NB: Listed below are an array of jobs available in the selected sector. We continue to add details to each job listed, including duties, required experience, suggested education, possible career paths and average annual salary.
Outdoor Adventure Guide
OVERVIEW
Outdoor adventure guides organize and conduct expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists or resort guests. They work for adventure tourism companies, resorts, parks, lodges, or they operate their own small businesses. They might take clients kayaking, bird watching, or bone fishing, depending on the season and their skills. Often the work is seasonal, and, depending on the type of guiding, the hours can be irregular.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Physical ability and experience in the relevant sport or activity is required. An ability to get along and work well with others is necessary too. Excellent communication and instruction skills are required, as are organizational and leadership skills. Knowledge of terrain, environment and local area in which the guide is to travel is important. Customer relations skills and equipment maintenance and repair skills are desired for this position. It is also good to have knowledge of safety and emergency procedures.
DUTIES
Guide individuals or groups create positive customer relations, assemble necessary equipment and supplies, set up and break camp, prepare and/or serve meals, instruct and demonstrate related skills and techniques, respect and maintain natural resources.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is usually preferred. Standard first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are usually required. Some specialties require special training or certification, e.g. bird watching guides.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Supervisor, Manager, Owner/Operator of small business
Golf Club General Manager
OVERVIEW
Golf club general managers are senior executives who report to an owner or board of directors on all management functions, operating procedures, practices and financial results of a golf club. Working at private or public courses, or at resort hotels, their duties require business, human resource and financial management skills. As with any management function, the position is varied and complex.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A golf club general manager requires business and management experience, knowledge of golf and golf club operations, and customer service and tourism-related experience. Knowledge of turf grass management is necessary. In addition, financial and human resource management skills, operations management skills and sales and marketing skills are also necessary. Good communication skills are important. Knowledge of food and beverage and retail operations may be required, and knowledge of tourism and of the local area and region is desired. Organizational skills, time management skills and a second language are also beneficial.
DUTIES
Offer tourism information and promote local area, oversee golf shop operations, complete operations management skills, complete financial management tasks such as development of a budget and managing the payroll, oversee office operations, oversee operation of retail and food and beverage outlets, manage human resource functions such as hiring, training and disciplining of staff, oversee turf management, maintenance and facility repair operations, recruit and retain golf club members.
RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. Degree or diploma in business, tourism or recreation is an asset.
POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Manager of chain of clubs, Owner, Resort Manager.