Parks Information Officers and Seasonal District Support

Role Responsibilities

The Information Officer (IO) duties include the day-to-day operations at the registration booth/concession. Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing exceptional front-line customer service while registering campers and delivering information around park activities, regulations, and nearby amenities. IOs are expected to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors in-person, over the phone or online. Information Officers need to have strong time management skills, attention to detail and work well under pressure. They must also possess strong conflict resolution skills to manage customer complaints and facilitate feedback.

The Seasonal District Support position has a combination of duties by assisting the team responsible for running daily operations of the park facilities such as the district office, registration booths, camp stores and concessions. This position's primary purpose is to provide a front-line contact for Alberta Parks by providing excellent customer service, and current and effective information delivery. In addition, this position also provides support to the Area Administrator thru revenue tracking and reconciliation along with various administrative tasks.

We are currently looking to hire:  
•    6 Information Officers (IOs)
•    1 Seasonal District Support 

As an Information Officer (AS2), duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Administrative Duties
•    Record necessary safety, accident or wildlife occurrence information on reports and ensure they are delivered to the appropriate member of staff in a timely manner. Maintain lost and found records; tag and organize found items in an efficient manner.
•    As directed by the Supervisor, assist in the distribution of information-based communications such as posters, brochures, program advertisements, throughout the park.
•    Maintain and improve knowledge of relevant recreational and tourist opportunities to respond to in-person and telephone/email requests for information on recreational activities, facilities, public safety issues, tourism and travel opportunities and provide area orientation.

Business Operations (Booth, Camp Store, Concession)
•    Acquire understanding and ability to use all functions of the Shop.AlbertaParks.ca system in order to register campers, process changes, and/or check-out dates, cancel reservations, complete check-outs, record reservations and processes payments or refunds using the system.
•    Proficiency with ASPIRA software and functions to operate cash register and point of sale machine, ensuring floats and cash outs are accurate and balanced.
•    Ensure building security through effective opening and closing tasks/procedures, ensuring facilities are kept clean, organized, secure, and safe at all times; reporting maintenance issues immediately.
•    Ensure hours of operation are communicated to visitors and facility is open during scheduled hours.
•    Retail sales of product and services which include: firewood, concession items, ice and ice cream, and rentals (where applicable)
•    Responsible for inventory management and control – restocking of merchandise, general tidying and informing supervisor of any items that are low in stock.

Role Responsibilities Continued

Customer Service and Communication
•    Provide exceptional customer service as the first point of contact for day users and overnight campers – greet and welcome all visitors in a friendly, approachable, and professional manner.
•    Strong communication skills when working with visitors and coworkers, and an ability to interact in a friendly, informative, diplomatic, adaptable and professional manner.
•    Provides accurate, concise and relevant information to park users regarding park facilities, services, activities, tours, directives, policies and regulations, as well as regional tourism opportunities and services.
•    Receives, responds and manages all customer service emergencies, issues, complaints, concerns and other feedback in highly professional and appropriate manner, including referrals to other appropriate departments, as required such as caretaking, maintenance, and visitor services, and following up on any such actions as required.
•    Assisting and working closely with other parks program streams as required to ensure operational and visitors’ needs are met. (Park Rangers, Conservation Officers, Maintenance, Visitor Engagement and other Visitor Services Staff)
•    Identifies and reports any issues or concerns with the reservation system, tills, POS, equipment, supplies, etc. in a timely manner to supervisor.
•    Become a park specialist with detailed and accurate knowledge of all park areas, natural/cultural history, programs, and conditions (trails, water quality, weather, etc.) in order to assist the public with current information.

Please click on this link to view the job description for Information Officer (AS2).

