Position: Visitor Experience Specialist

Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week), Non-Exempt, Staff

Department: Visitor Interpretative Center (VIC)

Reports to: General Manager

Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour

The Paul Smith's College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) offers a unique blend of recreation and education for both the college community and the public. Encompassing nearly 3,000 acres of working forest, the VIC showcases the college’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and learning. Containing nearly all ecosystem types found in the region, the VIC provides 25 miles of trails designed for running, hiking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. It also features world-class Nordic ski trails and a biathlon range. Nearly 30,000 visitors come to the VIC annually to enjoy programs including hands-on learning, naturalist programs, arts and culture initiatives, and a variety of recreational opportunities. Indoor facilities include an educational exhibit area, classroom, library, art gallery space, and retail store.

Position Description:

Paul Smith’s College is seeking s full time Visitor Experience Specialist to provide customer service and facility support at its Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC). The position will staff the front desk, offering information to the public on the VIC, its trails and history, the surrounding region and Paul Smith’s College. The position includes a variety of duties including conducting retail sales, center maintenance, periodic on-trail walking to orient visitors to the site, its natural history, and ecology, and supporting other needs of the center.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent customer service to all guests providing information on trail conditions, natural history, center programs, excursions in the surrounding area, and details about Paul Smith’s College.
• Staff the front desk of the VIC for assigned shifts (½-full day) as the primary point of contact for visitors, both in person and telephone.
• Manage in person, web-based, and telephone program registrations.
• Assist with retail sales, managing inventory and restocking.
• Assist the public with ski and snowshoe rentals.
• Assist with administrative, maintenance, and logistical needs of the center including maintaining cleanliness of front desk, visitor areas, restrooms and minor maintenance tasks as needed.
• Patrol trails year-round to orient visitors to the site, its natural history, and ecology as well as conducting minor trail maintenance.
• Assist with program and event logistics as needed.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• 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.
• Work experience in a related field, including one year of experience with retail sales (operation of cash register) and inventory management?preferred.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, over the phone, in person, and written communication.
• 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 a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in at least one of the following or willingness to obtain: First aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.