Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant

The Catskill Center preserves and enriches the environmental, economic and cultural well-being of the Catskill region through collaboration, inspiration and stewardship. We believe that the vitality and prosperity of the Catskills depend on robust collaboration, thriving local communities and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. To learn more visit www.catskillcenter.org.

The Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) serves as the Catskill Park’s visitor center and is managed by the Catskill Center in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Its mission is to help visitors learn about the natural, recreational, cultural and historical resources of the Catskills. The CVC offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, accessible nature trails, a pavilion, a fire tower, and year-round events for all ages and interests. To learn more visit www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

Position Description

We are searching for motivated and reliable seasonal Visitor Services Assistants to aid visitors at the Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) in Mount Tremper, NY. Visitor Services Assistants will help support a well-informed experience for visitors to the Catskill Park by providing information and education programs to the public at the CVC.

Full-time and part-time positions are available.

Applicants who enjoy working with the public, love the outdoors and would like to help educate visitors about the Catskill Park may be a great fit for this position.

Part-time Visitor Services Assistants would be anticipated to work 3 days per week, 21 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May through the end of October. A full-time Visitor Services Assistant would be anticipated to work Wednesday through Sunday, 35 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May through the end of October. This is an inside-based position with some outdoor work and is located at the CVC at 5096 State Rte. 28, Mount Tremper, NY.

Job Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the CVC Director, the Visitor Services Assistants will:

• Welcome and educate visitors about the CVC, the Catskill Park, and the Catskill Forest Preserve as appropriate
• Familiarize visitors with the CVC and the Catskill Center
• Suggest Catskills-wide recreation destinations
• Assist in the gift shop, restocking inventory and handling customer transactions
• Traverse the on-site trails to identify any safety issues and remove trash and/or small branches blocking trails
• Assist with program preparation, which could include moving picnic tables, installing lawn signs, preparing supplies, etc.
• Maintain records of visitor numbers and other key interactions
• Open and close the Visitor Center’s Upper Esopus Fire Tower
• Assist with regular cleaning duties, including garbage removal, restroom cleaning, mopping, and other basic tasks
• Report any issues needing immediate attention
• Support Catskills Visitor Center colleagues with other tasks, as needed
• Complete other tasks as requested

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

Strong candidates will also have the following qualifications:

• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, recreational opportunities, and/or communities of the Catskill Park
• Empathy and patience
• Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills
• Ascend and descend on-site fire tower (approx. 80 ft of stairs)
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.

Compensation

$17.50-$18.50 per hour

TO APPLY

Send a complete application package to jobs@catskillcenter.org, including:

• Cover letter, specifying how you learned about this position.
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the positions are filled.

The Catskill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the ground of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or national origin in the hiring, retention, or promotion of employees; nor in determining their rank, or the compensation or fringe benefits paid them