Job Description

• New Hires Starting Rate -$16.23 per hour

Under the supervision of the Historic Resource Supervisor, the primary responsibility of this position is to lead public tours of two on-site museums, the Gruber Wagon Works and the C. Hiester Canal Center, to visitors of all ages.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Tour Guides provide information to park patrons related to the Berks County Heritage Center and the programming, activities, operations, and resources of the entire Berks County Parks System.
• Position will serve as a visitor center attendant, which includes the C. Howard Hiester Canal Center.
• The position operates an on-site snack bar and gift shop, handles ticket/admission sales, and assists, plans, and implements various related programs and events throughout the parks.
• Additional responsibilities include assisting with the management of the Heritage Center’s artifact and archival collection, as well as the historic collections of the Parks department.
• Position may also assist with Recreational programs and special events hosted at various parks within the Park System.
• Must be available to work weekends, summer holidays, and some evenings, May through October.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• Minimum age requirement: 18
• Looking for individuals interested in or studying in areas of History, Museums, Public History, Historical Preservation, Library Sciences, or Education.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.
• Valid Class C driver’s license is a plus.

+MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must be able to work with visitors of all ages.
• Be comfortable with public speaking.
• Be able to take up to hour-long guided tours of the onsite museums and resources.
• Must be able to work independently, plan, implement, and follow through with responsibilities.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence at the Parks is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Position may work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Exposure to dust, mold, grass, dirty conditions, loud noises, and using snack bar appliances that could be hot.
• Exposure to environmental conditions, which could include bugs, insects, animals, etc.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position, and may be changed where appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other ​county information, this is the place to start.