Specialist, Learning and Engagement, Tour Guide, Temporary

Job Details

Job Location: Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

Salary Range: $20.00 - $20.00 Hourly

Description

South Coast Botanic Garden’s mission is to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and create experiences that inspire stewardship and sustainability. The 87-acre destination is an oasis of formal gardens and natural walking trails founded atop the most unlikely of beginnings – a sanitary landfill. Today, South Coast Botanic Garden (SCBG) stands as a testament to the regenerative power of nature and the possibilities for land reclamation. The stunning Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden is a signature experience, along with the show-stopping Living Wall, a long-term exhibit of eight remarkable large-scale works of fine art sculpture, and seasonal butterfly pavilion. Programs invite guests to interact with nature through music, craft, science and wellness activities. There is even more excitement to come, with the creation of a 3.5-acre Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden scheduled for completion in the coming year. There has never been a better time to join this dynamic team!

SCBG fosters an environment where strategic focus and cultural health work hand-in-hand, ensuring alignment and resilience. The ideal SCBG candidate displays a grateful and positive outlook, wholeheartedly supports SCBG’s mission to connect ALL to the wonders of nature and has the grit necessary to grow SCBG. Candidates should be excited to embrace this framework to guide their work and actively collaborate on cross-functional projects that further the organization’s strategic goals.

POSITION TITLE:

Specialist, Learning and Engagement – Tour Guide, Temporary

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Reports to Manager, Learning and Engagement, with training and daily oversight by Coordinator, Learning and Engagement

JOB SUMMARY:

The role of the Learning and Engagement Specialist – Tour Guide is to implement daily operations that relate to South Coast Botanic Garden’s exhibits, including our upcoming exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World and Winter Workshops. Tour Guides will also be responsible for acting as volunteer liaisons and helping with exhibit installation. This is a fast-paced, evolving environment and we seek a candidate eager to help SCBG grow in its continued journey as a place for all to enjoy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Engage guests by leading the “Pangea Express” Tour, a SCBG addition to Dinosaurs Around the World: The Great Outdoors – this tour connects the exhibit with the overall SCBG narrative, including land reclamation and plant collections with a story

Assist with installation of exhibits including, but is not limited to, assisting with the distribution and packaging of exhibit experience materials, cleaning tasks, stocking and collaborating with the Operations Department to assist with installation duties

Work to ensure the highest quality and safe experience when interacting with guests, volunteers and staff, while demonstrating strong customer service skills

Provide welcoming, approachable, offbeat nature experiences for guests

Communicate efficiently and effectively across various departments

Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

Excellent verbal communication skills with an interest in building public speaking skills (experience with improvisation is strongly preferred)

Ability to learn and memorize scripts and interpretation to provide guests with approachable, offbeat nature experiences

Superb customer service skills

Dedication to creating a healthy work environment by maintaining a positive and grateful attitude, behaving professionally while maintaining decorum and employing grit in high pressure situations, and leading by exemplifying a “heart for the why” behind SCBG’s mission

Eager to interact with wildlife in our space such as caterpillars, butterflies, spiders, etc.

Experience and dedication to providing a welcoming experience when engaging with the public of all ages and backgrounds

Ability to work successfully as a team player – within the department, across the organization and with external audiences

Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels within the organization

Ability to stand, walk and bend outside for consecutive hours at a time

Ability to lift and move up to 20 pounds safely

Must be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays (including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

One or more years of experience working as a tour guide or in a similar interpretive role

One or more years of experience working for a non-profit or corporate organization or in a related capacity

A valid driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Position is temporary, non-exempt, up to 24 hours per week. Pay rate is $20 per hour. Must be available Friday through Sunday, select weekdays, some evenings, and some holidays. Please submit your cover letter, resume and complete application to apply. Deadline to apply is September 22, 2025.

South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation is dedicated to a practice of diversity, inclusion, access and equity for all employees and visitors.