Travel Information Aide

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Commerce is seeking qualified applicants for a contractual Travel Information Aide I position within the Office of Tourism Development for the Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center. Deadline extended – previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

The incumbent will work 80 hours bi-weekly.

Grade: 8

Location of Position: Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center, I-68 Eastbound MM#6, Friendsville, MD 21531

The main purpose of this position is to promote Maryland as a premier travel destination in line with the Office of Tourism Development’s (OTD) Annual Marketing and Development Plan. This is achieved through high-quality customer service, disseminating product knowledge, and executing Welcome Center (WC) operational duties. Work is governed by the WC handbook and applicable State of Maryland, Department of Commerce, and OTD policies and procedures.

The role directly supports the execution of OTD’s Annual Marketing and Development Plan through:

• Increasing transactional outcomes by sharing destination-related information about the state’s visitor experiences, events, businesses, and deals/discounts/promotions
• Efficiently and effectively providing Welcome Center and Office of Tourism Development operational assistance

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate

Experience: Two (2) years of experience working in public information in a tourism-related industry (e.g., accommodations, campground, travel development agency, information center, guide service, customer service, hospitality, etc.)

The Welcome Center operates Thursday to Monday weekly, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Working hours include weekends, and applicants must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Experience in processing and conducting self-directed research to stay current on tourism information including visitor experiences, events, and promotions within a specific geographic area
• Experience with Maryland attractions, accommodations, recreational facilities, services, events and destinations

Please provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

Contractual employees who work for an agency under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, with a current employment contract and who work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for medical and prescription coverage, with the State of Maryland subsidizing the remaining 75%.

You may elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible for the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Online applications are highly recommended. To be considered, you must submit a complete application and all required materials by the closing date, including the supplemental questionnaire. A resume may be included as supporting documentation, but a resume alone will not be accepted or considered. Information submitted after the closing date…