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Tour Operator Guide Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Collette

Business Development Manager

San Jose, CA

$70K/yr

About Collette Collette is a family‑owned travel operator and the longest‑running tour operator ... guided travel, open new accounts, and build long‑term relationships with guests and travel ...

LangChain, Inc

Senior Education Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

... deploying, and operating agents at scale. With $125M raised at Series B from IVP, Sequoia ... Write tutorials and guides that rank and resonate. Develop written educational content - tutorials ...

All JobsTour Operator Guide JobsTour Operator Guide Jobs in San Ramon, CA

Tour Operator Guide information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$9

$21

$37

How much do tour operator guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour operator guide in San Ramon, CA is $21.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Tour Operator Guides?

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 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 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 cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Tour Operator Guide jobs? Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Tour Operator Guide job openings:
Tour Operator Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Operator Guide job openings in San Ramon, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,722 per year, or $21 per hour.
Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Collette

San Jose, CA

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Collette rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 11 rated travel agencies

Job description

About Collette

Collette is a family‑owned travel operator and the longest‑running tour operator in North America. We lead the industry in innovation and expertise, helping travelers experience immersive adventures and enriching local communities. Join our passionate, growth‑oriented team to shape the future of travel.

Job Summary

As the Business Development Manager for our South Bay Area and Central Valley territory, you will sell guided travel, open new accounts, and build long‑term relationships with guests and travel professionals. You will travel within your territory, promote Collette’s offerings, support partner marketing, and meet revenue goals.

Primary Functions
  • Act as Collette brand ambassador while partnering with travel professionals in promotion and education of Collette’s products to generate revenue in the assigned territory.
  • Close both B2B and B2C sales through effective communication and critical thinking in alignment with the sales strategy.
  • Strategically prospect for new business to drive revenue and gain market share using technology, relationships, and in‑person meetings.
  • Develop an understanding of the territory’s existing partnerships and potential partnerships to enable a strategic approach in line with sales and company priorities.
  • Leverage data to ensure activities align with priorities and achieve the desired results on revenue and market share.
  • Partner with internal departments to ensure customers’ needs are communicated, appropriate expectations are set, and repeat business is created.
  • Lead education of travel professionals regarding the Collette brand, product offerings, promotions, and techniques to sell Collette tours.
  • Actively participate in educational and development programs such as sales meetings, product seminars, trade shows, and other learning opportunities.
Knowledge & Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • History of high achievement and overcoming obstacles in business, academics, or athletics.
  • Strong relationship development and management skills.
  • Effective communicator across diverse mediums and audiences.
  • Proactive, trustworthy, and self‑driven approach to business.
  • Growth mindset with a commitment to continual development.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Passion for developing a personal brand aligned with Collette’s brand.
  • Ability to solve problems and leverage available resources independently.
  • Capacity to travel overnight – up to 5+ nights a month and to domestic and international sales trips.
Job Details
  • Seniority level: Associate
  • Employment type: Full‑time
  • Job function: Sales and Business Development
  • Industry: Travel Arrangements
Benefits

Collette offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid maternity and paternity leave, tuition assistance, and more.

Salary

Starting Annual Salary: $70,000 + uncapped commissions and uncapped bonuses.

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