Primary Location: 112 E. 11th St, Austin TX 78701
Job Type: Part-Time 20 hours per week; one weekend a month
Hiring Rate: $16.00 / hourly; one additional dollar per hour for verified ability to present tours in a Foreign Language
Salary Plan: A-11
Job Class (Code): Customer Service Representative I (0132)
Job Posting: July 31, 2026 - until closed (This position will start on September 1, 2026)
Organizational Overview:
The Texas State Preservation Board (TSPB) was established for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and restoring the State Capitol and the 1857 General Land Office, which houses the Capitol Visitors Center. Since that time, Agency operations have expanded to include: maintenance of the Governor's Mansion, operating the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Texas State Cemetery. The TSPB provides educational programs centered on Texas history, government and culture for the benefit of the citizens of Texas and its visitors.
Position Summary:
The CVC Tour Guide reports to the Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) Program Supervisor and serves as an information resource for callers and visitors to the CVC (the orientation facility for Capitol Square), the Governor's Mansion and the Texas State Cemetery. Provides educational tours of the CVC, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion following a scripted itinerary. Performs entry-level customer service work. Answers the telephone, responds to inquiries and directs callers and visitors to appropriate personnel or locations. Disseminates information to the public. Greets and welcomes visitors. Works under close supervision with minimal latitude for independent judgment. Functions as a general docent for exhibits and educational tours. Being a Tour Guide is physically and mentally demanding. Tour Guides must be mentally, visually and verbally responsive to visitors' questions and concerns. Must be able to pass a thorough background check. *Work hours are based on the Agency's 365 day-per-year schedule and include weekends, some evenings and/or holidays, including on short notice. Must be available to work a minimum one weekend a month and holidays.
Essential Job Duties: For purposes of this agency's job descriptions, "essential job duties" are defined as assigned tasks that are critical or fundamental to the position and not marginal. If an individual is qualified to perform the essential job duties, the individual must be able to perform the essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Conducts tours at the CVC, Texas State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion within established time frames, using approved scripted information under the direction of the Trainer and Program Supervisor.
- Directs tour groups in a manner that is conducive to the business atmosphere of SPB historic properties.
- May conduct tours of the Capitol within established time frames, using approved scripted information under the direction of the Trainer and Program Supervisor.
- Responds to callers, visitors and state employees in a polite, constructive and positive manner.
- Responds accurately to inquiries about Capitol Square, the Governor's Mansion and the State Cemetery.
- Conducts research on state history and government when necessary, providing significant information in response to inquiries under the direction of the Trainer and Program Supervisor.
- Conducts opening and closing procedures at the CVC and State Cemetery.
- May assist with packing and unpacking Capitol offices for maintenance projects as needed.
- Performs all duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Ability to confidently speak to large groups of people.
· Ability to learn extensive material relating to the history of Texas, the State Capitol, General Land Office Building, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion.
· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including walking up stairs.
· Ability to work weekends and holidays.
· Ability to research topics and communicate findings.
· Acquired and/or applied knowledge about Texas History and material relating the State Capitol, General Land Office, State Cemetery and Governor's Mansion.
· Displays effective interpersonal skills in communicating with internal and external customers, coworkers and management.
Minimum Qualifications:
· High school graduate or equivalent.
· One (1) year of experience in customer service experience in positions such as customer service assistant, office assistant or docent.
Preferred Qualifications:
· College-level course work in communications, history, education, or a related field.
· Experience working with students or children.
· Additional experience in customer service.
· Fluency in a foreign language is highly desirable.
To Apply:
Submit a fully completed application form online at https://TXSPB.formstack.com/forms/tx_state_app_new (works with cell phones, tablets, and computers) or submit a State of Texas application through https://www.workintexas.com/.
For additional information or to see a list of all SPB job postings, visit our agency webpage https://tspb.texas.gov/spb/employ/employ.html. For questions, email SPB HR at [email protected] or call (512) 463-5495.
Veterans:
Military Occupational Specialty Codes (MOS): ARMY: 56M- Religious Affairs Specialist; NAVY/COAST GUARD: YN-Yeoman; MARINES: 0100- Basic Administrative Marine; AIR FORCE: 3F5X1- Administration; SPACE FORCE: No Equivalent
Veterans with other related MOS or additional duties pertaining to the minimum experience requirements may meet the minimum qualifications for this position and are highly encouraged to apply. Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs. Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training into civilian job terms, qualifications and skill sets or for additional Military Crosswalk information go to https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
EEO Statement:
The State Preservation Board is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without regard to national origin, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADAA), if you require reasonable accommodation in the interview and selection process, please call the agency's ADA Coordinator at (512) 463-3633.
Selection Information:
At the time of hire, selected applicants must show proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. All males who are age 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service and may be asked to present proof of registration or exemption from registration upon hire.
The State Preservation Board uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
