GUIDES California Occupational Guide Number 549 Interest Area 9 1995
THE JOB
Rising incomes and more leisure time are two factors that account for the increased interest in travel and tourism. Travelers who plan vacations are excited about seeing and learning about new places and people. They depend on various GUIDES to handle their travel arrangements, provide information, show points of interest and lead them through unmarked or remote areas. The following is a brief description of different types of Guides.
Sightseeing Guides drive motor vehicles to transport sightseers. Using either a public address system or megaphone, they describe points of interest along tour routes. They may drive a limousine or sightseeing bus, stopping the vehicles at various establishments or locations such as art galleries, museums, battlefields, national parks, etc., so that Establishment Guides can escort the group through the area. Some collect fees or tickets and plan refreshment and rest stops.
Establishment Guides escort groups of people through establishments such as museums, aquariums, public, and historical buildings, or through historic or scenic outdoor sites, such as battlefields, parks, or caves, usually following specified routes. They give talks about size, value and history of such places, point out features of interest and provide other interesting information. They answer questions and may also distribute brochures.
Travel Guides arrange transportation and other accommodations for groups of tourists following planned itineraries and escort groups during an entire trip. Travel Guides are responsible for the health, safety and comfort of the group throughout the trip and must be able to handle emergencies such as illnesses or injuries to group members. During the tour they check on the details of the arrangements such as baggage handling, dining and lodging facilities and recreational activities. They give tips on shops and places to visit.
Hunting and Fishing Guides plan, organize and conduct hunting and fishing trips. They apply their knowledge of the countryside to plan the itinerary and to determine the best route and sites. Hunting and Fishing Guides arrange for the transportation of the clients, equipment and supplies using horses, land vehicles, motorboats, or airplanes. If their clients are inexperienced, they act as teachers and show them how to use the equipment. They explain the hunting and fishing laws of the area, prepare the catch or game, cook or preserve it, and dispose of the waste parts.
Alpine Guides organize and conduct mountain-climbing expeditions for adventurers or tourists. They arrange for the camping and climbing equipment, the transportation to the selected site of ascent, and for the services of medical or other personnel as needed. Alpine Guides have to know the abilities and experience of their clients before selecting the ascent site. They lead the party and at the same time give advice and instruction to beginning clients on proper methods of climbing.
WORKING CONDITIONS
There are times when the tasks of a Guide are demanding and times when they are not. Guides usually work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. The vehicles that they operate are usually air-conditioned and well-ventilated, however some vehicles may be open to the environment. Guides may sit for long periods of time in the vehicle while they inform the tour members of the history, architecture, art and customs of the area. They must be alert at all times to insure the safety of the tourists and see that they are enjoying themselves. Guides have to walk and lead the tour group through various establishments and discuss the points of interest, sometimes using a megaphone.
Alpine Guides and Hunting and Fishing Guides spend their working hours outdoors and are subject to all kinds of weather. Their working hours are usually long. They may have to carry heavy backpacks, have to cook their own meals over open campfires, and may have to sleep on the ground. Some tour members expect the Guides to know everything, and they may encounter other members who may have a multitude of questions or who are unruly.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,760 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,280 Projected Growth 1990-2005 30% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 870
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Spending on travel is expected to increase significantly through the year 2005. Also, with rising incomes, more people are expected to go on vacations and do so more frequently than in the past. In fact, many people take more than one vacation a year.
The travel industry generally is sensitive to economic downturns, when travel plans are likely to be deferred. Therefore, the number of job opportunities fluctuates.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The salaries for Guides varies depending on the employer and location. A recent salary survey indicates that Guides with little or no experience earn from $5.00 to $7.25 per hour. Those with 2-3 years of experience earn from $7.00 to $10.50 an hour. Some Guides receive tips. Guides generally work throughout the week including weekends and holidays. Overtime is not unusual. A few employers provide medical and dental insurance plans. Some provide uniforms or allowances for uniform upkeep.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Those applicants interested in working as a Guide should have a sincere interest in communicating and being with people from all aspects of life. They must be reliable, polite and have poise and patience. They must also be friendly and even-tempered.
Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma. Those who have taken college classes such as art, history, geography and literature may have an advantage. Depending upon the size of the vehicle and/or the number of passengers a California Driver's license class B Commercial with a Passenger Endorsement is required. Some places require the ability to speak a foreign language. Most employers provide training to suit their needs
ADVANCEMENT
Promotional job opportunities for Sightseeing Guides are usually very limited, although one can advance to a lead or entry-level management position in some larger companies. After earning sufficient job experience most Sightseeing Guides move on to other employers for higher wages. Alpine Guides and Hunting and Fishing Guides have very limited promotional opportunities. Some become owners of their own guide company. Top notch Travel Guides are actively sought out by travel agencies who offer them high wages for their skills and abilities.
FINDING THE JOB
Guides usually are employed in industrial establishments, public buildings, museums, art galleries, tour-bus companies and travel agencies. Job seekers should apply directly to the employer's personnel office. For civil service positions, one should apply at state, county or federal personnel offices.
Additional sources include trade journals and classified newspaper ads that list job openings, placement directors at travel schools, employment agencies, and local Job Service offices of the California Employment Development.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Tour Managers Association 8909 Dorrington Avenue West Hollywood, CA 90048
Professional Guides Association of America 2416 South Eads Street Arlington, VA 22202-2532 (703) 892-5757
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Travel Agents No. 213
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Guide, Hunting and Fishing 353.161-010 Guide, Alpine 353.164-010 Guide, Travel 353.167-010 Guide, Sightseeing 353.363-010 Guide, Establishment 353.367-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Guides 680170
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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