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.

 

Tour Bus Driver

OVERVIEW
Tour bus drivers operate sightseeing or tour buses, and transport passengers. They have excellent driving records and are able to transport customers safely. They provide for the needs of passengers and offer information about the locale. They are employed tour companies or work directly for resorts or hotels.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A valid operator?s licence is required for this position, as well as appropriate driving experience. Good health and physical fitness, tourism or customer service experience and excellent communication skills are also necessary. Organizational and record-keeping skills are good to have, as is knowledge of destinations and routes. A second language is also an asset.

DUTIES
Make routine checks of buses, greet customers, confirm destination and take tickets, assist passengers on and off buses, drive passengers/goods to requested destination, practice defensive driving, may provide tour commentary provide information on locale, attractions, fares, etc. record transactions and trip log.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Training in first aid, defensive driving, basic auto mechanics and customer service is useful.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Dispatcher, Tour Director, Manager, Owner/Operator.

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Taxicab Driver

OVERVIEW
Taxicab drivers drive automobiles and limousines to transport passengers. They are employed by taxicab companies or work as independent drivers. They have extensive and detailed knowledge of the area in which they drive. They must have and maintain an excellent driving record and are able to transport customers safely from point A to point B via the most direct and/or practical route possible.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Taxicab drivers require a professional appearance and attitude, as well as a valid Public Service driver?s licence and a good driving record. Good judgment and problem-solving skills and good communication skills are also necessary. Customer service skills, experience in cash handling, and time management skills are all desired. A second language is also useful.

DUTIES
Greet customers, assist passengers as they enter and exit vehicle, stow luggage and other goods drive passengers and/or goods to requested destination, practice defensive driving, provide information on locale, attractions, fares, etc., handle customer complaints or difficult passengers, process payment and communicate with dispatcher.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred. Training in first aid, defensive driving, basic auto mechanics, and customer service are assets.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Chauffeur, Dispatcher, Manager of Operations, Owner/Operator.

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Rental Agent

OVERVIEW
Rental agents rent automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats and other forms of transportation for private use by clients. They are employed by automobile, boat or recreational companies at airports, resorts and marinas. Wherever they work, their general duties are the same. Main tasks revolve around customer service skills; other duties relate to cash handling, handling rentals and returns, displaying brochures and pamphlets, and generally ensuring that the office is tidy and organized.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Professional attitude and appearance and good communication skills are required for this position. Desired skills are sales and marketing, computer, and time management skills. Customer service and cash handling experience is also valuable, as are proven good judgment and problem-solving skills. A second language is useful.

DUTIES
Greet customers, provide information on products, availability and rates, discuss rental agreement with client, process rental agreements, sell insurance and check driver?s licences, respond to customer complaints, ensure client is escorted to vehicle and a quality check is done, process payments.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Reservations Manager, Assistant Manager, Manager of Operations, Owner/Operator.

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Recreation/Activity Director (Cruise Ship)

OVERVIEW
Recreation/activity directors serve as hosts on cruise ships. They organize activities and ensure that passengers enjoy themselves. In this exciting position, recreation/activity directors are on call 24 hours a day while cruising. When they are away from home, they have opportunities to explore new destinations and see new sites.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A professional attitude and appearance are required, as are special event/group activity planning skills and good communication and presentation skills. Tourism or customer service experience is an asset, as is knowledge of ships, navigation, destinations and attractions. Also useful are organizational and record-keeping skills and time management skills. A second language can often be helpful.

DUTIES
Meet and greet passengers, conduct tours of ship, introducing passengers to the captain and crew, demonstrate and explain safety procedures care for special needs passengers, organize activities such as sports, entertainment and tours, provide information on locale, attractions, fares, etc. respond to emergencies, accidents or medical problems, keep records and logs.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. Courses in hospitality, tourism or recreation administration are desirable, as is training in first aid and customer service.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Special Events Coordinator, Customer Service Director, Manager, Owner/Operator.

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 Pilot

OVERVIEW
Pilots are skilled individuals who fly or assist in the flight of the aircraft, either fixed-wing (airplanes) or rotary-wing (helicopters). They may fly passengers from one place to another on commercial flights or private jets. Pilots may also be self-employed. This position is exciting and varied and requires steady, focused concentration and an ability to convert learning into skills at a moment?s notice.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Technical aptitude, good judgment and problem-solving skills, and strong communication skills are all required of a pilot. In addition, leadership qualities, the ability to work as a team member, and technological and navigational skills are necessary. Good health, hearing and vision, and height and weight that conform to safety standards are also essential. Desired experience and skills include time management skills, leadership and team building skills and emergency and disaster management skills.

DUTIES
Prepare flight plans, monitor weather conditions and plane requirements, operate aircraft controls, communication and navigation systems, direct activities of flight crew during flight, monitor operation of engines and functioning of aircraft systems during flight, be prepared to handle emergency situations.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required, as is a commercial pilot?s licence.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Flight Instructor, Dispatcher, Traffic Manager, Airline Manager.

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Flight Attendant

OVERVIEW
Flight attendants are friendly, service-oriented professionals who work on planes and in airports. They are trained to help ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during airplane flights. They enjoy working as part of a team to ensure that customer service expectations are met. They are often away from home, and have an opportunity to see different parts of the world.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Must be well groomed, physically fit and in good health. Must also conform to safety standards for height and weight. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required, as are excellent customer service skills. Knowledge of tourism-related geography and information, and second or third language are beneficial.

DUTIES
Attend pre-flight briefings, check cabin and supplies, greet passengers and assist with seating arrangements, assist with special needs of passengers, demonstrate and explain safety procedures, attend to safety of passengers at take-off, landing or in emergencies, offer water, blankets, etc. to passengers, tidy aircraft and check for lost items, prepare in-flight service reports and records.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Purser, Steward, Trainer, Manager of Flight Operations.

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Ferry Boat Captain

OVERVIEW
Ferry boat captains operate ferries, transporting passengers and cargo on a set path. They maintain a schedule, oversee loading and unloading procedures on the ship and supervise and co-ordinate the activities of deck crews. Employment could be through a marine transport company, the federal government or self-employment.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Concentration and focus, and technical aptitude are required for this position. In addition, good judgment and problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills and leadership qualities are necessary. An ability to work as an effective team member is important, as is good health, hearing and vision. Proven navigational skills are necessary, as are time management skills and emergency/disaster management skills.

DUTIES
Command and operate ferry boats, determine geographic positioning, execute safe navigational passage, maintain navigational instruments and equipment, direct activity of deck crew direct and supervise loading and unloading of vehicles and foot passengers, be prepared to handle emergency situations, keep ship?s log, monitor other vessels along route.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required, as is proper marine certification.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Ferry Boat Master, Ship?s Captain, Owner/Operator of a marine transport company.

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Customer Service Director

OVERVIEW
Customer service directors plan, organize, direct and control the operations of a customer service area of a transportation company. They oversee customer service representatives as well as perform the duties of a customer service representative when required. They may be employed at an airport, or a cruise or ferry service counter.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Customer service experience is required, as is supervisory or management experience. Good judgment and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, and leadership and team-building skills are also required. Desired experience and skills include time management, financial management and a second language.

DUTIES
Manage human resource functions, such as assigning staff duties, respond to customer enquiries or complaints, attend to comfort and concerns of passengers, make and change reservations, receive payment and process forms, supervise facility operation, communicate with other departments as needed, use administrative skills.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. A degree or diploma in business, marketing or tourism is often necessary.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Marketing and Sales Manager, Assistant Manager, General Manager of Operations.

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Air Traffic Controller

OVERVIEW
Air traffic controllers direct air traffic within assigned air space, and control moving aircraft and service vehicles at airports. This is a busy position that requires total concentration. Traffic controllers analyze information, such as weather conditions, and load and fuel capacities, and determine strategies from this information. They monitor flights in progress and communicate with and direct pilots and ground crews. Employment is usually with the federal government or at a private airport.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
An eye for detail and good organizational skills are both required, as are good judgment, good communication skills, and good health, hearing and vision. Also necessary is a willingness to continually upgrade skills. Computer and technological skills and interests are assets, as are time management skills, leadership and teamwork skills, and emergency and disaster management skills. A second language is also beneficial.

DUTIES
Use radar, two-way radios and other communication and visual tracking equipment, direct activity of moving aircraft and service vehicles on runways, issue navigational and other information to pilots, maintain radio and telephone contact with other control towers, co-ordinate movements of planes, alert emergency services when necessary, prepare and maintain flight plans, logs and other reports.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required, as is Air Traffic Controller certification.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Flight Dispatcher, Flight Service Specialist, Air Traffic Control Chief, Tower Controller.

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