As the Seasonal District Support (AS3), primary duties include assisting with and performing AS2 duties in addition to some front-line administrative and supervisory tasks such as:  

•    Manage a POS System, till floats to ensure that staff are able to provide appropriate change to visitors at all times.
•    Review and reconcile camping and retail sales revenue, enter on spreadsheets and complete bank deposits on a weekly basis.
•    Inputting self-registration envelopes and relevant data into spreadsheets and reconciliation forms.
•    Assist Information Officers with cash out discrepancies.
•    Assist Supervisor with booth and store inventory to ensure proper supplies are available.
•    Assist supervisor with coordinating cover-offs for any staff absences and provide mentorship to seasonal staff.
•    Maintain open communication with other program areas to ensure visitors’ needs are met
•    Coordinate day-to-day tasks of the team and ensure daily procedures are followed
•    Ensure Information Officer (IO) team receive appropriate training for business operations, reservation system, and GOA processes

Please click on this link to view the job description for Seasonal District Support (AS3)

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

•    Agility – You must be agile in order to anticipate and quickly adapt to changing priorities and situations to effectively meet diverse visitor needs.

•    Drive for Results – This position requires staff to have the ability to champion innovation and display high standards in programs, initiatives and services and pay attention to detail, be proactive, and demonstrate good work ethics.

•    Develop Self and Others – You must be able to proactively learn about the needs of park visitors, reflect on public interactions to identify areas of improvement and create a shared learning environment to lead the delivery of top level customer service; have the willingness to cross-train for other areas or duties such as occasionally assisting the maintenance staff.

•    Build Collaborative Environments – You have the ability to promote collaboration and commitment, encourage broad thinking on projects, work together to eliminate barriers to progress, and facilitate open and respectful dialogue using excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a positive and inclusive attitude.

•    Systems Thinking – This position is one component of a larger work environment that includes other program areas. It is important to understand how the position contributes to achieving broader Alberta Forestry and Parks goals and outcomes.

•    Creative Problem Solving –  Occasionally challenges arise and staff must assess options, understand implications and determine appropriate actions to achieve the necessary solutions and need to be able to use a wide range of communication, problem-solving skills to promptly and professionally address issues.

Qualifications

Education and Experience required:

Information Officer (Administrative Support 2)
•    High school diploma
•    Experience with point of sales machines, retail, cash handling and/or customer service

Additional requirements to be successful in this role:
•    English language proficiency
•    Available to work weekend and evening shifts during the season
•    Knowledge of and experience in computer use and a variety of computer software (including but not limited to: Excel, Outlook, Word, Publisher)

Assets
•    Strong customer service skills
•    Outgoing, friendly personality that enjoys working with public in a team atmosphere
•    Knowledge of Alberta Parks and direct experience with Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca
•    Familiarity with campground operations, park regulations, campground etiquette and surround Park amenities
•    Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
•    Independent problem solving and adaptability

Seasonal District Support (Administrative Support 3)
•    High School Diploma
•    At least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience and customer service experience

Equivalency: 
•    Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience

Additional requirements to be successful in this role:
•    English language proficiency
•    Knowledge of Alberta Parks and direct experience with Shop.AlbertaParks.ca
•    Available to work weekend and evening shifts occasionally during the season
•    Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Publisher) 
•    Familiarity with campground operations, park regulations, campground etiquette and surrounding park amenities

Qualifications Continued

Assets
•    Independent problem solving and adaptability
•    Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
•    Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
•    A passion for engaging customers and providing professional, informative, and diplomatic service to a variety of people
•    Outgoing, friendly personality that enjoys working with public in a team atmosphere
•    Knowledge of local tourism, amenities, local flora and fauna

Prior to employment, successful candidates in both positions will require proof of: 
•    Valid Criminal Record Check
•    Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
•    Valid First Aid/CPR-C Certificate

Prior to employment, successful candidates for AS3 positions will require proof of:
•    Valid Defensive Driving Certificate
•    Valid Driver’s Abstract

Equivalency: 
•    Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Terms of Employment
•    There are 4 seasonal wage opportunities starting the beginning of May 2025 and going until September/October. 
•    There are 2 seasonal wage opportunities starting  June 2025 and going until September long weekend.
•    This position will be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays throughout the duration of the summer as required.
•    Access to reliable transportation to and from place of work.
•    Adherence to Alberta Parks Uniform Policy.

Notes
•    Those selected for an interview will need to supply three work related references.
•    The Seasonal District Support position will be primarily based out of the Gregorie Lake Provincial Park Office beginning in April 2025 until mid October.
•    Training will be provided to successful candidates.
•    Shared rental accommodations may be available, dependent on Park location.