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.

 

Director of Sales and Marketing

OVERVIEW
Sales and marketing directors are responsible for establishing and directing the marketing and sales activities of an organization. They may work for a company in the attractions sector, such as a museum, or they may work in other sectors of tourism, for hotels, resorts, tour companies, convention centres, transportation companies, etc. Sales and marketing directors direct the activities of staff involved in sales, marketing, advertising and public relations, and in doing so, they impact the direction and goals of a company.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A director of sales and marketing requires supervisory or management experience in sales, marketing, public relations and/or the tourism industry. Proof of previous sales success will be requested. Leadership and teambuilding skills, good communications skills, human resource and financial management skills, and time management skills are also necessary. In addition, this position benefits from strategic planning and business skills, advanced sales and marketing experience, and a network of contacts. Also, knowledge of the products, the company, the competition and the industry is beneficial.

DUTIES
Assign sales territory, target groups and sales quotas, co-ordinate sales activities with other work units or departments, prepare and submit plans, budgets, progress reports and annual sales reports, manage human resource functions, e.g. hiring, training, performance reviews, research competitors? products/services, develop goals and objectives, projects and priorities, and assign them to sales managers develop and conduct sales campaigns and marketing and promotional plans, may perform duties of sales manager as well.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A university degree or college diploma in business administration, marketing, communications, public relations, advertising or a related field is required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Assistant Manager, Executive Manager, General Manager, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

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Public Relations Assistant

OVERVIEW
Public relations assistants maintain positive relationships with media personnel, write copy for media reports, encourage good community relations and respond to issues. A public relations assistant is creative and able to work despite pressure and deadlines. The goal is to promote the attraction to all those who might visit.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Required skills for this position are good communication skills and time/project management skills. A public relations assistant must also have an outgoing and enthusiastic personality. Desired skills include the ability and knowledge to edit material, as well as experience in media relations, and document production and management.

DUTIES
Assist in developing public relations plans and programs research, edit and write news releases, copy for brochures and other publications, arrange and conduct interviews, act as a spokesperson for the attraction, co-ordinate production and distribution of print and electronic materials.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
Post-secondary training in public relations, communications, journalism or other related discipline is required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Public Relations Manager, Director of Marketing, Manager.

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Heritage Interpreter

OVERVIEW
Heritage interpreters help others understand and appreciate cultural or natural heritage. They work in many different settings, from parks, museums and aquariums to industrial sites, interpretive centres and botanical gardens. Interpreters do not simply lecture — they have a complete understanding of their subject matter and share their interest and knowledge with others. The different audiences make this position interesting and stimulating.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Good communication and public speaking skills, as well as a good attitude and an interest in and knowledge of related natural or cultural heritage are all required of a heritage interpreter. Experience in research is also necessary, as is customer service experience. Interpretive experience may be requested, as might experience working with groups. Desired skills and experience include leadership and problem-solving skills, and as well, a knowledge of the area, its heritage and of tourism in general.

DUTIES
Develop and deliver educational or cultural programs, adapt to different learning styles and participant needs, operate presentation equipment, e.g. audiovisual, overheads, slide shows, protect resources.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required. A related degree in tourism/ecotourism is an asset. First aid training and other safety training is useful.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Supervisor of Interpretive Services, Assistant Manager or Manager of Interpretive Services, Curator.

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Gate/Cash Attendant

OVERVIEW
Gate/cash attendants identify to customers the price of admission to an attraction or the cost of related goods and services. They receive and process payment, provide tickets or proof of purchase, answer questions and provide directions. Work may be at any type of attraction, ranging from museums and art galleries to historic sites and botanical gardens.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Good communication skills, a professional attitude and organizational skills are necessary, as is an enjoyment of working with people. Cash handling experience and knowledge of the attraction and local area are important too. Customer service experience is desirable.

DUTIES
Follow established cash-handling procedures, share knowledge of attraction with customers, handle customer comments, complaints and requests, cash out and reconcile cash with total sales.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Attraction Tour Guide, Attraction Supervisor.

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Games Manager

OVERVIEW
Games managers are responsible for the gaming functions at casino operations. They oversee dealers and supervisors, and provide supervision, training and support. Games managers must demonstrate leadership and be able to make responsible decisions.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
A games manager must be experienced as a dealer or gaming supervisor. In addition, skills must include customer service, problem solving and communication. Management or supervisory experience is also required. Experience and skills in the areas of human resource and time management, as well as monetary transaction skills, are desired.

DUTIES
Develop and administer policies and procedures, handle day-to-day casino operations, oversee gaming tables, supervise personnel, e.g. ensure policies are adhered to, assure the security and protection of the cash.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Casino General Manager, Owner/Operator.

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Museum Curator

OVERVIEW
Curators are specialists in a particular academic discipline relevant to a historic site/museum/gallery?s collections. Museum curators research and recommend acquisition of artifacts and are responsible for the care of objects, materials and specimens. They have highly specialized skills and knowledge in their areas of study.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Excellent communication skills are required of a museum curator, as is experience in a museum, gallery or related educational or research organization. A curator also must have evidence of research and writing, and specialized knowledge in the area relevant to museum collections. Desired experience and skills include knowledge of other specialty areas, and an ability to interpret collections and to communicate that knowledge. Also, knowledge of the current market, the ethics of collecting, and of customs regulations is preferred.

DUTIES
Interpret materials or artifacts for the public and/or for other museum staff, recommend acquisitions, loans or sales, research or authenticate history of artifacts, co-ordinate the storage of collections using proper conservation methods, set up displays and exhibitions, supervise assistants.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
Advanced university degree with a concentration in a discipline related to a relevant area of the museum?s collections is required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
General Manager, Owner/Operator.

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Casino Dealer

OVERVIEW
Casino dealers conduct games in casinos and casino hotels. They deal cards and may handle large amounts of money. They may work evenings, weekends and holidays, as casinos are often busiest after 9 – 5 working hours. They may receive gratuities in addition to salary.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Mathematical skills and manual dexterity are required abilities for this position. A dealer must have a professional attitude and enjoy working with people. Cash handling experience is also necessary. Knowledge of the games is desired by employers, as are communication and customer service skills.

DUTIES
Operate gambling tables and games such as blackjack, roulette, keno, baccarat, etc. ensure the rules of the game and house are being followed, determine winners, pay out winning bets, collect losing bets.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
A secondary school diploma is preferred.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Games Manager, Manager.

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President and Chief Executive Officer

OVERVIEW
A president and chief executive officer has the ultimate responsibility for management of a business, and may report to a board of directors, to an owner, or be the owner. This challenging position requires skills and abilities learned through extensive experience. A president and CEO may work in attractions or in any other sector of tourism. He or she must work well and effectively with a team, guiding and supporting them as together they meet the goals of the company. The ability to make good decisions based on sound business principles is required, as is an ability to interpret trends and statistics, and react to them, making changes to the business that will allow it to grow and prosper.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
This position requires prior management experience, leadership and decision-making skills, proven financial and human resource management skills, and advanced planning and organizational skills. In addition, specialized knowledge in the particular functional area is necessary, as are enhanced communication skills. Desired knowledge also includes knowledge of the competition and local area.

DUTIES
Plan, organize, direct and control the activities of the business, develop and administer policies, procedures and programs, co-ordinate the work of regions, divisions or departments, oversee financial management tasks, manage human resources functions, represent organization at external functions, in negotiations or when making key announcements.

RECOMMENDED EDUCATION
University degree or college diploma in business administration, commerce or other discipline related to business is usually required.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHS
President of Chain.

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