About Cornerstone Tours
Cornerstone Tours is a Washington, D.C.-based walking tour company dedicated to bringing history to life through immersive, expert-led experiences. Our current tours include the Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour and the Capitol Hill Walking Tour — with more tours on the horizon. We serve both public group tours and private clients, from individual visitors to corporate and school groups.
We are building a team of passionate, knowledgeable guides who take pride in storytelling, professionalism, and creating memorable moments for every guest.
The Role
As a Cornerstone Tours Leader, you will lead public and private walking tours through some of Washington's most historically significant landmarks. You are the face of Cornerstone Tours — responsible not just for delivering accurate history, but for crafting an experience guests will talk about long after their trip.
This role is ideal for educators, historians, military veterans, hospitality professionals, performers, or anyone with a deep love of American history and a genuine enjoyment of public engagement.
Compensation
We start our guides at $30/hr + tips, but there is a quick runway for hourly raises with clear objective metrics in place to achieve these hourly increases. If you show your loyalty and dedication to company growth, we will show our commitment to keeping you on board!
Responsibilities
- Lead scheduled public and private walking tours at Arlington National Cemetery and Capitol Hill
- Deliver engaging, accurate, and age-appropriate historical commentary at each tour stop
- Manage group logistics including pace, timing, headcounts, and guest safety
- Greet guests professionally and handle pre-tour check-in and introductions
- Respond to guest questions with depth, accuracy, and enthusiasm
- Maintain thorough, up-to-date knowledge of tour content and DC history
- Represent Cornerstone Tours' brand values: excellence, respect, and storytelling
- Submit post-tour notes and flag any operational issues to management
- Participate in periodic training sessions and guide development workshops
Qualifications
Required:
- Exceptional public speaking skills and comfort leading groups of 2–25 people
- Strong knowledge of American history, military history, or Washington, D.C. history
- Professional, punctual, and reliable — outdoor tours run rain or shine
- Physical ability to lead 2–3 hour outdoor walking tours, including on uneven terrain
- Positive, guest-first attitude with strong interpersonal communication skills
Preferred:
- Prior experience as a tour guide, educator, docent, or public speaker (Some of our best guides had NO prior experience, don't let this deter you!)
- Background in history, journalism, political science, military service, or a related field
- Familiarity with Arlington National Cemetery or Capitol Hill
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities
- CPR/First Aid certification
Schedule & Employment
You set your availability — we build the schedule around you. Whether you can commit to two tours a week or ten, we work with what works for you.
- This role begins as an independent contractor position
- Tours run in the morning and afternoon, typically 2–3 hours per tour
- 1 Weekend day availability is required
- Weekday availability is a plus but not required
- For guides who excel and wish to work exclusively with Cornerstone Tours, a W-2 part-time path is available with the potential to grow into a full-time role — we're invested in building long-term relationships with guides who are invested in us
Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Referral program
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to Work on weekends?
Work Location: In person
