High Peaks Information Center Educator

HIGH PEAKS INFORMATION CENTER EDUCATOR 

ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) works to protect New York State wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Since 1922, the organization has worked to increase access to the backcountry by building trails, conserving natural areas, and developing a stewardship community that supports the ethical and safe use of New York’s outdoor spaces. A member, donor, and volunteer-supported organization, ADK reaches across New York through its chapters to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors ethically. 

The High Peaks Information Center Educator project is supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants and New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

ADK seeks an enthusiastic and detail-oriented individual to assist with daily operations of the High Peaks Information Center (HPIC). 

Throughout the year, the HPIC Educator is responsible for ensuring timely communication with visitor information requests and trip planning via phone and email. The HPIC Educator is responsible for assistingwith the training of seasonal staff and volunteers, managing and updating a year-round information database of outdoor opportunities, and ensuring a positive guest experience.  

The HPIC Educator is responsible for providing a friendly and welcoming experience to visitors. They provide accurate information on trails, conditions, and local regulations while encouraging responsible recreation practices and promoting the principles of Leave No Trace.  

The HPIC Educator is responsible for updating and keeping educational information and pamphlets readily available for visitors. They are also responsible for assisting with retail sales and inventory management, in the efforts to equip visitors with essential items.   

Additionally, the HPIC Educator may be called upon to act as a liaison between our visitors and the backcountry forest rangers, facilitating communication of critical information to the rangers during search and rescue operations.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Information Service – 40%  

• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for visitors recreating at the Heart Lake Program Center and surrounding wilderness.
• Provide up to date trail information and conditions.
• Help visitors choose outdoor experiences based on their needs and interests.
• Promote Leave No Trace principles and responsible recreation practices.
• Provide detailed trip planning information and encourage low-impact recreation practices in conjunction with rules and regulations specific to Wilderness and Wild Forest areas across the Adirondacks.
• Educate visitors on rules and regulations specific to the High Peaks Wilderness Complex.
• Build and maintain a year-round information database of outdoor opportunities throughout the Adirondack Park suited to visitors of all comfort and ability levels outdoors.
• Ensure digital and physical pamphlets are stocked and available to provide up-to-date information based on visitors’ needs and interests.
• Promote membership and further involvement with the Adirondack Mountain Club.
• Ensure proper documentation and processing of membership forms.
• Communicate with DEC in cases of backcountry emergencies.

Retail, Rental, and Customer Service– 40%  

• Ensure a timely response to all information requests to the HPIC via phone and email.
• Responsible for receiving, stocking, and merchandising of retail merchandise and food and beverage under the supervision of the HPIC Manager and other members of the team, following ADK’s merchandise policy.
• Assisting in the organized input of products into the POS system.
• Assisting with physical inventory counting and data input.
• Suggestively selling with integrity to ensure that visitors are pre-prepared for their frontcountry and/or backcountry recreating, as well as products that promote ADK and its mission statement.
• Assist with management and renting of equipment including bear-resistant food canisters and trekking poles.
• Rotate through shifts in parking booth as the first point of contact visitors have at New York State’s busiest trailhead.
• Assist in the cleaning of Visitor Center and Restroom facilities.

Interdepartmental Communication and Leadership – 20%  

• Serve as a liaison between HPIC and other departments to share pertinent information specific to operations.
• Assist in leading interdepartmental training sessions.
• Assist the HPIC Manager and Interpretive Manager with training seasonal staff.
• Promote a positive and service orientated attitude among crew that is welcoming to ADK’s target audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Basic: 

• A passion for outdoor education and a commitment to the mission, values, and vision of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
• Self-driven and comfortable working both independently and with a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage projects while being in a service-oriented setting.
• Able to provide visitors with information with a tone that empowers them in their outdoor experience.
• Education in communication, education, conservation or related field and/or experience working in an outdoor retail operation.
• Strong people skills, with an ability to work with a wide variety of ages and experience levels.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to plan independently, organize, schedule, coordinate, and make decisions and judgments relating to assigned responsibilities.

Preferred: 

• 1–2 years of experience in a customer-facing position.
• 1–2 years of experience in retail.
• Extensive experience hiking and backpacking, especially in the High Peaks region.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION 

Reports to: HPIC Manager 

Classification: Full-time, non-exempt 

Salary/Wage:  $18.50 / hour, based on a 40-hour work week. 

Benefits: Paid vacation and holidays; matching contribution to 403b; health, vision and dental; paid certification in Wilderness First Aid (WFA); Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor workshop; free ADK workshops, discounts on store merchandise and rental equipment. 

ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT 

As an organization, we appreciate a diverse set of skills and candidates eager and willing to grow and learn with our organization. As such, our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in this role, we want to hear from you. 

ADK affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all individuals. Decisions about recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, and all similar employment matters are made in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, military status or any other classification protected by federal or state law. Any discrimination in the workplace against persons protected by equal employment opportunity laws is illegal and against policy.