Tour Guide

The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) seeks an energetic and talented person for the position of Seasonal Tour Guide. If you believe understanding the past is imperative to creating the future, you may find this position is a good fit. The person sought for this position will be a positive representative of the Montana Historical Society to the public, and will embody the MTHS culture of excellence, teamwork, professionalism, and passion for the work we do.

The ideal candidate is a motivated person, passionate about sharing Montana history, art, and architecture with members of the public, from pre-school-aged students to senior citizens.

Function: Under the direction of the museum education officer, this position is responsible for offering tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion, the Capitol, and the Heritage Center.

Other: The Tour Guide will work a flexible schedule up to 25 hours per week during peak tour months (the summer and legislative session) and fewer hours during slow periods. Weekend work will be required.

Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to share Montana’s stories and inspire exploration!

Representative Duties:

The position will provide tours of the Original Governor’s Mansion (OGM), Montana State Capitol, and the Montana Heritage Center. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Mastering the content associated with the historic sites and exhibits

• Delivering accurate and captivating programming relevant to and about the sites

• Tailoring tours so that they focus on visitor interests, needs, or preferences

• Engaging audience members through a variety of interpretative techniques

• Facilitating interactive, experiential learning opportunities

• Listening to visitors and fostering social experiences and interactions

• Managing group dynamics within an interpretive experience

• Support public events like lectures, conferences and children’s programs

• Taking appropriate measures to protect visitors, personnel, and the organization from risk and loss

• Completing daily reports and compiling information

• Responding to visitor complaints or concerns while demonstrating tact and diplomacy

• Fielding questions on controversial issues

• Performing self-assessments to determine what to build on and how to improve

• Demonstrating professionalism in appearance, attendance, demeanor, and representation of the organization

• Work closely with MTHS tour and security staff to provide high-quality visitor services

Education:

· High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• One-year experience in customer-service oriented industry

• Public speaking, teaching, interacting with children and/or providing tours

• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered

Knowledge of:

• Public speaking, teaching, interacting with children and/or providing tours

Skills In:

• Strong listening and people skills

Ability to:

• Utilize public speaking techniques to effectively express ideas and concepts to a wide range of audiences

• Perform a variety of interpretive techniques (for example, asking visitors questions, posing thought experiments) in order to engage a wide range of audiences

• Accept constructive feedback and guidance

• Work as a team member

• Perform self-assessments to determine what to build on and how to improve

• Learn new interpretive techniques to engage audience members

Minimum Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of activity

• Able to speak for long periods of time

• Standing for long periods of time

• Work weekends, holidays, and special events

• Able to lift 20 pounds

Hours of Operation:

• The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week and is open all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

• As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Required Materials:

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant):

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• State of Montana Applications

Montana Historical Society is participating in E-Verify to Confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.