Trails / Visitor Experience Specialist

Position: Trails / Visitor Experience Specialist

Status: Temporary, Seasonal, Non-Exempt (June 16-August 14, 2026 approximately)

Department: Visitor Interpretative Center (VIC)

Reports to: Trails and Facilities Manager

Compensation: $18.50 per hour

Description:

The Trails / Visitor Experience Specialist position maintains and improves the VIC trail system and related infrastructure working directly with the Trails and Facilities Manager, staff, and volunteers. The position requires proficiency in using hand and power tools, following safety protocols, and equipment maintenance. In addition, the position provides customer service to the public on the VIC, its trails and history, the surrounding region, and Paul Smith’s College. In addition, the position is responsible for retail sales, center maintenance, patrolling the trails to orient visitors to the site, its natural history, and ecology, and supporting other needs of the center.

Trails Specialist Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform routine upkeep such as clearing debris, removing fallen trees, repairing erosion damage, and maintaining signage.
• Remove overgrown vegetation encroaching on trails to maintain accessibility and safety.
• Build and repair trails using hand and power tools utilizing sustainable trail best practices.
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of tools and protective equipment.
• Maintain all hand and power tools and field vehicles with supervision.
• Collaborate with supervisors, staff, and volunteers to accomplish project goals at a high level of excellence.

Visitor Experience Specialist 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 and restocking.
• 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.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• All education and experience levels are considered.
• Passion for outdoor recreation, including hiking, running, or skiing.
• Knowledge of or interest in Adirondack natural history and ecology.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier, which will enable authorization to drive College-owned vehicle.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in outdoor labor, landscaping, trail work, or another related construction discipline.
• Proficiency in using hand tools (shovels, saws, axes, Pulaski’s, mattocks) and power tools (chainsaws, brush cutters, drill, circular saw).

Physical Requirements:

Environmental Conditions

• Perform moderate physical tasks outdoors in all seasons and weather.
• Ability to comfortably transition from an indoors, climate-controlled environment to potentially inclement weather outdoors multiple times throughout the day.

Lifting and Carrying

• Daily lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Equipment and related debris are of various shapes and sizes so may require unusual gripping points.

Mobility

• Standing and walking throughout the day across the property is expected.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Will have to climb some moderately challenging steep hills.
• Frequent need to reach overhead or below waist level to perform work duties.

Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity for handling tools and equipment used in the performance of duties.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

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.