Visitor Services Assistant

Job Overview

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 featuring locally  themed books and souvenirs, 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 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.  

A part-time Visitor Services Assistant would be anticipated to work 3 days per week,  21 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid October. A full-time Visitor Services Assistant would be anticipated to work Thursday through Monday, 35 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May  through mid-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 Manager, 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.  
• Support Catskills Visitor Center colleagues with other tasks, as needed  
• Maintain records of visitor numbers and other key interactions 
• Open and close the Visitor Center’s Upper Esopus Fire Tower, daily 
• Assist with regular cleaning duties, including garbage removal, restroom  cleaning, mopping, and other basic tasks  
• Report any issues needing immediate attention 
• 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 
• Ascend and descend on-site fire tower (approx. 80 ft of stairs) 
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.  
• Willingness and ability to pass a background check 

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 

Compensation: $15-$16 per hour

TO APPLY 

Send a complete application package to [email protected], including: 

1. Cover letter, specifying how you learned about this position and whether you  are applying for a full time or part time position. 
2. Resume 
3. Contact information for three professional references 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is 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.