On-Call Tour Guide

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for accompanying visitors on local tours and guiding tourists within a specific region, area, city or site. Provides special information on history, archaeology, monuments and works of art, the environment, culture, natural and built attractions, places of interest, and any general matters of interest to the customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Guiding & Tour Control

• Greets and registers customers; loads and unloads luggage; issues and distributes admission tickets and brochures; collects fees and tickets from customers; provides customers with practical support throughout the trip.
• Advises customers of directions, local customs, climates, environments, and other useful information for travelers and answers questions about various matters and inquiries.
• Leads tour groups and advises customers of local interest points and prepares and presents tour commentaries.
• Attends to operational problems, such as booking errors, unexpected schedule change, lost luggage, illness, etc. in a timely manner.
• Coordinates pre-arranged accommodation, transportation, tour activities such as visits to local attractions, restaurants or shops and makes sure that customers are comfortable.
• Monitors visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
• Research and share general information on the local culture and history of the assigned area.
• Keeps in touch with the Company's Assen team and transportation companies.
• Provides for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid and directing emergency evacuations.
• Maintains and submits to management written reports of daily activities and carries out other administrative work.

Expansion of Market & Profit

• Provides excellent services, experience and vacation to customers so that they will return to the Company for more business.
• Solicits customers with the Company tour products and services that meet each customer's needs and preferences.
• Provides customers' feedback and makes suggestions on solutions on any issues and complaints to related internal departments and suppliers.
• Keeps up with market trends to offer customers the most popular and trendy attractions, restaurants and shops, etc.

Other Duties

• Seeks constant improvement, more efficient and less expensive ways and means in work processes.
• Performs special projects and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by your superiors.
• Maintains high ethical standards in the workplace.
• Reports all irregular issues and problems to your superiors for solutions.
• Maintains good communication with your superiors, office staff members and outside contacts.
• Complies with all company policies and procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe working area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

Possesses at least 3 years of experience in the travel industry, or equivalent skills, in the area of own expertise.

Skills and Knowledge

• Possesses basic knowledge and skills to perform day-to-day responsibilities but requires no supervision.
• Speaks, reads and writes fluently in Japanese language.

Certificates and Licenses

Driver’s License.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working Hours

• Normal business hours between 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• May be required to work after normal business hours and weekends.

Working Environment

• Work is performed in an air-conditioned office environment.
• Work can be performed remotely but may be required to report to the Los Angeles Office two times per month or as required.
• Infrequent (two times per year) domestic travel by air is required.
• Subject to varying atmospheric conditions, up to and including, noise, pollution, dust, fumes and vehicle exhaust.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment including phones, fax, copier, personal computer, scanner, etc.
• Software includes the use of Windows operating system, MS Office.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and occasionally must stand, walk, use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include the ability to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen, measure or identify using eyesight and adjust vision focus.
• The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete the essential job functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to show mental stamina for problem solving and dealing with stressful situations; prioritizing multiple tasks, ability to recall and recreate detailed conversation or events, interpret and apply oral/written instructions; remain alert and coherent to take action in stressful conditions.