Tourist Information Counselor

As a Tourist Information Counselor with the Department of Transportation, you will be the friendly face that greets visitors as they begin their journey through Pennsylvania. Each day brings new conversations, new questions, and new chances to help people discover exciting destinations. You will play an important role in promoting travel, assisting guests, and representing the Commonwealth with pride. This position offers a meaningful way to serve the public and support statewide tourism efforts.

This position supports travelers by providing accurate information, helpful guidance, and a welcoming environment at the Erie County Welcome Center. The role strengthens tourism outreach, improves customer service, and assists with daily operations. As a Tourist Information Counselor, you will perform the following duties:

• Visitor Assistance: Provide directions, travel details, and lodging information to support guest travel plans
• Tourism Support: Promote statewide tourism by sharing resources, participating in tours, and assisting with special programs
• Center Operations: Open and close the Welcome Center, maintain displays, and keep the facility organized and well stocked
• Inventory Management: Unpack, store and monitor literature supplies while maintaining accurate stock records
• Communication Duties: Coordinate with the Tourist Information Supervisor to share questions, updates, and operational needs
• Administrative Tasks: Prepare reports, complete clerical assignments, and represent the Tourism Services Office during events and travel shows

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• This position works a 6-week rotating schedule. Days and hours can vary from Sunday to Saturday Temporary hours of operation are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position. 
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience in work involving public contact; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be willing and able to work in and commute to the Erie County Welcome Center, I-90 W 1/2 mile W. of NY Border, North East, PA 16428.
• You must have the ability to report to work within 1-hour of being called in.
• You must have front facing customer service experience.
• You must have experience working with computers.
• You must have experience answering phones, composing emails, compiling reports, tracking office activities and inventory, entering data, and filing. 
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Five or more years of full-time experience in work involving front facing public contact.
• Indicate highest level of education achieved.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.  To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.  The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.  The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.  All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.