But what skills and qualifications are most in demand and what recruitment challenges are most commonly faced?
For many, working in the attractions industry can be a dream come true. Whether it’s designing museums, feeding the tigers at the zoo, or building a theme park empire – there are an array of roles to fill in this diverse sector.
We surveyed a number of recruiters within the attractions industry. They spoke about the roles they try to fill, the skills they’re looking for and the challenges they face.
Roles in the attractions industry
JOB: Join the crew where 'Everything is Awesome' – #LEGOLAND New York is opening 2020 and are looking for key members to be on their opening team.
Want to be their Rides and Attraction Maintenance Manager? Apply now: https://t.co/LHeTI8oLTK pic.twitter.com/PRbZTXzqoI
— blooloop (@Blooloop) May 15, 2019
Our survey found that the attractions industry is most often recruiting for:
- Project managers
- Engineers
- Architects
- Graphic Designers
- Software developers
- Sales roles
- Business development managers
- Graphics programmers
- AV technicians
- VR technicians
- Data engineers and data scientists
It was noted in the survey that sales and software positions are hard to fill. So too are project manager and engineer jobs. One respondent pointed out that in many technical roles, potential candidates take higher paid jobs that do not offer the same benefits – such as work-life balance.
Skills – Relevant industry experience key
The skill that came up time and time again was relevant industry experience. It is seen as a desirable skill to have but one of the hardest to find. One respondent said that it is difficult to find sales people with experience because, “there are so many great organisations in the industry and people tend to stay in one place a long time”.
Other desirable skills included strong communication and problem-solving, strong scheduling and organisational skills, flexibility, good attitude and adaptability. Some companies also pointed out the importance of engagement with the company mission and meeting the core values of the company.
“There are so many great organisations in the industry and people tend to stay in one place a long time.”
In addition, it was noted that IT skills are hard to find. Respondents mentioned desirable proficiencies included AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, SketchUp and project management software.
We asked respondents what they thought the most important skill will be in the future. Responses included computer engineering, emotional resilience, multitasking and people skills. Furthermore, many noted the importance of adapting to technological advances, and staying on top of the latest trends in the industry.
JOB: Could you bring Esio Trot to the Zoo? Or create a George's Marvellous Medicine pop up bar? Think of the AMAZING things you could do with @roald_dahl's stories!
The company are seeing a part-time Immersive and Experiential Producer, apply now: https://t.co/2MlcFGZfKQ pic.twitter.com/ppd4r2jN8Z
— blooloop (@Blooloop) May 15, 2019
Training & Qualifications
Key qualifications were very dependent on the exact role – but for technical roles a relevant Bachelor or Masters degree was desirable, along with 0-5 years of experience. For vocational roles, proven experience was deemed an absolute necessity. Membership to relevant associations, or certification in the relevant field, was also seen as a plus.
Industry-specific training is also preferred or necessary, depending on the role. Respondents noted IAAPA accreditation, AZA, WWA, AAM, CIPD, CIM, CIMA, IT Cyber Security, Galaxy, C#, C++, Unity and ASTM certifications.
And what about if you’re looking to get additional training? Our respondents suggested looking to develop skills around communication, project management, management, presentation and typing.
Technical skills worth developing included Auto CAD, Rhino software and Adobe Creative Suite.
JOB: Exciting opportunity to join award-winning @WetaWorkshop's growing location-based entertainment team as their #StudioManager in #Wellington, New Zealand. Work on large-scale projects, support team growth, culture & more. Apply today: https://t.co/5NRUEA24ru. pic.twitter.com/VDVaGGxuM6
— blooloop (@Blooloop) May 10, 2019
Recruitment in the attractions industry – opportunities
Respondents to our survey consistently mentioned physical location as a barrier to recruitment. However, one company alleviated the problem with a new work from home policy, and three remote offices around the world.
The other problem that came up was too many applications from unqualified or inappropriate candidates. “We are inundated with applications,” one respondent said, “and are working hard to sift out inappropriate applications so we are left with a viable hard core to select from.”
Attractive development opportunities
Companies are also drawing in applicants with appealing internal training, development and mentoring programmes.
PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, recently implemented MOJO, a programme that captures the company’s key value assets and culture, and works to preserve and share those with new staff through mentoring and workshops. Ben Cober, Director of Business Development and Research, said: “PGAV Destinations also leverages PGAV GO!, an annual allotment of $2100 per employee to use in self-directed professional and personal growth, often used for educational travel, certifications, and training.”
“PGAV GO!, an annual allotment of $2100 per employee to use in self-directed professional and personal growth”
Media-based attractions specialists CAVU Designwerks offers all staff regularly scheduled product information workshops, “so all staff can better understand our products and be familiar with the intricacy of our product portfolio”, said Cindy Kwok, Director of Administration.
“We are also developing a series of professional development workshops for our staff,” she added.
The unique benefits of the industry – riding dragons
Emily Burrows Communication Manager at Holovis says that what makes Holovis unique is its ability to see a project as a whole: “Holovis is unique in having media, software and engineering teams all in-house, working together to deliver projects. This allows turnkey delivery, from the initial planning and ideation phases through to installation, support and maintenance. By bringing all these capabilities in-house, we are able to see projects develop as a whole. This means you spot the clever tricks, gags and intricate details that enhance the overall guest experience.”
And Jane Hubbard, Director of HR at Chester Zoo, says that working for a charity can give your career added meaning: “If you can last a day smiling and go home knowing you’ve changed someone’s behaviour (for example, by using products with sustainable palm oil) then you know you’ve made a difference! We’re a conservation and education charity!”
“Did we mention dragons? We have those. Care to ride one?”
Dreamcraft Attractions significantly ups the ante on their website. As well as “an office that makes your inner-child squeal” they also ask “Did we mention dragons? We have those. Care to ride one?”
Recruitment in the attractions industry – flip flops, hoodies and beer in the fridge
Jamie Flaherty, Manager, Business Solutions at Gateway Ticketing, says: “We have an outstanding flexible/work from home policy, beer in the fridge and a unique Computer Purchase Program, which allows you to submit receipts from personal purchases you make on technology (computers, phones, headphones, hard drives, etc) for home use and the company will pay half of it (up to $1,500) every three years.”
Gateway’s career page cites many other benefits including electric car recharging stations, an employee assistance program and a casual dress code: “Every day at Gateway is casual Friday – even flip-flops and hoodies are welcome”.
“an outstanding flexible/work from home policy, beer in the fridge and a unique Computer Purchase Program”
Jamie adds, “I can also say, with complete bias, that I work with the most passionate people in the industry who work extremely hard each and every day to live and breathe our Core Values (Customer Care, Integrity, Passion, Accountability, Teamwork, Communication and Innovation). Many of these people have grown to be some of my best friends. This is what happens when a company bases a large portion of their hiring process on ensuring people meet those core values.”
You can now upload your candidate profile on Blooloop's jobs board to be in our candidate pool, apply easily for jobs and set up job alerts. Set up yours today https://t.co/m6WNTWvMI5 pic.twitter.com/DaQYfrD29q
— blooloop (@Blooloop) May 9, 2019
Header image: Chester Zoo
