Job Details
Salary: $15.00 Hourly
Location : Columbia, MD
Job Type: Contingent
Job Number: 9979 - #######3
Department: Recreation & Parks
Opening Date: 03/27/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Docent/Tour Guide will work at five historic sites in Ellicott City: Ellicott City Colored School, Restored; Firehouse Museum; Thomas Isaac Log Cabin; B&O Railroad Museum, and Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park. They will oversee operation of tours, special events, site set-up and clean-up as required. Docents will interact with the public to provide a successful visitor experience.
DUTIES:
- Warmly greet all visitors by creating a welcoming and friendly environment.
- Anticipate and respond to visitor needs by providing accurate and helpful information about the site and its offerings.
- Proactively and continuously finds way to enhance guest experience.
- Move throughout assigned site, assisting guests with questions, and interacting with them regarding the exhibits, associated educational content and interpretation.
- Make the extra effort to find information and/or provide assistance to guests' questions and/or needs.
- Monitor assigned site for safety and security.
- Keep site clean of debris and trash, and wipe down high-touch areas, doors and windows as needed.
- Enforce all museum manners and museum policies.
- Assist in the facilitation of educational programs, field trips and activities.
- Perform all opening and closing duties for sites.
- Perform other duties as required by management.
- Answer onsite phone and report site issues to supervisor as needed.
- Wear Howard County nametag and staff shirt as well as dress appropriately for taking an active role with the public.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: - High school diploma or equivalent.
- Prior guest service experience is preferred.
- Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
- General knowledge, or willingness to learn the history of Ellicott City and Howard County.
- Must be able to walk long distances and stand for long periods of time.
- Must enjoy working with the public.
- Commitment to outstanding guest service and teamwork.
- Experience and ability to work well independently and in a team environment.
- Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
SALARY: Contingent - Paraprofessional - 10 hours per week
$15.00/hour starting rate
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONTO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.
No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.
At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (
Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. Employees in this category may not be eligible for all County benefits.
01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process.Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.
02
Do you have at least one (1) year of experience giving tours or speaking in front of large groups of people?
03
If you answered yes to Question #2, please explain where you gained this experience.
04
Do you have weekday availability?
05
Are you able to work weekends and evenings?
06
Do you possess a valid driver's license?
07
Do you have a working knowledge of Maryland Howard County history?
08
If you answered yes to the Question #7, please described where you acquired this knowledge.
09
I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.
10
I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.
- I have read and understand the language outlined above.
Required Question