Description:
Who we are:
Located in Jefferson County Open Space, Dinosaur Ridge is one of the most important paleontology sites on Earth. Our globally iconic site has been ranked by paleontologists as the #1 dinosaur track site in the nation, and one of the most important in the world. Dinosaur Ridge typically draws almost 250,000 annual visitors to our outdoor museum to view approximately 300 dinosaur tracks still preserved on the sandstone slope. Dinosaur Ridge was also the site of the first Stegosaurus discovery on earth and was designated National Natural Landmark (a subunit of the National Park Service) in 1973. The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the fossils on Dinosaur Ridge and educating the public about the natural history of the area. Our mission was later expanded to include the fossil sites at Triceratops Trail in Golden, Colorado. Our stated core values include professionalism, service, enthusiasm, respect, trust, and integrity. These values are infused into every aspect of our daily organizational life and referenced regularly
We are open from 9:00am - 5:00pm during our summer season (May-October), then 9:00am - 4:00pm during our winter season (November-April).
Who you are:
In the role of a Dinosaur Ridge Tour Guide, you will be responsible for facilitating fun and exciting outdoor tours and telling the story of this unparalleled National Natural Landmark near Denver. Our tour guides are the primary point of contact with guests of Dinosaur Ridge, and act as stewards to educate and entertain our visitors as they learn about and view the paleontological and geological treasures at Dinosaur Ridge. Dinosaur Ridge tour guides will be provided with a full training schedule and must commit to delivering the detailed and approved key messages at each of the designated educational sites on the Ridge in a professional and enthusiastic manner. Tours are given from shuttle buses, and you will be expected to provide a safe and enjoyable tour experience for each person on your tour in all kinds of weather.
The job of tour guide requires full knowledge of Dinosaur Ridge sites, history, and emergency procedures; a genuine ability to get along with guests and coworkers; and an enthusiasm about nature and dinosaurs! Candidates must possess strong people skills and excellent verbal communication, the ability to tailor tours to specific audience needs and questions, and a passion for interacting with people of all ages. Tips from customers add a significant amount to the total compensation for this position; the rate posted represents the base hourly wage.
We anticipate this position will work 2-3 days per week M-Sun and will allocate their time approximately:
Providing 45-minute guided bus tours for up to 14 guests at a time to our three main sites – 85%
Working in our gift store or covering breaks for other tour guides, gift store clerks, – 10%
Attending meetings or staff trainings – 5%
We are looking for staff who will help us accomplish our mission during our Spring and Summer Seasons. Continued employment after our busy season (August) sometimes happens, but is not a guarantee.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Age 21 prefer 25
Able to pass a criminal background check
Valid Colorado Driver’s License and verifiable safe driving record
Ability to safely operate a 14-passenger bus, primarily on a restricted access road
Able to work and walk around outside in a variety of weather conditions
Available to work 2-4 shifts per week, including weekends and holidays
Confident public speaker
Solid understanding of scientific concepts
Team-oriented and consistently demonstrates positive values in work habits
Admired, but not required Qualities:
Degree or coursework in geology, biology or other science fields
Experience working in education, giving museum tours, or guiding outdoor programs
Passion for the mission of Dinosaur Ridge and interest in paleontology, geology, and/or science
Equal Opportunity Employer
Friends of Dinosaur Ridge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, volunteers, and guests. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on job requirements, individual performance, and business needs.