Travel Counselor

Description

This position will greet all visitors, assist the traveling public, support the operations of the Visitor Center, and interact with tourism partners as directed. The Travel Counselor will interact professionally and collaboratively, enthusiastically representing the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County to citizens and visitors. Displays top quality customer service. Reports to the Visitor Center Manager.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Acknowledge all visitors in a timely manner.
• Present a friendly and “willing to assist” manner to the public, show enthusiasm and thank visitors for coming.
• Provide the traveling public with accurate and understandable information.
• Offer each visitor the opportunity to sign the guest register and receive assistance with lodging reservations.
• As requested by manager, respond to written, telephone, or e-mail inquiries and requests.
• Assist with data entry into the online visitation reporting system/Simpleview Consumer User Group.
• Supports the Visitor Center Manager in implementing and staffing programs, events, and activities.
• Assembles and provides information to groups, individuals, and business visitors.
• Review new brochures and publications to enhance knowledge of areas tourism industry and attractions.
• Review and be familiar with the City of Danville’s Tourism website to strengthen knowledge of the area tourism assets and special events.
• Participate in annual Visitor Center Seminar/Study Tour as offered by the Virginia Tourism Corporation; Typically held in March each year.
• May be required to travel out-of-town and out-of-state, as needed, for conferences and marketplaces.
• Keep brochure racks orderly and well stocked and assist in maintaining appropriate brochure inventory levels to meet needs of the traveling public.
• Assist with inventory control and incoming mail or literature.
• Actively participate in staff meetings.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED; basic computer skills; with at least two years’ experience in the hospitality industry preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria

Job Knowledge

Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

Reading

Intermediate: Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, and thesauruses.

Writing

Intermediate: Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

Intermediate: Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills

Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the duty assignment after receiving detailed instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results with little room for deviation. The immediate supervisor may, at times, provide close and constant review.

Technical Skills

Work requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary/fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is medium in nature, exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly; walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, kneeling, and crouching.
• May occasionally experience weather-related emergencies such as snow removal.
• Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May frequently experience time pressure, working closely with others as a part of a team and multi-tasking.
• May occasionally experience irregular work schedule/overtime.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of standard office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software, and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This work is performed in an office environment where the noise level is moderate. The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task; and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.