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Guide

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 Workforce Services 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.