HAY RIVER - Like many other people, Tom Colosimo says his job offers a lot of variety.

For Colosimo, the manager of tourism and parks in the South Slave with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, the claim is very much true.

Tom Colosimo, the manager of tourism and parks in the South Slave with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment, holds one of four new signs for Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

His workday can range from helping clean roadside rest stop facilities to planning the development of historical parks.

"It's a very diverse job, but I like it," he said. "I'm pretty passionate about it, actually," he added. "It's a good job."

Colosimo said he carries power tools, ant killer, garbage bags and various other items in his truck.

"When you're in the parks, you take care of what you can," he said.

His region includes Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, Kakisa, Fort Providence and Enterprise, along with parks and tourism operations throughout the South Slave.

"We're a client-driven department," he said. "We try to serve the needs of our operators through training or product development."

His responsibilities range from working to improve visitor services at parks to helping develop community gardens.

"Every day is different," he said. "I never repeat my day."

The GNWT's park system in the South Slave includes seven staffed parks and 10 wayside or historical sites, such as picnic areas or day use facilities.

Colosimo has been working with the territorial government for 29 years, since he was 18 years old. That includes four years in his current position.

The 47-year-old is originally from Fort Smith, where his father was a warden in Wood Buffalo National Park.

Colosimo said, as part of his job, he has to consider what parks are really for, adding they should meet the needs of travellers for rest and relaxation.

"But what can that park mean to local people?" he asked.

Parks can offer business opportunities and a chance to educate travellers and share the culture of the North, he said.

"We incorporate arts and crafts into our parks and visitor centres," he said, adding ITI (Industry, Tourism and Investment) is also responsible for displays of arts and crafts at some airports.

Colosimo said every day a tourist is encouraged to stay in the NWT, the better it is for the economy.

"We want to make our parks interesting so you can't just blow through it in a day," he said.

In particular, he is working to incorporate aboriginal culture into the parks. An example is incorporating signage and interpretive walking tours at Twin Falls Gorge Territorial Park to explain the significance of the area for aboriginal people.

The aim is to involve Northerners and create authentic products, he said. "It's important it comes from the communities and that they're involved."

Colosimo sees more tourism potential in the South Slave.

For example, he is optimistic the Deh Cho Travel Connection - a highway loop involving Alberta, the NWT and B.C. - will continue to bring more travellers to the North.

Colosimo said he is busy year round.

During the tourist season, he helps ensure things are running smoothly, while his winters are busy developing new signs and products.