Job Description

Job Title: Temporary Visitor Guide

Job Location:Connemara National Park, Co. Galway

Duration:Temporary

Purpose:

  • To increase awareness and promote appreciation of the special qualities of Connemara National Park and other protected sites.
  • To encourage a sense of responsibility to the natural world and to promote the need for conservation in the region.
  • To inform and educate the general public on the role of National Parks and Wildlife Service

Location:

Primarily at Connemara National Park

Scope of the Job:

  • Provide visitor reception, orientation, information, interpretation and education for individuals and groups, including schools.
  • Interpret the natural history and heritage of Connemara and other sites in the Western Region to the visiting public, to school groups and other interested parties.
  • Organise and co-ordinate special activities and events.

Responsibilities:

  • Welcoming visitors to the site – individuals, small parties and groups including school groups
  • Introducing visitors to the site and its facilities
  • Providing information on the National Park and the role of National Parks and Wildlife Service
  • Dealing with detailed enquiries about particular features of the site
  • Dealing with enquiries about the region and visitor facilities in the area
  • Supervising the activities of visitors to maintain order and promotion of Health and Safety to prevent accidents or incidents
  • Researching and developing information sheets, interpretative material, activities and informative talks in conjunction with Head Guide, Supervisor Guide, Conservation Rangers and management. Promotion of the site and its facilities
  • Leading visits to the Park and developing own commentary (where appropriate) in conjunction with others
  • Developing education activities in conjunction with others
  • Hosting and organising events/displays for important dates throughout the calendar year i.e. Biodiversity Day, Heritage week etc.
  • Operating audio-visual equipment or other interpretive aids (where appropriate)
  • Selling interpretative literature, postcards etc and ensuring that receipts from all sales are accurate. Stocktaking. Assisting in maintenance of visitor records.
  • Light cleaning duties. Keeping reception area and other site facilities clean and tidy.
  • Assisting other NPWS personnel when requested and co-operating with other guides and other NPWS staff.
  • Maintaining a high level of security and safety at the site.
  • Reporting all Health & Safety accidents and incidents to Head Guide.
  • Assisting Emergency Services if required
  • Liaising with other organisations
  • Other duties as requested by the Head Guide, Supervisor Guide and management

Conditions:

  • Guides are required to work 39 hours per week, rostered five days over seven which may include weekends and bank holidays from time to time. Flexibility in work arrangements is required. Some early morning and late evening work may be required.
  • Guides are required to work on their own initiative and as a team in a safe and responsible manner, reporting to the Head Guide.
  • The majority of the Guide’s work involves dealing with the public and often with children. An ability to communicate, relate and enjoy working with children as well as adults is essential to this role.
  • Some work takes place outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Full, clean driving licence is essential. Successful candidates may be expected to drive official vehicles in the course of their duties.

Please note that appointment to these positions will be subject to Garda vetting of successful candidates.