City of Pascagoula has opening for job of a lifetime

PASCAGOULA -- A city spokesperson said she'd apply for the job herself, if it were full-time.

Why? Because there's a sense of historical romance and fun about it.

The job of lighthouse keeper and tour guide has come open in the city of Pascagoula.

"Who has a position for an official lighthouse keeper?" Anne Pitre, city spokesperson, said. "It's totally awesome."

"The last time we posted it online (in November), we put a note on Facebook and Twitter and it was shared far and wide," Pitre said. "The interest is there."

The job would include promoting the newly restored Round Island Lighthouse that now sits at the foot of U.S. 90's high-rise bridge into the city.

Tours are Fridays and Saturdays and cost $2 per person. It's the best $2 investment in town.

The tours are mostly self-directed, as the guide keeps a post at the foot of the lighthouse while people walk the steps to the top of the three-story structure and look out. The structure itself offers a sense of history to those who make the climb. But the guide also showers the visitors with history.

According to the job application, the person needs "to be familiar with Pascagoula History, specifically the Round Island Lighthouse and Gulf Coast tourism. Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors."

And, of course, the applicant will need to get a first aid certification after they get the job.

It's a part-time job paying $8 an hour.

"You're not going to get rich," Pitre said, "But it's fulfilling and rewarding."

According to the application, the work includes responding to questions, handing out brochures, handling audiovisual presentations, monitoring visitor activities, educating school children, keeping people safe at the site, understanding how to conduct emergency evacuations, being up on local wildlife and habitats and knowing the regulations for hunting and fishing.

And of course, be available to work "Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., some evenings occasionally and some special events."

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 4:30 PM with the headline "City of Pascagoula has opening for job of a lifetime ."