Capitol Tour Guide

Position Summary: The Tour Guide reports to the Tour Guide Office (TGO) Manager 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 may include weekends, evenings and holidays, including on short notice. 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 TGO Manager. 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. []{style="font-size: 1 "}