Role Responsibilities

Information Officers (IOs) and Lead Information Officers (LIO) serve as the front-line government contact for public campground registration, queries and comments related to travel in – and recreational use of – Provincial Parks, Recreation Areas, Wildland Parks, Natural Areas, and surrounding areas. Their role is to create a positive experience for visitors by providing useful and timely information regarding park activities, rules and regulations, campground registration, and nearby amenities. The role focuses on exceptional front-line customer service in person, on the phone, and through email to assist visitors, support engagement, provide information, problem solve issues, and aid in the delivery of the SHOP reservation service for campgrounds.

NOTE: These positions work full-time in the campground registration booth or store.

The Lead Information Officer role focuses on higher level administrative and leadership tasks, scheduling, staff training, visitor concern management, on-site troubleshooting, retail inventory management, cash reconciliation, and reporting.

We are currently looking to hire: 
•    8 Information Officers (AS2)
•    1 Lead Information Officer (AS3)

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

Visitor Services Operations
•    Provide exceptional customer serviced as the first point of contact for day users and overnight campers – greet and welcome all visitors in a friendly, approachable, and professional manner. 
•    Understand SHOP.AlbertaParks.ca functions to educate the public on Alberta Parks Reservation System and utilize the ASPIRA software system to register campers, update visitor information, enter self-registration data, and process payments or refunds. 
•    Participate in all required visitor service operations which may include camper compliance, retail services, group unit counts, and public information sharing. 
•    Proficiency with ASPIRA software and functions to operate cash register and point of sale machine, ensuring floats and cash outs are accurate and balanced. 
•    Retail sales of product and services which include firewood, concession items, ice, 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. 
•    Support the Park Ranger program by actively providing accurate and timely key messaged and information to the public. As well as collecting and reporting visitor usage and interaction statistics (i.e. Trail usage, site conditions, emergency protocol support).
•    Travel by foot or off-highway vehicle to rove campgrounds and day use areas to communicate and engage with a wide range of park users.

Continued Role Responsibilities

Administrative Duties
•    Review and reconcile revenue for daily cash-outs and accurately enter data into designated Excel workbooks. 
•    Record and organize statistics for public visitation and demographics when required. 
•    Respond to in-person and telephone/email requests for information on area amenities and recreational activities.
•    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. 
•    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.

Information Services
•    Provide accurate, concise, and relevant information to park users regarding park facilities, services, activities, tours directives, policies, and regulations, as well as regional tourism information. 
•    Strong communication skills when working with visitors and coworkers, and an ability to interact in a friendly, informative, diplomatic, adaptable, and professional manner.
•    Professionally receive, defuse, and manage all visitor concerns, complaints, emergencies and any other feedback. This includes referrals to other appropriate departments, as required including park rangers, maintenance, visitor services, and follow up on any action as required. 
•    Inform all visitors of pertinent information regarding interpretive programs and frequently liaise with visitor engagement staff to ensure information being given is accurate and up to date. 
•    Become a park specialist with detailed and accurate knowledge of all park areas, natural/cultural history, programs, and conditions (trails, water quality, weather, etc.) to assist the public with current information. 
•    Identify and report any issues or concerns with the reservation system, tills, POS equipment, supplies, etc. in a timely manner to supervisor.

Continued Role Responsibilities

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

As the Lead Information Officer (AS3), primary duties include assisting with performing AS2 duties in addition to some front-line administrative and supervisory tasks including:

•    Coordinate day-to-day tasks of the IO team and ensure daily procedures are followed.
•    Provide ongoing support to IOs through regular check-ins, one-on-one training, and seasonal performance reviews - empower IOs to be independent in their roles by setting clear expectations and processes for decision-making. 
•    Reviewing and reconciling revenue by ensuring accurate data entry and creating bank deposits. 
•    Work with Supervisor to coordinate IO work schedules. 
•    Communicate effectively when working with visitors, staff, and coworkers in a friendly, informative, diplomatic, adaptable, and professional manner.
•    Monitor and place orders for booth and store inventory (where applicable) to ensure the proper supplies are available prior to busy campground times. 
•    Maintain and improve knowledge of relevant recreational and tourist opportunities to respond to in-person and telephone/email requests for information regarding recreational activities, facilities, public safety issues, tourism and travel opportunities, and provide area orientation. 
•    Support the distribution of information-based communications such as posters, brochures, and program advertisements throughout the park.

Please click on this link to view the job description for Lead Information Officer (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 (Admin Support 2)
•    High school diploma
•    Preferred experience with point of sales machines, retail, cash handling, and/or customer service.

Equivalency: 
•    Directly related experience may be considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education.

Lead Information Officer (Admin Support 3):
•    High School Diploma and one year of related experience with 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.

Assets
•    Familiarity with campground operations, campground etiquette and surrounding Park amenities. 
•    Experience with Shop.AlbertaParks.ca and/or AspiraOne.
•    Experience in customer service, cash handling and/or administration.
•    Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
•    Independent problem-solving and adaptability.

Additional requirements to be successful in this role (The listed conditions are not required at time of application but must be provided/verified prior to start date):
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to clearly communicate with the public.
•    Available to work weekend, evening, and holiday shifts during the season.
•    Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Publisher).
•    Customer service, retail, and cash handling experience, and/or administrative experience. 
•    Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level "C"/AED Certificate.
•    Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent.
•    Valid Driver's Abstract.
•    Valid Defensive Driving certificate.
•    Criminal Record Check.
•    Valid Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificate.

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

Parks Information Officers and Lead Information Officers may encounter emotionally challenging situations, participate in conflict resolution, interact with irritated or difficult visitors or provide support during emergencies events or incidents. Applicants should be prepared to manage these circumstances with composure, sound judgment, and effective communication skills. Support resources are available through our employee assistance programs.

Terms of Employment
•    Fulfill seasonal contract (anticipated May 2026 start and early September 2026 end).
•    These positions are based on a 40-hr work week, dependent on operational needs. These positions 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 is required.
•    Adherence to Alberta Parks Uniform Policy.
•    Those selected for an interview will need to supply three work related references including their most recent supervisor.
•    Training will be provided to successful candidates. 
•    These positions may require some outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions.
•    Shared rental staff housing may be available, dependent on Park location.

Any initial costs associated with obtaining required documents/checks as noted will be the responsibility of the candidate. However, some reimbursements may occur. Interview travel expenses will not be reimbursed. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Instructions for your Resume:
•    Include date ranges (month and year) associated with all education and work experience – we are unable to assess resumes without this information. 
•    Indicate whether your work experience was casual, part-time or full-time.
•    Example: Camp Counsellor: Jan 2016 – June 2019 (PT, 3 eight-hour shifts per week). 

Continued Notes

What We offer:
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool - https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive 
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Mentorship Programs.

Resources for applicants:
•    https://www.alberta.ca/apply-for-jobs-with-the-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-hiring-process.aspx
•    https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/