Destination Expert
Park Board of Trustees and Visit Galveston in Galveston, TX is looking to hire a part-time Destination Expert to provide exceptional visitor service and serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable resource for guests to Galveston Island. Do you enjoy meeting new people and sharing what makes Galveston special? Are you outgoing, helpful, and comfortable engaging with visitors in a variety of settings? Would you like to work for a respected organization that sets its employees up for success? If so, please read on!
This visitor services position earns a competitive wage of $18.15/hour. We provide a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match on a 3% employee contribution. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you to put your customer service skills and knowledge of Galveston Island to work, apply today!
ABOUT PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND VISIT GALVESTON
In 1963, the citizens of Galveston voted to create a specialized unit of government called the Park Board of Trustees of the City of Galveston. The organization is responsible for overseeing Galveston's tourism efforts, Galveston Island Beach Patrol (GIPB), and Coastal Zone Management (CZM). The Park Board is funded primarily through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and beach user fees for the three parks that it manages. Tourism pays for tourism, as no sales or property tax is collected by the Park Board. The nine-member board is comprised of volunteer residents with diverse business backgrounds. Each is required to serve at least two years and must also serve on one of the Park Board's advisory committees.
We are on a mission to promote and support tourism on Galveston Island in order to foster an environment that establishes a great place to live, work, and visit. Our vision is to create a tourist destination that promises an exciting variety of experiences and a high quality of life for residents.
The island offers natural resources, attractions, events, and heritage that we wish to share with residents and visitors alike. Our employees are dedicated to inviting all to come and experience the island that we care so much about.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DESTINATION EXPERT
As a Destination Expert, you play an important role in creating memorable experiences for visitors to Galveston Island. You primarily support the Galveston Visitor Center, where you welcome guests and provide accurate, timely, and friendly information about island attractions, events, dining, accommodations, transportation, businesses, and recreational opportunities. By listening to each visitor's interests, available time, and location, you provide personalized recommendations that help them make the most of their time on the island.
Your role extends beyond the Visitor Center. You may also represent Visit Galveston at conventions, meetings, conferences, special events, and other Visit Galveston activities by staffing visitor information tables and engaging with attendees. You help promote Galveston as a year-round destination, encouraging visitors to explore more of the island, extend their stay, and return for future visits.
You help ensure every visitor information area is welcoming and guest-ready by setting up, maintaining, restocking, and breaking down information tables and displays as needed. You keep brochures, visitor guides, maps, and other materials current, organized, well stocked, and attractively displayed. You also assist with tracking visitor interactions and information requests, answering visitor phone inquiries, data entry, research, materials preparation, special projects, and other departmental needs.
Whether you are assisting one guest at the Visitor Center or interacting with attendees at a busy event, you represent Visit Galveston with professionalism, enthusiasm, and exceptional customer service. Your ultimate goal is to help every visitor enjoy a memorable Galveston experience and discover even more reasons to return!
QUALIFICATIONS FOR A DESTINATION EXPERT
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
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Effective verbal communication skills and excellent phone manners
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Data entry experience
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Good critical thinking and routine problem-solving skills
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Strong knowledge of Galveston Island attractions, events, dining, accommodations, and visitor experiences, or a willingness to learn
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Comfortable engaging with visitors in both one-on-one and high-volume event settings
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Ability to work independently while professionally representing Visit Galveston
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Ability to coordinate effectively with internal and external resources
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Willingness to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA), with training provided upon hire
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Availability to work weekends, with additional weekday, evening, holiday, and special-event shifts as needed
Previous experience in a customer service-related role in a similar industry is preferred. Are you outgoing and guest-service oriented? Do you enjoy helping people and sharing recommendations? Can you manage routine tasks and problems while maintaining a professional and welcoming attitude? Are you committed to excellence, professionalism, and creativity? If yes, you might just be perfect for this Destination Expert position!
WORK SCHEDULE FOR A DESTINATION EXPERT
This position is part-time and year-round, with regular weekend shifts at the Galveston Visitor Center. Additional weekday shifts may be scheduled as needed to support staffing needs, conventions, meetings, conferences, special events, and other Visit Galveston activities.
Hours and schedules may vary based on Visitor Center operations and the convention and event calendar. Some assignments may require early morning, evening, holiday, or special-event hours. Regular in-person attendance is required, and the ideal applicant has the flexibility to support these varying schedules as needed.
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If you feel that you would be right for this visitor services job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!
