Tour guides play a crucial role in engaging and educating the Los Angeles community about the value of historic places and spaces. Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers lead various weekly tours of Downtown Los Angeles, educating and entertaining both student and adult audiences with the stories of our diverse cityscape. If you are interested in being notified of future walking tour docent training opportunities, please fill out our general volunteer interest form!

Current Opportunities

We’re currently seeking volunteer tour guides to help lead walking tours for elementary, middle, and high school students  in Downtown LA and Koreatown. These tours introduce young people to the history, architecture, and culture of our city, often sparking a lifelong appreciation for Los Angeles. 

This fall, we’re offering a special fast-track training for new walking tour guides with weekday availability  – a rare chance to get up to speed quickly and begin leading tours this season. 

No teaching, tour guide, or docent experience is necessary –  just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Training and support are provided.

Requirements

• Weekday availability — even one or two mornings a month can make a big difference.

• Comfort engaging with students in grades 1–12.

• Ability to lead walking tours lasting 60–120 minutes. Tours often include stairs, outdoor settings, and busy urban environments.

• Reliability — showing up prepared, honoring commitments, and arriving on time.

• Enthusiasm for Los Angeles — sharing its history, community, architecture, and preservation in a clear, engaging way tailored for student audiences.

• A one-year minimum commitment following training.

If selected, you’ll join us for in-person training on Thursdays: October 23, October 30, November 6, November 13, and November 20. We ask that you plan to attend all sessions so you feel fully prepared and supported. (Dates may be adjusted if needed.)

Next Steps to Apply

1. Complete the General Volunteer Form by October 6th, 2025, if you haven’t done so previously

2. Fill out the Student Tour Guide Questionnaire by October 6th, 2025

3. Prepare a short presentation — choose one of the following options:

•  In-person option (preferred): Sign up for a 5–10 minute presentation with Conservancy staff on October 8 or 9, 2025 between 11AM and 3PM by emailing jgoodwin@laconservancy.org. Instructions and information will be provided.

• Video option: Unable to make it in person? Record a 3–5 minute video of a tour guide demonstration for staff members of the L.A. Conservancy to review and contact jgoodwin@laconservancy.org to arrange an upload. Instructions and information will be provided.

Please reach out to jgoodwin@laconservancy.org with any questions.