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Interpretive Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Park Service

Park Guide

Carlsbad, NM · On-site +1

$40K - $52K/yr

They provide information, give interpretive tours, and educational programming to the public. The primary purpose of this position is to provide guide services to visitors. Major Duties: * Answering ...

National Park Service

Park Guide

Carlsbad, NM · On-site +1

$40K - $52K/yr

They provide information, give interpretive tours, and educational programming to the public. The primary purpose of this position is to provide guide services to visitors. Major Duties: * Answering ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment * Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting * Knowledge and experience with ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN · On-site

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment * Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting * Knowledge and experience with ...

City of Dublin, CA

Volunteer

Dublin, CA · On-site

Interpretive Guides - Help us to inform and educate children and adults by becoming a historical interpreter. You will receive all the necessary materials and training to become an integral part of ...

Nashville Zoo

Interpreter

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment * Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting * Knowledge and experience with ...

South Suburban

Park Interpreter

Littleton, CO · On-site

$16.40 - $20.90/hr

A Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) is strongly preferred. Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Has knowledge of ecological and wildlife principles or the ability to gain quickly. Has the ...

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Interpretive Guide information

What are some common challenges interpretive guides face when engaging diverse audiences, and how can they overcome them?

Interpretive Guides often encounter groups with varying ages, backgrounds, and interests, which can make it challenging to keep everyone engaged. To overcome this, guides typically use a mix of storytelling, interactive activities, and adaptive communication techniques to connect with different learning styles. Flexibility and strong observation skills are key, allowing guides to adjust their approach on the spot for maximum impact. Building rapport and encouraging questions also helps ensure that all visitors feel included and engaged throughout the experience.

What is an interpretive guide?

Interpretive guides are professionals who lead visitors through parks, museums, historical sites, or natural areas, providing educational and engaging information about the location’s natural, cultural, or historical significance. They use storytelling, demonstrations, and interactive activities to help guests connect with and understand the subject matter. Interpretive guides often tailor their presentations to different audiences and play a key role in conservation and public education efforts.

What is the difference between Interpretive Guide vs Naturalist?

AspectInterpretive GuideNaturalist
CredentialsOften requires interpretive or environmental education certificationsTypically has naturalist or environmental science background, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentGuides visitors, leads tours, educates the public in parks, museums, or nature centersConducts research, observes wildlife, educates about ecosystems, often in field settings
Employer & IndustryFound in parks, zoos, museums, eco-tourismFound in parks, research institutions, conservation organizations

While both roles focus on environmental education, Interpretive Guides primarily lead tours and engage visitors, whereas Naturalists often conduct research and provide in-depth ecological education. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their primary focus and activities differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive guide?

To thrive as an Interpretive Guide, you need a solid understanding of natural or cultural history, excellent communication skills, and often a background in education or environmental science. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, interpretive planning software, and certifications like Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) are commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to engage diverse audiences set top guides apart. These skills are vital for delivering informative, memorable experiences that connect visitors with the site’s significance and foster stewardship.
More about Interpretive Guide jobs
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Interpretive Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Expedition Guide

