Job Posting: Student Travel Counsellor

About RTO8

Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture
Industries to promote regional tourism activity in the area that is now branded as Kawarthas Northumberland. It was
created through the Tourism Competitiveness Study completed in 2009.

The purpose of RTO8 – Kawarthas Northumberland is to support a competitive and sustainable tourism industry, attract
visitors, generate economic activity, and create jobs within the region that encompasses the City of Kawartha Lakes, the
City and County of Peterborough, and the County of Northumberland.

As of May 2022, RTO8 now operates a seasonal Visitor Centre located on the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway in
Hastings, Ontario to welcome visitors and further support the tourism industry within the region.

As a Student Travel Counsellor, you will be part of RTO8 – Kawartha Northumberland’s Summer Staff Team. By
providing an exceptional customer service experience to new, returning, and local visitors, you will assist in RTO8’s
vision of propelling Kawarthas Northumberland to be one of the leading travel destinations in Ontario for experiencing
soft outdoor and rural adventure connected by Canadian waterway heritage.

This position is dependent upon funding approval.

All applicants must meet the following 3 criteria:

• You are between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
• You are a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred
  under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (note: International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents);
• You are legally entitled to work according to provincial legislation and regulations

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide front-line reception services in the Kawarthas Northumberland Visitor Centre (KNVC) and serve as the
  first point of contact for knowledgeable and exceptional customer service, mainly in person
• Maintaining an orderly and welcoming Visitor Centre experience for the public, including restocking
  publications, tidying reception desk area, performing light housekeeping, etc.
• Enthusiastically greeting visitors, initiating discussions, answering questions, and seeking out requested
  information to leave visitors feeling energized and engaged
• Assist visitors in utilizing the KNVC’s resources, including directing them to our three regional Destination
  Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to further plan their visit within our region
• Maintaining a high level of familiarity with the Trent-Severn Waterway, Kawarthas Northumberland region, and
  all RTO8 – Kawarthas Northumberland public-facing programs and incentives in order to educate visitors
• Complete all daily reception duties including opening and closing procedures
• Update and research DMO and RTO8 provided materials to ensure accuracy
• Assist with Visitor Services outreach tasks when required
  o Assist the Executive Director in the following duties:
• Maintaining the visitor inquiry database for tracking and reporting purposes
• Maintaining up-to-date inventory of all publication needs, reordering stock as needed, and receiving
  orders when they arrive
• Provide suggestions and feedback regarding the KNVC upon request
• Additional projects and tasks as requested by the management team

Experience, Skills, and Education

Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of Kawarthas Northumberland and the Trent Severn Waterway is an asset (including,
  but not limited to, regional history and geography, local communities, driving directions and major highways,
  available amenities, points of interest and attractions)
• Proven track record in tourism and/or customer service environment
• Strong computer skills including the ability to work with the Microsoft suite of products and familiarity with
  social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest)
• Ability to utilize and maintain a detailed database
• Demonstrated background in research and project management skills is an asset
• Experience in establishing and maintaining private and public sector partnerships; proven track record of working with local businesses is an asset
• Understanding of tourism economic development is an asset
• Reliable transportation outside of public transit is required due to the location of our Visitor Centre

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a respect for diversity and inclusivity
• Ability to work both within a team and independently, without direct supervision
• Ability to willingly give and receive constructive feedback
• Contribute positively and productively to teamwork
• Engage in and encourage healthy debate that helps build stronger outcomes
• Demonstrate creativity and innovative thinking, as well as taking calculated risks
• Think and work strategically, while maintaining focus
• Ability to learn new software, policies, and procedures quickly and utilize them accurately
• Ability to multitask, independently manage assigned duties and responsibilities, and consistently meet deadlines

Education

• High school or college diploma, or;
• Relevant experience in customer service, business, tourism, hospitality, recreation, and/or equivalent
  Reporting and Team Dynamics
• Works under the daily supervision of the Executive Director
• Reports to the Executive Director
• Provides support to the Executive Director and Project Manager as needed