traditionally manage Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas, then we would like to hear from you.
The Organization:
The Parks Council was incorporated in April 2008 as a registered non-profit society to manage and operate Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area in partnership with Alberta Parks. The Parks Council facilitates ongoing collaboration among community-based organizations, industry leaseholders and municipal/provincial governments in the planning, development and operation of outdoor recreational facilities and programs and other parks management responsibilities, within these protected areas.
The Parks Council currently has a core staff of three. The volunteer Board consists of sixteen directors; including representatives from Alberta Parks, local municipalities and outdoor recreation organizations, and industry and public stakeholders.
The focus of the Parks Council over the next three years will be:
• supporting its Operating Partner members in the upgrading and development of recreational trails, campsites and other facilities;
• tourism marketing and promotion of the recreational potential of the areas and its facilities; and encouraging associated economic development benefits for the community;
• ongoing scientific monitoring, reclamation and protection of the ecological values of the area; and
• ongoing environmental education and citizen involvement and education programs and services
For additional information regarding our organization please visit: http://www.epbrparkscouncil.org
The Position:
The position is based in Drayton Valley, Alberta with office space provided at the Parks Council office. It is a term position running from February to December 2012; however, opportunities to extend the position may exist for the right candidate.
Reporting to the Executive Director the Tourism and Economic Development Coordinator will increase visitor use, catalyze and facilitate additional outdoor recreation based economic development and tourism; and generally promote awareness of Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area by working with the Parks Council and local non-profit organizations to:
• Develop and implement a tourism marketing plan/strategy that identifies investment opportunities for the range of tourism and economic development possibilities that would take full advantage of the both protected areas and region’s recreational facilities/amenities;
• Work with staff and board members in developing advertising/marketing campaigns (through print, radio, internet, provincial and national/international tourism sites) that help to promote recreational and tourism opportunities of the region
• Work closely with Operating Partner member organizations of the Parks Council offering outdoor recreational facilities and services to understand, enhance and promote their events and services to both local citizens and regional visitors;
• Working closely with the Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County to coordinate and integrate tourism promotion and economic development related to outdoor recreation wilderness adventure;
• Provide input into and assist with the development of tourism related components of business plans (including market analysis) to ensure coordination with existing Parks Council objectives
• Develop general information and educational resources that increase visitor use to the parks
• Develop and publicize, on behalf of operating partners, schedules and program services currently offered
• Assist in the development of tourism related communication materials that would be suitable for placement on website/social media sites, at key locations within the park and at local businesses throughout the community
• Present workshops for area businesses, adjacent landowners and aboriginal communities interested in sustainable tourism development as well as hosting workshops on promoting related tourism development opportunities
• Enhance existing partnerships with local/regional municipalities and tourism offices
• Attend and help to organize various trade fair/conference events that help to promote both the Provincial Park and Provincial Recreation Area.
• Create and maintain tracking surveys that demonstrate visitation to the area
Qualifications:
• Graduation from an accredited educational institution with a degree/diploma/certificate in Tourism or Marketing combined with three (3) to five (5) years experience in progressive tourism/marketing development; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• A strong knowledge of the concepts and practices of economic development as applied to the development and promotion of tourism, including tourism and marketing networks, media and advertising
• Strong stakeholder and partner engagement, public consultation, and facilitation skills.
Compensation:
The Parks Council offers a generous and competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applications:
Applications are to be submitted no later than 17:30 MST January 23, 2012 and include a complete resume (detailing relevant employment experience and accomplishments, and formal and informal education and training), cover letter, and three (3) professional references. Applications should be directed to:
Ryan Edwards, P.Ag.
Executive Director, EPBR Parks Council
5136 – 51 Avenue
Box 7355
Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1S5
jobs@epbrparkscouncil.org
~ We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted ~
This project is sponsored in part by Rural Alberta Development Fund.
