NOTE
APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED. WE INVITE YOU TO APPLY BELOW IF INTERESTED IN BEING CONSIDERED DURING OUR NEXT HIRING CYCLE, WHICH WILL LIKELY BE EITHER SUMMER 2025 OR SPRING 2026.

Company Description

Boston Hidden Gems is a premier, family-run tour operator dedicated to unveiling the treasures and hidden gems off the beaten path of Boston! We specialize in offering immersive and authentic experiences that showcase the city's rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. Our tours go beyond the typical, providing an insider's perspective on the region's diverse culture, architecture, and history. We are committed to delivering exceptional and unique experiences and fostering an appreciation for Boston's character. If you love this city as much as we do, and want to show it off, this role might be right for you!

Role Description

This listing is for a part-time Tour Guide located in Boston, MA. You will be responsible for conducting guided tours, communicating effectively, providing excellent customer service, sharing historical insights, and promoting our other offerings. In this role, you will lead group walking tours, step-on bus tours, private tours, and shore excursions in Boston and its surrounding area. These tours are between two and eight hours and take place all over Boston, as well as day trips to cities such as Lexington & Concord and Salem.

This position requires driving various vehicles. Our in-house vehicles are a Toyota Sienna minivan and a Ford Transit-150 van (10 pax), but we rent vehicles as large as a 15-passenger Sprinter Van for some tours. Guides must be willing and able to drive any of these vehicles (a standard driver’s license is all that is required, and practice time will be available on all vehicle classes before leading tours).

Note that hours may vary week-to-week and will fluctuate seasonally, although we do our best to keep a consistent schedule. All guides will be required to have at least one regularly-scheduled weekly group tour (3-4 hours, walking), but may have more if they wish. Private tours (4-8 hours, driving or step-on bus) are assigned on a rotating basis as bookings come in. Students and anyone with other part-time jobs or commitments are welcome to apply, as long as you can meet these requirements and can keep your availability calendar regularly updated. Our group walking tours are busiest in the summer, while our private tours and large groups (shore excursions, conferences & events, etc) peak in September & October.

No previous experience is required, only public speaking skills and a passion for history and quirky stories

Interview Process

This is a two-round process. To facilitate training, we attempt to hire applicants in batches, so the interview process follows suit.

The first round will be a video call to discuss the role and your experience. For Spring 2025, we aim to complete all first round calls between February 1 and February 16.

The second round is in-person and usually scheduled for at least 7 days later, during which time you will be asked to prepare a 10-15 minute tour of an area of Boston. Notes and locations will be provided; the goal is to see how you operate as a tour guide. During the second round, you will give this tour, then sit down to discuss tour logistics and any other questions we or you may have. For Spring 2025, we aim to complete all second round interviews between February 15 and March 2.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly demeanor

• Ability to keep tour groups of up to 50 people on schedule and well-paced

• Ability to deal with all tour guests, enjoyable or difficult

• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays

• Native or near-native English speaking skills

• Passion for Boston's history, culture, and hidden gems, and a desire to share your favorite stories

• Ability to engage and entertain diverse audiences and to make people laugh

• US Driver’s License, willingness to drive minivans and transit/sprinter vans (monitored practice time will be provided) in the city.

• 18+

Bonus Points

• Preferably a Boston resident, with experience living in the city

• Knowledge of other languages is a plus. Preference for Spanish, German, Russian, French, Cantonese, and/or Mandarin

• Previous experience in guiding, hospitality, or customer service preferred but not required

• Licensed tour guide in Salem, Concord, or Harvard

• Certified by ITMI, GBTGA, or any other Tour Guide Organization

Compensation

• Training at $17-$22/hour.

• Fully trained at $27/hour + tips. CoL and merit-based raises available

• Opportunities for advancement into various roles

If you're ready to share your love for Boston and uncover its hidden treasures, we want to hear from you! Join Boston Hidden Gems and become part of a growing team dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences to our guests.

Expected hours: 10 – 40 per week
Location: Boston, MA (in-person)