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Tour Operator Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DMC Leisure Associate

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... operating My Bus tours. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Operation / Planning and Developing MyBus Tours ... Plans new tour/capabilities and product line to meet the FIT demand. * Handles operations/arranges ...

Shift Manager I

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $24.70/hr

Understands and performs all Health and Safety activities as specified in the Manager's Guide to ... Ability to work shifts during various operating days and hours each week; during opening, during ...

Lead holistic, cross-channel merchandise strategy across D2C, tour, retail, and licensing ... operating with positivity, respect, and a solutions-focused mindset. * Maintain strong client ...

Guide prospects through the application and lease process, ensuring proper execution of leases and ... Maintain clubhouse, model units, and tour routes to exceptional standards of cleanliness and appeal.

Leasing Consultant

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

Guide prospects through the application process, ensuring compliance with screening procedures and ... estate operator, investor, and developer whose unique approach successfully combines data and ...

Leasing Consultant

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$19.25 - $22.75/hr

Guide prospects through the application process, ensuring compliance with screening procedures and ... estate operator, investor, and developer whose unique approach successfully combines data and ...

Showing results 21-40

Tour Operator Guide information

What is a tour operator guide?

Tour Operator Guides are professionals who organize and lead tours for groups or individuals, ensuring that travelers have informative, enjoyable, and safe experiences. They plan itineraries, arrange transportation and accommodations, provide commentary on the destinations, and handle logistics throughout the trip. Tour Operator Guides also act as liaisons between travelers and local services, helping to solve problems and answer questions. Their expertise in the local culture, history, and attractions greatly enhances the travel experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tour operator guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tour Operator Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local history, geography, and culture, usually supported by relevant training or tourism certifications. Familiarity with booking systems, itinerary planning software, and possibly foreign language skills are often required. Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and adaptability help guides engage diverse groups and handle unexpected situations. These skills ensure memorable, safe, and informative experiences for clients, which are essential for positive reviews and repeat business.

What are some common challenges faced by tour operator guides, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tour Operator Guides often navigate challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, handling unexpected changes in itinerary, and addressing traveler concerns on the spot. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and thorough preparation are key to overcoming these obstacles. Guides typically rely on their knowledge of local attractions and problem-solving abilities to ensure a positive experience for all participants, even when plans change suddenly due to weather, transportation issues, or guest needs. Building rapport with guests and collaborating closely with other team members, such as drivers and coordinators, also helps in delivering a seamless tour experience.

What is the difference between Tour Operator Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectTour Operator GuideTour Guide
CredentialsOften requires customer service or hospitality experience, sometimes certifications in tourismUsually needs a tour guiding license or certification specific to the region
Work EnvironmentWorks with tour operators, plans itineraries, manages logisticsLeads groups during tours, provides information on sites
Employer & IndustryEmployed by tour companies or travel agenciesEmployed by tour companies, museums, or independently
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in tourism planning and logisticsPeople seeking on-site guiding roles and visitor interaction

While both roles involve working with tourists, a Tour Operator Guide focuses on planning, logistics, and coordinating tours behind the scenes, whereas a Tour Guide leads visitors during tours, providing information and ensuring a positive experience on-site.

What are popular job titles related to Tour Operator Guide jobs in California?

For Tour Operator Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tour Operator Guide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tour Operator Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Tour Operator Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

DMC Leisure Associate

JTB USA, Inc.

Torrance, CA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

JTB USA, Inc., a US subsidiary of JTB Corp., has grown from a travel information service bureau for Japanese travelers to the US to a full-service travel management company meeting the needs of all travelers. Today, with access to a worldwide network of affiliates, JTB USA provides global travel management services for business and leisure travelers in the US markets.
JTB USA, Inc.
Job Description
Position:
Junior
Date:
December 2015
Division:
DMC
Report to:
Supervisor
Department:
DMC Leisure USA DPS (MyBus)
Direct Reports:
n/a
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Job Rank:
A
Remote Work Status
Full Remote/Hybrid (reports to office # times per week)/Onsite
Pay Grade:
n/a
Location:
LAX
Competency Requirements:
Level I Specialist
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
This position is responsible for planning, developing and operating My Bus tours.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Operation / Planning and Developing MyBus Tours (% of Time Spent: %)
  • Plans new tour/capabilities and product line to meet the FIT demand.

  • Handles operations/arranges buses, guides, admissions, Amtrak tickets, air tickets, show tickets, restaurants, etc.

  • Improves and maintains operational efficiency and profitability.

  • Resolves daily occurrences such as weather delays, cancellations, traffic delays, etc.

  • Answers questions from Sales team and travel agencies.

  • Makes estimates for special requests and arrangements

  • Deals with complaints or suggestions from customers.

  • Monthly closes tour transactions; reports costs and profits.

  • Sets up promotional campaign for web customers and agencies.

  • Fully understands and acts on our customer needs.

  • Negotiates with operators for prices, itineraries etc.,

  • Communicates well with operators, sales team, and travel agencies.

  • Uses judgment in regular interaction with operators and related parties.

  • Consults with your superiors or experienced colleagues when troubleshooting.

  • Maintains and develops customer base through heartfelt assistance and quality services, and timely interaction with sales staff.

  • Understand own function from a bigger, organizational perspective, and its impact on daily activities.

Other Duties:
  • Seeks constant improvement, more efficient and less expensive ways and means in work processes.

  • Performs special projects and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by your superiors.

  • Maintains high ethical standards in the workplace.

  • Reports all irregular issues and problems to your superiors for solutions.

  • Maintains good communication with your superiors, office staff members and outside contacts.

  • Complies with all company policies and procedures.

  • Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe working area.

Supervisory Responsibilities: n/a
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and Experience
  • Possesses 0-1 years of experience in the travel industry, or equivalent skills, in the area of their own expertise.

Skills and Knowledge
  • Possesses sufficient knowledge and skills to perform day-to-day responsibilities. Requires minimum supervision.

  • Speaks, reads, and writes fluently in Japanese language.

Certificates and Licenses
  • none

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions
Working Hours:
  • Normal business hours between 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,

  • May be required to work after normal business hours and weekends.

Working Environment:
  • Work is performed in an air-conditioned office environment.

  • Work can be performed remotely but may be required to report to the Los Angeles Office two times per week or as required.

  • Infrequent (two times per year) domestic travel by air is required.

  • Subject to varying atmospheric conditions, up to and including, noise, pollution, dust, fumes, and vehicle exhaust.

Equipment Used:
  • General office equipment including phones, fax, copier, personal computer, scanner, etc.

  • Software includes the use of Windows operating system, MS office, LARS.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and occasionally must stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

  • Specific vision abilities include the ability to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen, measure or identify using eyesight and adjust vision focus.

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete the essential job functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to show mental stamina for problem solving and dealing with stressful situations; prioritizing multiple tasks, ability to recall and recreate detailed conversation or events, interpret, and apply oral/written instructions; remain alert and coherent to take action in stressful conditions.

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not intended to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add, revise, or delete information in this description.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.
To submit an application, click on the Apply button at the top of this page. JTB USA, Inc. is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.