If you've had an aspiration to run your own business in the tourism field, you now have a place to park it.
Entrepreneurs are being called to apply for various jobs in the B.C. Parks Service and the Barkerville Historic Town.
"B.C. Parks is opening a procurement process for Frontcountry Park Operations across the province, as the majority of current recreation service delivery contracts will expire in 2013," said a B.C. Parks statement issued Thursday. "Multi-year opportunities are available for businesses of all sizes and those looking to operate a unique business that complements an outdoor lifestyle and entrepreneurial spirit."
Some parks have individual contracts and some are grouped together so a contractor can apply their skills to more than one protected area. An information meeting about all the possibilities will be held on Tuesday at the B.C. Parks office (4051 18th Avenue), starting with an initial explanation at 5 p.m. followed by informal dialogue.
There are different aspects to the contracts for provincial parks. Some jobs pertain to ensuring a positive visitor experience, handling reservations, collecting fees (if applicable), providing supplies like ice or firewood, keeping the place clean, fixing hazards, ensuring emergency plans are workable, and many other tasks.
To attend the meeting, pre-register by contacting Dave Merritt (250-261-3958) or Peter Goetz (250-614-6699) or for more information online got to http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/operations/.
Barkerville is not a park, but is a close cousin - a national historic site. There are 18 businesses operating during the tourist season within the walls of the living-museum facility. More than 65,000 visitors per year come from all over the world to see the gold rush monument. Organizers are requesting proposals for the seasonal operation of the Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon, a 60-plus seat, Victorian-style restaurant that was first opened in Barkerville in the late 1860s.
"Barkerville Historic Town is looking for a creative restaurateur to develop a unique British Columbian culinary experience with a distinctly Cariboo flavour," said James Douglas, manager of visitor services for the site. "The Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon should endeavor to present the spirit of late-19th century gold rush cuisine for the palates of an early-21st century family. This amazing, turn-key operation is a golden opportunity for the right entrepreneur, and requires little startup investment."
The cafe's facilities - including a fully equipped industrial kitchen, tables, chairs, linen, tableware, and historical dcor - are provided by the Barkerville Heritage Trust in return for a negotiable rental fee.
Proposals will be accepted via post or email by the closing date of Feb. 22. There will be an optional (though recommended) viewing of the Wake Up Jake Coffee Saloon on Feb. 15.
For more information, please contact Douglas at [email protected], or phone 1-888-994-3332, ext. 41.
