 / hourly; one additional dollar per hour for verified ability to present tours in a Foreign Language

Salary Plan: A-11

Job Class (Code): Customer Service Representative I (0132)

Job Posting: November 17th - until closed (Positions will start on or after January 1st, 2024)

Organizational Overview:

The Texas State Preservation Board (TSPB) was established for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and restoring the State Capitol and the 1857 General Land Office, which houses the Capitol Visitors Center. Since that time, Agency operations have expanded to include: maintenance of the Governor's Mansion, operating the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas State Cemetery. The TSPB provides educational programs centered on Texas history, government and culture for the benefit of the citizens of Texas and its visitors.

Position Summary:

The Tour Guide reports to the Tour Guide Office (TGO) Program Supervisor and serves as an information resource for callers and visitors to Capitol Square, the Governor's Mansion and the Texas State Cemetery. Conducts scheduled educational tours of Capitol Square, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion following a scripted itinerary. Performs entry-level customer service work. Answers the telephone, responds to inquiries and directs callers and visitors to appropriate personnel or locations. Disperses information to the public relating to the history and logistics of the Capitol and basic legislative processes of state government.* Works under close supervision with minimal latitude for independent judgment. Displays excellent verbal communications skills and sound judgment. Maintains a professional, respectful and service-oriented focus when interacting with other employees, volunteers and the public. Being a Tour Guide is physically and mentally demanding. Tour Guides must be mentally, visually and verbally responsive to visitors questions and concerns. Must be able to pass a thorough background check. *Work hours are based on the Agency's 365 day-per-year schedule and include weekends, some evenings and/or holidays, including on short notice. Must be available to work a minimum one weekend a month and holidays.*

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

For purposes of this agency's job descriptions, "essential job duties" are defined as assigned tasks that are critical or fundamental to the position and not marginal. If an individual is qualified to perform the essential job duties, the individual must be able to perform the essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Conducts tours at Capitol Square, Texas State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion within established time frames, using scripted information under the direction of the Trainer and Program Supervisor.

· Educates and informs visitors regarding specialized knowledge including architecture, art collections and Texas history using scripted information and within established timeframes under the direction of the Trainer and Program Supervisor.

· Directs tour groups in a manner that is conducive to the business atmosphere of SPB historic properties effectively preventing the blocking of halls, doorways and stairs. Controls noise level.

· Learns appropriate material to conduct grade specific, theme or seasonal tours as needed.

· Responds appropriately and accurately to inquiries concerning Capitol Square and the State Cemetery from the public and state employees including location of state offices and directions to the locations of meetings and hearings.

· Conducts minimum of 2 tours per 4 hour shift beginning in the South Foyer and ending in the Extension, which may include conducting specialty and school tours.

· Staffs desks in the Senate Chamber as directed in the time allotted. Enforces the rules of the House and Senate Chambers and Galleries and answers visitors questions.

· May assist with packing and unpacking Capitol offices for maintenance projects as needed.

· Performs all duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Ability to confidently speak to large groups of people.

· Ability to learn extensive material relating to the history of Texas, the State Capitol, General Land Office Building, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion.

· Ability to walk throughout the Capitol and Capitol Extension daily.

· Ability to work weekends and holidays.

· Ability to research topics and communicate findings.

· Acquired and/or applied knowledge about Texas History and material relating the State Capitol, General Land Office, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion.

· Displays effective interpersonal skills in communicating with internal and external customers, coworkers and management.

Minimum Qualifications:

· High school graduate or equivalent.

· One (1) year of experience in customer service experience in positions such as customer service assistant, office assistant or docent.

Preferred Qualifications:

· College-level course work in communications, history, education, or a related field.

· Experience working with students or children.

· Additional experience in customer service.

Fluency in a foreign language is highly desirable.

To Apply:
Electronically (including cell phones): https://TXSPB.formstack.com/forms/example_state_application_copy

Fax: (512) 463-3372
Mail or in person to: 201 E. 14th Street, Suite 950, Austin, Texas, 78701

For an application and additional information: See: http://www.tspb.texas.gov/spb/employ/employ.html or call: (512) 463-5495. **All resumes must be accompanied by a fully completed state application.**

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

VETERANS:
Military Occupational Specialty Codes (MOS): ARMY: 56M- Religious Affairs Specialist; NAVY/ COAST
GUARD: YN-Yeoman; MARINES: 0100- Basic Administrative Marine; AIR FORCE: 3F5X1- Administration

Veterans with other related MOS or additional duties pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets or for additional Military Crosswalk information go to http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

EEO Statement:
The State Preservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended, if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at (512) 463-3633.

Selection Information:
At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service and may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.

The State Preservation Board uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• customer service: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person