Park Guide

Open: September 9, 2026 —
Closes: September 15, 2026

The primary purpose of this position is to provide guide services to visitors. The work involves giving talks, interpreting natural and historic features, answering questions, guiding tours, and providing miscellaneous services to visitors.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following:
Operates a visitor center or contact station. Answers telephone, orients visitors to site, stocks brochures and kiosks and handles minor visitor complaints. Is friendly and relates to visitors with varied backgrounds. Helps orient visitors to what is available to see on site and within the area. Presents pre-established interpretive programs, orientation talks, guided tours, living history demonstrations or off-site programs for a diverse audience.

Communicates orally and in writing by presenting interpretive programs, writing email responses to visitors, and/or answers visitor questions. Performs opening and closing procedures for a visitor center, historic buildings, etc. Sets alarms and assures areas secure. Operates a computer to perform small projects. Uses a variety of software such as Word, Excel, etc. Runs a cash register and credit card machine.

Maintains stock, completes inventory, and makes deposits. Physical Demands:
The work requires standing for long periods of time, walking for long distances, climbing and descending steep inclines, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items. Mental stress and physical fatigue occur due to high volume of personal contacts, occasional emergency responses, and repetitive nature of interpretive programs. Work Environment:
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors resulting in exposure to a variety of weather conditions. Area Information:
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is located in the Flint Hills of Chase County, just north of Strong City, Kansas. Chase County is rural and lightly populated. Major groceries, medical and dental services are located in Emporia, Kansas (20 miles distant). Public schools are located in Cottonwood Falls and Strong City; a state university is located in Emporia. Climate is considered moderate, with average precipitation of over 30 , summer high temperatures 80-100°, winter low temperatures 10-20°.

NO PARK HOUSING IS AVAILABLE; rentals and houses for sale are limited in Chase County but plentiful in Emporia. For more information, see the parks website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./TAPR