What are the responsibilities and job description for the Travel Counselor (part time/seasonal) position at Visit Spokane?
Title: Travel Counselor
Part Time: 10 to 19 hours a week
Seasonal (April through mid-Sept)
Department: Visitor Services
FLSA Status: PT Hourly Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Visitor Experience
About Visit Spokane
Visit Spokane is a team of industry professionals passionate about promoting Spokane. We are a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and it’s our job to tell the world about the Spokane region. We are a non-profit funded by Lodging Tax, Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) dollars and Partnership Revenue. Through collaborative efforts, we market everything our region has to offer.
About the Position
Visit Spokane aims to provide outstanding customer service to in-market visitors and residents knowing that in doing so we enhance their experience and create positive word-of-mouth and repeat visitation.
The Travel Counselor acts as a concierge and customer service representative for the Spokane Region and Riverfront Park. The ideal candidate loves the Spokane region and has a genuine interest in its history, culture, nature, amenities, activities, and entertainment options.
The position will work at Visit Spokane's Visitor Information Center located at 620 W. Spokane Falls, Blvd. in beautiful Riverfront Park. Some shifts may require employee to work a hosted outdoor event. Shifts will be a mix of weekdays and weekends. Occasional evening shifts for special events.
Essential Duties
- Staffs the Visitor Information Center.
- Greets visitors in person and over the telephone and engages in conversations that will help uncover visitors’ interests and connect them to the region’s assets.
- Assists visitors by directing them to locations and answering questions pertaining to the area and regional attractions.
- Regularly reads available literature, reviews VisitSpokane.com, Riverfront Spokane and other websites to increase knowledge of Spokane’s history as well as current and future things to do and latest updates to food & drink, attraction, and retail businesses. Adds visitor related events to the visitspokane.com event calendar.
- Acts as a liaison for visitors inquiring about Riverfront Park services and attractions and shares relevant park information, as necessary.
- Tracks information as required for reporting the number of visitors assisted, Visit Spokane partner referrals, visitor interests, etc.
- Keeps information racks properly stocked and neatly maintained. Assists with special projects as needed.
- When required attends and assists at Visit Spokane partner and event functions. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Position Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
High school diploma required. Previous experience in customer service or hospitality industry preferred. A combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the above requirements. Preference to applicants who have lived in the Spokane region for 2 years.
Certificates, Licenses, or Registrations
None required
Personal Characteristics
- Good communication and public presentation skills
- Proven ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and groups
- Must enjoy working with people directly
- have high stamina and high energy levels
- Comfortable assisting multiple people simultaneously
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have knowledge of general office computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google search engine.
Physical Requirements
- While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time (i.e., standing while conversing with visitors that have entered the visitor information center) sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
- Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
- Ability to speak clearly and hear well when communicating over the phone and in person.
- The employee will occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Attire
Business casual with required/provided Visit Spokane logo wear.
Adaptive Challenges
1. Navigating Limited On-Site Support: The visitor center is detached from the main office, immediate access to management or colleagues for assistance may be limited.
2. Handling High Visitor Volume with Limited Staffing: Managing a constant flow of visitors with diverse questions and needs, especially during peak seasons, while working with minimal staff.
3. Addressing Unexpected Situations: Dealing with lost visitors, safety concerns, weather changes, or wildlife encounters without direct supervision.
4. Providing Information Without Direct Marketing Support: Representing the DMO’s mission and providing up-to-date tourism information without direct access to marketing materials or team updates in real-time.
5. Engaging a Diverse Visitor Base: Communicating effectively with tourists of different cultural backgrounds, languages, and expectations.
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Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Salary : $18