Tour Guide - Work Study | Fall 2025

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University is dedicated to inspiring research, leadership and innovation that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity. The Meadows Center fulfills its mission by integrating activities across four pillars of action in powerful ways. Our work in each of these pillars begins at Spring Lake – one of the largest artesian springs in the world – and ripples outward across Texas and beyond.

The Meadows Center is seeking a student worker to assist the Spring Lake Education Program with leading tour groups of 10-30 participants of all age groups around the park, interpreting various environmental and historical subjects concerning the area. Additionally, applicants will provide educational tours and potentially learn how to drive the historic glass-bottom boats. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) leading tour groups, driving boats, customer service, setup/cleanup of tour supplies, and taking out the trash.

Qualifications 

Applicants must have work-study. It is recommended that applicants have experience in one or more of the following areas: Education, Working with Children, Public Speaking, Biology, Geography, Texas History, Archaeology, Recreation, Lifeguarding, or related field. Bilingual individuals that speak Spanish are highly encouraged to apply. Finally, applicants must have interpersonal skills including dependability, responsibility, motivation, time management, organization, excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow directions.

Job Description:

This position will focus on leading tour groups of 10-30 participants of all age groups around the park, interpreting various environmental and historical subjects concerning the area. This role will consist of mostly land based tours. 

Schedule

Applicants must be available weekday mornings between 8:30am-1pm (or similar), and one weekend shift.

Job Requirements

• Must maintain enrollment in at least 6 fall/spring semester credit hours
• Must be comfortable working with children
• Must have great customer service skills, self-motivated, and a willingness to learn
• Must have a reliable method of getting to work

Job Duties

• Leading tour groups
• Customer service
• Setup/cleanup of tour supplies
• Taking out the trash

Location

Please note our location: http://www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/About/Contact-Us.html. Students driving their vehicle to work must have a Texas State parking permit. Students without a vehicle must have a reliable method of getting to work. 

Employee Evaluation Process

Employees will be evaluated on their work output and ethic. Employees will be required to attend all scheduled shifts unless prior communication has been made with their direct supervisor.  All employees are required to follow university policy and procedures.

Payrate Determination

This pay rate of this position begins at $11. Experience and amount awarded through work study may result in a higher rate if deemed appropriate by the Spring Lake Management. 

Direct Supervisor

This position is directly supervised by the Education Manager of the Meadows Center and the Deputy Director of Spring Lake Education