HIGH PEAKS INFORMATION CENTER STAFF

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its 25 chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically.

POSITION SUMMARY

Throughout the season, High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) Staff are responsible for interacting directly with the high volume of visitors to the Heart Lake Program Center, providing accurate information on trails, conditions, and local regulations. They encourage responsible recreation practices, rent equipment, assist with retail sales, keep the facilities clean, and talk about how ADK helps to protect the Adirondacks through education and stewardship.

In addition, staff may be called upon to act as a liaison between visitors and the backcountry forest rangers, facilitating communication of critical information to the rangers during search and rescue operations.

HPIC Staff are also responsible for providing a friendly and welcoming experience as visitors arrive at the parking booth, directing them where to go, and communicating with ADK’s Volunteer Trailhead Stewards to ensure the most efficient use of the Hiker Parking Area.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Information and Customer Service – 30%

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors recreating from the Heart Lake Program Center.
• Provide up-to-date trail information and conditions.
• Help visitors choose outdoor experiences based on their needs, interests, and current conditions.
• Promote Leave No Trace and responsible recreation practices.
• Educate visitors on rules and regulations specific to the High Peaks Wilderness Complex and adjacent outdoor spaces.
• Curate a rotating backcountry education display of a chosen topic that fits the HPIC's goals.
• Maintain and update the HPIC's information database.
• Assist with the instruction, care, and renting of equipment: bear-resistant food canisters, trekking poles, maps, snowshoes, and trail crampons.
• Answer phones to assist with trip planning.
• Complete and report on trail scouting days (1–2 per season).
• Communicate with DEC in cases of backcountry emergencies and complete incident reports when appropriate.
• Promote membership and further involvement with ADK.

Retail – 30%

• Open and close the HPIC, including end-of-day cash outs.
• Operate a cash register.
• Become familiar with retail offerings to promote sales.
• Assist with checking in orders and labeling merchandise.
• Provide information on gear items we sell and be able to demonstrate how to use them.
• Restock, straighten, and face merchandise on the sales floor.

Parking Operations – 20%

• Provide a welcoming experience for all visitors passing by the parking booth.
• Collect parking fees.
• Direct visitors to trailhead parking, guest accommodations, educational programming, and deliveries.
• Communicate via radio with Volunteer Trailhead Steward about availability of trailhead parking.
• Assist with parking vehicles and communicate via radio with parking booth staff.

Facilities Upkeep/Cleaning – 20%

• Clean restroom facilities 2 times daily.
• Maintain stock of cleaning items.
• Other daily and weekly cleaning/restocking tasks to keep interior and exterior of the building clean.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic:

• A passion for outdoor education and a commitment to the mission, values, and vision of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
• Self-driven and comfortable working both independently and with a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment with visitors who have diverse backgrounds and skill/comfort levels outdoors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate difficult conversations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for managing equipment rentals.
• Experience running a cash register, checking in orders, and restocking products.
• Desire to explore trails and other recreation opportunities to provide visitors with accurate and current trail information.
• Ability to promote Leave No Trace and responsible recreation practices to protect the resources and cultivate a positive visitor experience.
• Provide visitors with information in a way that empowers them in their outdoor experience.

Preferred:

• 2–3 years of experience in a customer service setting, or 2–3 years of experience in a retail setting.
• Prior professional experience within outdoor education.
• Previous experience hiking and backpacking, especially in the High Peaks Wilderness Complex.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

Reports to: HPIC Manager

Classification: Full-time, Seasonal, Non-exempt

Dates: 3 Months (June 1–September 1, August 1– November 1)

Salary/Wage: $16.50/hour

Benefits: Paid sick time

Perks: Free ADK membership; Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor workshop; free ADK workshops; discounts on store merchandise and rental equipment; professional experience within outdoor education and conservation.

Housing: Shared on-site housing available at Heart Lake Program Center with three meals for a room and board deduction.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT

As an organization, we appreciate a diverse set of skills and candidates eager and willing to grow and learn with our organization. As such, our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you.

ADK affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all individuals. Decisions about recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment matters are made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, military status or any other classification protected by federal or state law. Any discrimination in the workplace against persons protected by equal employment opportunity laws is illegal and against policy.