Temporary Universal Tour Guide Jobs in Minnesota

SUPERVISOR: Annie Klodd, Manager of Interpretation and Visitor Learning 
CLASSIFICATION: Temporary Casual, 67 days
This is a seasonal/temporary position located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN.

As part of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretums Education Department and the public face of the Arboretum, the Interpretive Tram Specialist drives and narrates one-hour open-air tram tours for ticketed guests. For many guests, the tram tour is their first introduction to the Arboretum.  Tours should be enjoyable, safe, informative, and designed in alignment with the organizations mission: growing knowledge and inspiring action to support thriving ecosystems and our vital relationship with nature. In addition, the tours should also evoke curiosity about the Arboretums gardens and natural areas, encouraging visitors to explore further on their next visit.
Schedule: The tram operates daily from May through October. This position follows a flexible schedule, requiring 2-4 shifts per month from May through October. Shifts may occur on any day of the week, so candidates should have flexibility to work occasional weekend shifts as well as weekdays. Work shifts are 9:00am - 3:30pm, which includes prep time, four 1-hour long tours,  and three 30-minute breaks between tours. 

• This tour guide could be working up to 16 hour per pweek. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

• Safely drive visitors on the 40-seat open-air Tram vehicle around the Arboretums Three-Mile Drive, while giving a live tour through a microphone headset
• Attend 1-2 annual pre-season training sessions in April, and up to 3 additional training sessions throughout the season
• Follow driving instructions and speed limits as directed by Arboretum Operations staff, to ensure safe and enjoyable rides for passengers
• Develop tour content based on information provided in the Arboretum Tram Driver Guidebook (tours are not scripted)
• Greet and assist passengers as they board the vehicle, including operating a manual retractable wheelchair ramp when needed
• Ensure tours are accurate, engaging, and adhere to one-hour time limits
• Maintain a very high level of customer service and professionalism
• Keep records as required; make comment cards available to visitors
• Perform daily equipment check on Tram, and refuel Tram at beginning of each shift
• Be welcoming and respectful to all guests; provide equitable access to Tram tours by assisting visitors needing accessibility accommodations
• Assist with other Education Interpretation activities at Arboretum events, on an occasional basis pending availability

Required

• Strong public speaking and communication skills
• Strong interest in and enthusiasm for horticulture and/or naturalist topics
• Commitment to learning information provided in the Tram Driver Guidebook, and providing tours aligned with the Guidebook.
• History of safe driving; willingness and ability to follow driving instructions, speed limits, and safety protocols as directed by Arboretum Operations staff
• Desire to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Successful applicants must successfully pass a background check, complete a vehicle training, and pass a test tour in order to begin giving tours independently

Preferred 

• Previous experience driving members of the public in large vehicles
• Extension Master Gardener training or similar horticultural training
• Previous tour guide and/or classroom teaching experience  
• A positive outgoing personality including a dose of patience and sense of humor
• Experience working as part of a team
   

Pay Range: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.  Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).