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Facility Operator, Indoor Arena Operator, Outdoor Recreation Facility Operator, Sports Field Operator, Swimming Pool Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Recreation facility operators are responsible for the smooth, safe, and efficient operation of recreation facilities. These can include swimming pools, arenas, velodromes, curling rinks, indoor soccer facilities, indoor courts, and outdoor facilities. They are sometimes responsible for programming as well as facility operation and maintenance. For more information, see the Recreation Co-ordinator profile.
Recreation facility operators’ duties depend on the type and number of facilities they operate. They may also depend on how involved they are in programming and maintenance. For example, in one community a swimming pool operator may:
In the same community, an ice rink operator may only maintain an outdoor ice surface and supervise the rink during operating hours. Or, like the swimming pool operator, they may run programs, do custodial work, and handle public relations.
In general, recreation facility operators:
Some large complexes include ice rinks, swimming pools, and other facilities. These facility operators must manage life-cycle and risk-management issues. They must also ensure the efficient, safe operation of:
Recreation facility operators may work indoors or outdoors depending on the facility. They often work shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Some recreation facility operators occasionally lift heavy materials and equipment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in comparing to collect tickets and fees; to rent or sell sports and accessory equipment; to monitor recreational equipment to detect wear and damage; and to schedule the use of recreational facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, bowling alleys, fitness clubs and other similar facilities
Interest in operating recreational facility equipment such as ski lifts, ice rink equipment and snow making machines; and in securing and releasing safety belts and bars
Interest in speaking - signalling to assist patrons on and off ski lifts and amusement park rides; and in attending to the requests of patrons
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Recreation facility operators need:
They should enjoy working with people and machines. Their job descriptions may change often.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 79 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 19, 2021 and Dec 16, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 42 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 41 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 40 |
| Attention to detail | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 33 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 31 |
| Work Site Environment: Noisy | 28 |
| Tasks: Perform maintenance on rides and equipment | 26 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 26 |
| Experience: Will train | 25 |
In the past, many facility operators worked their way up. This is becoming difficult as the job requires more specialized skills, training, and education. Some employers require at least a high school diploma.
The Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP) offers short courses related to operating and maintaining swimming pools, arenas, buildings, parks, and sports fields. These courses can be taken at locations throughout the province. Course graduates receive Level 1 or Level 2 certification.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most municipalities in Alberta employ facility operations personnel. Some require candidates to pass an alcohol and drug test. Some positions, such as arena or parks operator, are seasonal.
Advancement depends on the nature of the employing organization and the operator’s qualifications.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Operators and attendants in amusement, recreation and sport
2016 NOC: 6722
81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $25.03 | $16.33 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $27.50 | $17.62 | $16.00 |
| Top | $15.00 | $31.12 | $19.37 | $17.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $17,696 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $14,870 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $14,834 |
| Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $15,200 |
| Public Administration | $47,259 |
Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP) website: www.aarfp.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
