Park Guide

The Presidio Trust is seeking a Park Guide to join the Visitor Engagement Department to help operate visitor facilities at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. The Tunnel Tops serves as the primary gateway for visitors to the Presidio and larger Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is anticipated to attract over 2 million people every year and substantial focus has been given to ensure an exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive visitor experience. Park Guides are part of a team that is on the front-line of creating and maintaining the visitor experience on Tunnel Tops.

The Presidio of San Francisco, formerly a 1,491-acre Army post, is now a new kind of national park with a richly layered history; natural landscapes with wildlife and native plants; historic former military homes and buildings animated by 3,000 residents and 200 organizations; and some of the most iconic views of the San Francisco Bay. The park offers a welcoming mix of visitor experiences, including, environmental art, a network of trails, unique recreation opportunities, and self-guided adventures. The Visitor Engagement Department provides welcoming and meaningful opportunities for all to enjoy their national park.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for service and interacting with the public, particularly youth. They have an interest in learning about Presidio history and nature. They enjoy connecting others to the outdoors, especially those who are new to national park experiences. They are an effective collaborator who derives energy and creativity from engaging with others. Park Guides must be available to work a flexible schedule including regular weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings for special programs and events. If you are seeking interesting work in a beautiful new park site, we could be a great fit!

This is a full-time role with benefits and a minimum pay of $22.19 per hour and is included in a bargaining unit, specifically The Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by August 4, 2023, will receive first consideration.

Responsibilities

• Facilities Management: Open and close the Field Station, Outpost, and other Tunnel Tops facilities daily. Replenish materials and supplies, clean and maintain the upkeep of these facilities.
• Customer Service: Proactively and warmly welcome visitors and orient them to programming and activities at the Tunnel Tops locations. Provide an exceptional, inclusive and customer service-oriented approach when interacting with the public that is consistent, professional, friendly, helpful, and informative.
• Monitoring: Actively monitor sites, including roving Tunnel Tops locations. Enforce building and Tunnel Tops site policies and support safety protocols including space capacities. Elevate issues, as needed, by alerting appropriate people including designated staff and/or proper authorities about public safety concerns and other resource needs.
• Engagement: Facilitate Outpost and Field Station self-guided experiences and staffed interactive activities. Staff various exhibit spaces, modeling participation, inviting play, asking open-ended questions.
• Collaboration: Work directly with and support young people employed through the Adventure Guide program who will be play-leaders in the Outpost and Field Station.
• Events & Programs: Assist visitors with picnic reservations. Support a variety of visitor engagement activities including community events and programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma.
• Minimum of (1) one year of customer service and/or program experience or interacting with the public including children and youth, preferably in a park or cultural institution, school, community-based organization, or other public facing organization.
• Knowledge and experience working with communities historically underrepresented in national parks including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), low-income and working-class, and/or accessibility communities. Able to communicate effectively and have positive interactions with people from various backgrounds and cultures.
• Clearly communicate and present information both verbally and in written form. Comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups of visitors.
• Must be creative, energetic, curious, self-motivated, and passionate about sharing a love of nature, parks and outdoor experiences. Skilled at taking initiative and recognizing what needs to be done. Ability to be flexible and multi-task effectively.
• Able to work independently with sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and diffuse difficult situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to take direction and feedback in a constructive manner.
• Willing to work a flexible work schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings for special programs and events (weekends are a requirement for this position).
• Must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and database tracking systems.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. short distances; stretch, grasp, kneel, twist, reach and bend.
• Reliable, personable and can meet and communicate effectively with a diverse client
• Valid California Driver’s License

Desired Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese , or other non‐English languages desirable
• Courses in parks and recreation management, environmental studies, ethnic studies, communication, education, tourism, or other related discipline
• CPR and First Aid Certification

About the Visitor Engagement Team

The Visitor Engagement Team is dedicated to welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy their national park. They encourage and facilitate access through three key functions: Visitor Services (including permitted recreational events and activities), Community Partnerships (encouraging community access and support of an inclusive and relevant park), and Volunteer Programs (engaging volunteers in stewarding the park and welcoming visitors).

Driver’s License Investigation & Review

This position requires a current, valid Driver’s License prior to starting work, and maintenance of a driver’s license throughout occupancy of the position. You will be subject to a driver’s license investigation as a New Entrant, and annual driver’s license reviews thereafter. An individual’s granting of an investigation and resulting reports thereafter is voluntary, however, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a driver’s license investigation. The Trust may refuse to hire an individual, rescind an offer of employment, or review and terminate the employment of a current employee who does not successfully complete the driver’s license investigation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

All Presidio Trust employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. Employment is contingent upon submitting a COVID-19 Certification of Vaccination or qualifying for an exemption when hired.

 

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. Complete the employment application on our website and email the completed application to jobs@presidiotrust.gov.