Tram Tour Guide

Plant-based dream jobs await you at the Holden Arboretum! Apply now and help us welcome adventure-seekers, leaf peepers, and plant geeks from all walks of life at one of Greater Cleveland’s most dynamic natural destinations. Our Guest Experience Team will work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays, and the ability to work shifts on short notice. No prior experience needed – just your love of trees, plants, and people. Are you a natural storyteller?  Lead seasonal Highlights Tram Tours as a Tram Tour Guide. Our popular Highlights Tram Tours provide guests with an overview of Holden Arboretum gardens, collections, natural areas, and history with special emphasis on seasonal highlights.  Tour guides will help make guests feel welcome and foster deeper engagement with HF&G’s mission by orienting them to the Arboretum campus.

Position Details:

• Positions available April through November, flexibility in start and end dates
• Schedules between15-20 hours per week
• Schedule includes weekends, weekdays, some evenings and holidays

The Perks:

• A beautiful work environment in Greater Cleveland
• Discounts in our stores & cafes     
• Free parking at both campuses
• Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums
• Opportunity to work at both Holden Forests & Gardens campuses if desired: the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle

Key Responsibilities:

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, values and core commitment to the visitor experience and community engagement
• Provide guests of all mobility levels an introduction and overview of Arboretum grounds and seasonal horticultural highlights
• Help guests engage more deeply with the plants and stories on our campus
• Lead 45-minute tram tours of the Arboretum’s gardens and grounds
• Present grounds and organization knowledge with energy and enthusiasm.
• Answer questions about the organization accurately and appropriately
• Stay in communication with Guest Services manager on duty regarding ticket sales, logistical issues, and day-to-day operations
• Represent Holden Forests & Gardens in a professional manner to the community
• Provide feedback to primary Guest Services Lead about route, content, and coordination of tours to assist in program evaluation
• Assist in sales of tour tickets and use point of sale system to manage tour rosters
• Strong verbal communication skills and interest in working directly with guests
• Other duties as assigned 

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• High school graduate or equivalent, preferred 
• Must obtain a work permit if under 18 years of age
• Experience with customer service in a similar setting or desire to learn
• Knowledge and appreciation of gardening or horticulture
• Knowledge of Lake County area
• Must enjoy working with the public, families, and children
• Ability to understand basic instructions
• Effective and appropriate verbal communication
• Ability to work within a team and be self-motivating when working individually
• Ability to take initiative and problem-solve
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 25 pounds, occasionally 30 pounds