Tour Guide - Part Time

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As theSeasonal Educator at the Duke Lemur Center, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that connects guests of all ages to the world of lemurs, conservation, and science. Your enthusiasm and creativity will help foster meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and care for the natural world.

Be Bold.

The Duke Lemur Center is a global leader in lemur research, education, and conservation. As a Seasonal Educator, you'll be at the heart of our public engagement efforts during our busiest season, delivering memorable, mission-driven programming that makes a lasting impact.

What You'll Do:

• Lead engaging tours and educational programs for diverse audiences, including General Tours, Field Trips, and Walking with Lemurs experiences.
• Create inclusive learning environments that connect guests to lemur biology, conservation, and Duke's mission.
• Ensure guest and animal safety by upholding behavioral guidelines during tours and programs.
• Operate the gift shop, including point-of-sale transactions, greeting visitors, and managing phone inquiries.
• Prepare for programming by setting up tour paths, prepping lemur diets, and sanitizing enrichment structures.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming, and efficient environment in both the gift shop and tour areas.
• Respond to guest concerns with empathy, positivity, and problem-solving skills.
• Support full-time education staff with administrative tasks such as answering calls, emails, and assisting drop-in guests.
• Collaborate on program development and review to enhance educational offerings.
• Restock merchandise and assist with inventory management in the gift shop.
• Represent the Lemur Center at outreach events, strengthening relationships within Duke and the Durham community.
• Serve as a passionate ambassador for lemur conservation and the Duke Lemur Center's mission.
• Assist with special events and seasonal programming, helping to create immersive experiences for guests.
• Contribute to the preparation of educational materials and enrichment activities.
• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of public spaces and tour paths.

This is a part-time, seasonal positionwith potential for extended hours during the off-season (October-March). Weekly hours range from10-25, with priority given to candidates available on weekends. Available shifts include:

• Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 8:30am-2:00pm
• Fridays: 2:00pm-7:30pm
• Saturdays & Sundays: 8:30am-12:30pm

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in educational programming or public engagement.
• Retail experience is a plus.
• Spanish or other secondary language skills are a bonus.
• Familiarity with Duke or the Durham community is highly valued.

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Able to stand and walk for up to 3 hours, crouch and bend in animal areas, and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Capable of working at a computer for up to 60 minutes at a time.

Required Skills:

• Positive attitude and enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently and maintain productivity in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including engaging diverse audiences and responding to questions effectively.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Rate:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $18.00/hr to USD $24.57/hr. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications:

A general educational background equivalent to a high school diploma is required. A college degree is preferred.

Experience:

Six months of experience in a role involving public interaction is required to develop the skills necessary for effective engagement with tour audiences or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will be considered.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future-one lemur tour at a time.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.