Positions at Sea - UnCruise Adventures

Juneau, AK • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

ABOUT UNCRUISE
At UnCruise Adventures, we work together to provide an enriching adventure experience while inspiring an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. This means we kayak among icebergs, travel to hidden waterfalls, snorkel with sea lions, dive with manta rays, and share air with whales. Our destinations include Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortes, and Costa Rica.
Join one of our virtual information sessions to learn more about working at UnCruise-register here.
CREW PERKS
  • Room and board when scheduled
  • Rotation schedule (6-8 weeks sailing with 2-3 weeks off)
  • Travel stipend
  • Pro deals
  • Credential reimbursement (qualifications required)
  • Heath care benefits (once qualifications are met)
JOB SUMMARY
The Expedition Guide is part of a team whose goal is to inspire guests and help them understand and appreciate the areas they visit during their cruise. The Guide is supervised by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide and work in teams of 2-7 members, along with the full vessel crew. Primary responsibilities include guiding and interpretation, onboard presentations and narration, and behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks. Topics range from geology, glaciology, and marine biology to cultural history and current issues in local destinations. The Guide leads groups of guests on hikes ranging from shore walks to route finding or bushwhacking, skiff tours, snorkeling, and paddle boarding, as well as whole and half day kayak trips. This position takes ownership of delivering an unforgettable vacation experience to guests through sharing their knowledge, guiding excursions, and exemplary customer service, with an emphasis on safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum one year of naturalist interpretation or environmental education in the field and formal presentations for groups of up to 90 participants.
  • Demonstrable written and verbal communications including interpretive materials and presentations development. Demonstrable ability to operate Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo editing software.
  • Minimum education of a Bachelor of Science in natural and/or cultural history, or other relevant field of study, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum one year professional experience leading small groups in remote field settings and on the water.
  • Exceptional and demonstrable customer service and problem solving skills.
  • Strong preference for working in a team setting in remote environments.
  • Prior small ship cruise industry experience strongly preferred.
Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • CPR / First Aid / AED
  • Government ID (REAL ID compliant) or Passport
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
  • Lead hiking and kayaking expeditions in remote wilderness settings with few or no defined trails, utilizing safety standards and route finding skills.
  • Work within a cohesive and cooperative team led by the Expedition Leader and Lead Guide, with heavy emphasis on communication and teamwork.
  • Confidently and competently lead groups of up to 20 guests in the field and on the water, and create an enjoyable experience for guests even when an excursion does not go as planned. Heavy emphasis on customer service, dynamic thinking and safety.
  • Demonstrable ability to utilize a GPS, and read navigational and topographical maps and software.
  • Provide in the field, hands-on interpretation, and thematic, formal onboard presentations that are integrated into a week-long interpretive program, and wildlife narration utilizing interactive tools such as maps, charts, guidebooks, power point, microscopes and spotting scopes to involve the guests.
  • Develop and deliver educational presentations covering environmental science, history, or other relevant topics to the itinerary as assigned by the EL for up to 90 guests.
  • Cultivate the guest experience by focusing on the observation of the surrounding geology, flora and fauna by encouraging passengers to spend as much time on deck exploring and experiencing the natural surroundings that may go unnoticed.
  • Participate in the behind the scenes daily maintenance and programmatic tasks that keep our gear and program running. These tasks will include, but are not limited to, photo editing, blogging, slideshow creation, gear stowage, repair, cleaning, and organization.
  • Proactively maintain the cleanliness, order and function of all Expedition tools, including kayaks, paddleboards, electronics and snorkeling gear.
  • Assist in general shipboard tasks during the operating season including loading of ship's food stores, laundry, garbage, luggage, and helping the hotel staff with cleaning as needed.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance amongst crew and guests at all times, while living in a close community setting.

ONBOARD ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / EMPLOYMENT COMPLIANCE
  • Living Conditions - Crew live in close quarters with 4 to 8 people of all genders per room depending on the vessel. Having your own room is not an option due to limited berthing.
  • Length of Work Shift - Physically able to work 12 hours per day, 7 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Rotations off the vessel are usually 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Mobility - Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, kneeling, crawling, and pushing/pulling. Must ascend and descend stairs and ladders, sometimes while carrying tools or objects. Able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
  • Handling & Strength - Able to handle, lift, and lower objects totaling 50 pounds between the ground/deck level to a height of about 4 to 6 feet, and able to repeat these movements. Able to carry these objects up to 100 feet continuously for 20 minutes.
  • Environmental Conditions - Able to work in all weather conditions, around loud noise, in small spaces, and fit through a 28-inch wide hatch.
  • DOT Drug Testing - In compliance with USCG regulations, must pass a pre-employment drug test and additional in-season testing per federal guidelines.
  • Allergens - This position requires working with and/or being around raw and cooked shellfish, cleaning chemicals and other known allergens.
  • Medical Review - A medical review is required. Must be medically fit to work onboard for safety and compliance.
BASE PAY
  • $139 / day + $70/day tip guarantee. Weekly tip amounts vary, the lowest being $70/day.

Pay Range
$139-$209 USD
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This job description is intended only to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills or abilities required or persons so classified or assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
It is the policy of UnCruise Adventures not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, marital status, citizenship, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by law.

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