TOURIST GUIDE

CLASS TITLE: TOURIST GUIDE
CLASS CODE: 9528
CLASSIFICATION: TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE

Position Summary

The National Coal Heritage Area (NCHA), spanning a thirteen county region in southern West Virginia and housed under the West Virginia Department of Tourism, exists to preserve, protect, and interpret lands, structures, and communities associated with the coal mining heritage of southern West Virginia, driving tourism and stoking economic development.

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Tourist Guide manages the day-to-day operations of the Coal Heritage Interpretive Center (Bramwell Depot). As the sole staff member on-site during most shifts, this individual ensures the facility is welcoming, clean, organized, and ready to provide a quality visitor experience.

Location: 100 Simmons Avenue, Bramwell, WV 24715

Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Up to 30 hours/week). Occasional (paid) travel to the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, WV may be required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Visitor Services: Welcomes guests and provides coal heritage and local history interpretation. Offers recommendations on regional attractions, maps, driving routes (including the Coal Heritage Trail), and itineraries. Answers inquiries in person, by phone, and via email.
  • Daily Outdoor Facility Care: Conducts outdoor checks to pick up trash and check for damage throughout shift. Prepares center by checking/stocking bathrooms and brochure racks. Closes center by securing doors, adjusting lights/thermostats, and ensuring overall security.
  • Daily Indoor Maintenance: Performs sweeping, dusting, and daily cleaning of the depot. Mops, stocks, and maintains restrooms. Empties and ensures cleanliness of all indoor and outdoor trash receptacles.
  • Data & Operations: Invites visitors to sign guest book. Maintains accurate daily visitor counts and shares information with Executive Director weekly. Monitors inventory of cleaning and visitor supplies. Nourishes partnership with the Town of Bramwell, the facility owner.
  • Administrative Support (As Needed): May assist with special events, community outreach and Town of Bramwell collaboration, marketing initiatives, and provide supporting narratives for federal grant applications and related reports.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Experience: Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, tourism, or visitor services preferred.
  • Skills: Strong communication and organizational skills; basic computer proficiency; ability to work independently and maintain data confidentiality.
  • Physical: Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, perform routine cleaning tasks (bending, reaching), and lift/carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Attributes: Dependable, self-motivated, and committed to maintaining a clean, professional, and welcoming environment.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the National Coal Heritage Area.

Cover letters may be addressed to Executive Director Jessica Toon. Please email a resume and cover letter to Perri.K.Bone@wv.gov.