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Tour Operator Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Icy Strait Point LLC

Kayak Tour Guide

Hoonah, AK · On-site

$18/hr

SEA KAYAK GUIDE Reports to: Kayak & Ocean Raft Supervisor Category: Seasonal Salary Range: $18 an ... Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.L ...

Ventura TRAVEL

A South African, Namibian or Botswana resident with a National Tour Guide license and PdP ... Ensuring the safety of our travelers and operating a smooth tour. * In some cases, manage company ...

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Tour Operator Guide information

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How much do tour operator guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour operator guide in the United States is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 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.
More about Tour Operator Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Tour Operator Guide jobs? Cities with the most Tour Operator Guide job openings:
What states have the most Tour Operator Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Tour Operator Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tour Operator Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tour Operator Guide jobs are:
Tour Operator Guide jobs near you

Museum Tour Guide / Interpreter (Part-Time)

Jekyll Island Georgia

Jekyll Island, GA • On-site

$15.13 - $17.13/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Tour Guide / Interpreter
Department/Division: Museum
Status: Part-Time, Hourly Employee
Pay Grade/Pay: $15.13 - $17.13 per hour (DOQ)
Reports to: Museum Manager
Benefits: Parking & Amenity Passes
Retirement: Georgia Defined Contribution Plan (GDCP)
Closing Date: Open until filled. *Note: This position is subject to close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. To apply, applicants are encouraged to complete the entire application. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered.
Jekyll Island is dedicated to maintaining the delicate balance between nature and humankind through conservation, education, and preservation. Surrounded by salt marshes, expansive oceanfront, and ancient maritime forests, it is situated within the chain of the Golden Isles and just a few miles from St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. As a State Park, Jekyll Island is a coastal haven where nature and humans peacefully co-exist.
Job Summary:
The Tour Guide/Interpreter provides engaging and informative experiences for school groups, motorcoach visitors, and the public. Under general supervision, this position conducts guided trolley tours and interpretive programs that share Jekyll Island's history and culture. Responsibilities include operating and driving trolleys and other vehicles as part of the tour experience; safeguarding museum properties and collections; and providing courteous, accurate information to guests. The role assists with special events and venue rentals, supports research and curatorial projects, and contributes to developing new programs as assigned. Work involves accessing multiple floors of historic buildings, performing duties both indoors and outdoors, and maintaining a professional and welcoming presence throughout the historic district. Regular evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required to support operational needs.
Description:
  • Provides a variety of interpretive experiences that communicate Jekyll Island's history and culture to diverse audiences.
  • Conducts tours of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District and other historic sites on Jekyll Island, delivering quality educational experiences for school groups, motorcoach groups, and the general public.
  • Operates and drives motorized vehicles as assigned, including golf carts, motorcars, and gas or electric trolleys, as an integral part of the tour experience.
  • Provides security for museum properties and collections, staffs special events and venue rentals, and ensures guest safety. This requires accessing and navigating multiple floors of historic buildings and surrounding grounds.
  • Performs daily inspections of museum equipment, vehicles, and buildings and performs light custodial duties to maintain safety and functionality.
  • Participates in regular staff development training sessions.
  • Maintains cooperative and professional relationships with colleagues, volunteers, and guests to foster a positive work environment.
  • Assists with general clerical duties in a professional manner, including answering phones, distributing messages, copying, laminating, faxing, mail distribution, and creating correspondence as directed.
  • Conducts research and assists with projects that contribute to museum programs, exhibits, or educational initiatives as assigned.
  • Participates in and contributes to maintaining lines of communication between Museum Operations and the Curatorial staff, supporting accurate interpretation of Jekyll Island's past.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Interpreter I):
  • Must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license.
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience, which may include a combination of education and practical experience in customer service, public speaking, teaching, or related fields.
  • Skilled and effective communicator and presenter with a commitment to learning and education.
  • Positive, adaptable, and professional demeanor conducive to public engagement.
  • Self-motivated; able to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
  • Must have flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Regular attendance and punctuality for scheduled work shifts is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Interpreter I):
  • Bachelor's degree or advanced studies in history, public history, museum studies, or a related field.

Interpreter II Qualifications:
  • Meet all minimum qualifications for Interpreter I.
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in history, public history, museum studies or related field.
  • Certified as an Interpretive Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation.

Licenses / Background Checks:
  • Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a criminal background check.
  • Motor vehicle record (MVR) checks are required for positions that involve operating state or personal vehicles while on duty.
  • A valid driver's license is required for tasks that involve travel between JIA-operated locations while on duty, whether using a state-issued or personal vehicle. All drivers must comply with Georgia state laws.

Physical Requirements:
  • Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects such as museum equipment, trolley components, or other materials.
  • More than 50% of the workday may be spent walking, standing, or sitting while conducting tours, operating motorized vehicles, and interacting with guests, both indoors and outdoors on uneven terrain.
  • Between 25% and 50% of the workday may involve climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, or performing repetitive wrist, hand, or finger motions.
  • Less than 25% of the workday may involve balancing, stooping, crouching, or kneeling.
  • Must be able to navigate multiple floors of historic buildings and outdoor grounds, including uneven surfaces, to conduct tours and ensure guest safety.
  • Must be able to operate motorized vehicles safely, including trolleys, golf carts, and motorcars.
  • Spend more than 50% of the workday verbally communicating with guests and coworkers and listening for instructions or safety cues.
  • Regularly use vision to conduct tours, operate vehicles safely, and observe museum collections, equipment, historic structures, and visitor areas.
  • Use tactile and visual abilities to operate vehicles, monitor museum equipment, and ensure safe interaction with guests.

Working Conditions:
  • Required to perform work both indoors and outdoors.
  • Will be exposed to extreme heat, high humidity, rain, wind, and other adverse weather conditions as well as occasional extreme cold.
  • Will be exposed to hazards including moving vehicles, mechanical parts, uneven terrain, and historic building features (stairs, narrow aisles, passageways, attics, basements, or other confined spaces).
  • Will be subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, oils, odors, dusts, mists, or poor ventilation.
  • Work may occur during evenings, weekends, holidays, and under variable lighting conditions.
  • Noise levels range from normal to loud, occasionally requiring workers to shout for communication during tours or in high-traffic areas

This description of job responsibilities is intended to reflect the major responsibilities and duties of the job but is not intended to describe minor duties or other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time. This position is subject to close once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified. Applicants who complete the online application process will receive an email receipt of submission to the email address provided. If the email confirmation is not received, applicants may contact Human Resources at 912-635-4024 for confirmation; however, due to the volume of applicants received, we cannot provide information on application status after receipt. Applicants who need assistance to accommodate a disability may request accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 912-635-4024.
All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Incomplete applications or applications without accompanying documents when required will not be considered. Selected applicants will be contacted for the next steps in the selection process. Successful completion of background checks is required, including credit when applicable to the position. Relocation expenses are not authorized; applicants should consider this when applying.
Jekyll Island Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Authority supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. The Jekyll Island Authority is a Drug-free Workplace.

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