Visitor Experience Specialist

Paul Smith's College • Paul Smiths, NY

13h

About The Position

The Visitor Experience Specialist provides customer service to the public at the Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), including information about the center, its trails and history, the surrounding region, and Paul Smith’s College. The role also supports retail sales, center maintenance, trail patrols, visitor orientation to the site and its natural history and ecology, and other center needs.

The position staffs the VIC front desk for assigned shifts, serves as a primary contact for visitors in person and by telephone, manages program registrations, assists with ski and snowshoe rentals, and supports administrative, maintenance, and event logistics. The work includes indoor duties and outdoor activities in all seasons and weather. This is a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position running from December through March, reporting to the General Manager. The stated pay is $19.00 per hour. The expected start date is December 1, 2026.

Requirements

• All education and experience levels are considered.
• Knowledge of or interest in Adirondack natural history and ecology.
• Strong desire to learn, share, and teach about the Adirondacks.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Excellent public speaking, telephone, in-person, and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, and point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to work weekends and events.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups to support a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Ability to perform moderate physical tasks outdoors in all seasons and weather and to transition repeatedly between climate-controlled indoor spaces and potentially inclement outdoor conditions.
• Ability to regularly lift items up to 50 pounds alone and heavier items with assistance; frequent lifting and carrying of moderate to heavy items, including furniture, construction materials, and large tools.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb staircases and ladders, and walk unassisted on uneven surfaces 1–3 miles per day.
• Ability to hike or snowshoe several miles on gentle, rolling trails with varied terrain, including roots, rocks, and boardwalks; ability to use mobility assistive devices and equipment as necessary.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move for prolonged periods, enter and exit a UTV, ATV, and snowmobile frequently, and shovel snow in winter.
• Manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools and fine motor skills for laptop work; ability to reach overhead or below shoulder level as needed.
• Good vision and hearing, with corrective lenses or assistive devices as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Related-field work experience, including one year of retail sales experience operating a cash register and managing inventory.
• Certification in at least one of First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder, or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and information about trail conditions, natural history, center programs, nearby excursions, and Paul Smith’s College.
• Staff the VIC front desk for assigned shifts and serve as a primary point of contact for visitors in person and by telephone.
• Manage in-person, web-based, and telephone program registrations.
• Assist with retail sales, inventory management, and restocking.
• Assist the public with ski and snowshoe rentals.
• Support administrative, maintenance, and logistical needs of the center, including cleaning front desk and visitor areas and restrooms and performing minor maintenance tasks.
• Patrol trails to orient visitors, check ski passes, enforce center rules, and perform minor trail maintenance.
• Assist with program and event logistics as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed