Catskill Center for Conservation and Development

Seasonal Visitor Services Assistant 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, 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 are 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. Part-time Visitor Services Assistants would be anticipated to work 3 days per week, 21 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May through the end of October. A full-time Visitor Services Assistant would be anticipated to work Wednesday through Sunday, 35 hours a week including weekends and holidays from mid-May through the end of 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 Director, 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. Maintain records of visitor numbers and other key interactions Open and close the Visitor Center’s Upper Esopus Fire Tower Assist with regular cleaning duties, including garbage removal, restroom cleaning, mopping, and other basic tasks Report any issues needing immediate attention Support Catskills Visitor Center colleagues with other tasks, as needed 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 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 Ascend and descend on-site fire tower (approx. 80 ft of stairs) Ability to lift 30 lbs. Compensation $17.50-$18.50 per hour TO APPLY Send a complete application package to jobs@catskillcenter.org , including: Cover letter, specifying how you learned about this position. Resume Contact information for three professional references Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the positions are 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

Job Posting  Catskill Steward  About the Catskill Center 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 depends on robust collaboration, thriving local communities and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. The Catskill Center operates the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC), the gateway to the Catskills and Catskill Park, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The CVC offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, accessible nature trails, a pavilion, a fire tower, and year-round events.  To learn more, visit www.catskillcenter.org . Position Description  We are searching for highly motivated and reliable seasonal Catskill Stewards to help protect Catskills wilderness. We expect to hire a team of 8-10 full-time stewards, pending available funding. As the Catskills have become increasingly popular in the last several years, previously pristine destinations have experienced ecological damage from high use. Catskill Stewards will provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public at top Catskills outdoor recreation destinations. Learn more at www.catskillcenter.org/catskillstewardsprogram . If you love the outdoors, enjoy challenges, and want a physically active position that helps protect important natural areas, this job may be for you.  Stewards work 37.5 hours per week. Weekend and holiday work is required. The expected start date is May 4, and season-end date is on or around October 13, 2026, with extension possible if funding is available.  All positions are located in an outdoor environment with minimal facilities available. Training is provided. Catskill Stewards are assigned to top Catskills destinations: the Peekamoose Blue Hole, Kaaterskill Falls, Platte Clove Preserve, Thorn Preserve, Fire Towers, and backcountry locations. Stewards may rotate among work locations, depending on the interests and abilities of the Stewards and needs of the program. The Peekamoose Blue Hole is located by Denning, NY, within the NYSDEC Sundown Wild Forest, a secluded wilderness area of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Kaaterskill Falls is located in the Kaaterskill Clove on Route 23A east of Tannersville, NY, within the NYSDEC’s Kaaterskill Wild Forest. Easily accessible to the general public, Kaaterskill Falls is one of the top three visited locations in the Catskill Park. The Catskill Center’s Platte Clove Preserve lies south of Platte Clove Road where the Long Path crosses Platte Clove Road. The Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve is in the Town of Woodstock and is a popular area for community walks. Fire Tower locations in the Catskill Park include the Upper Esopus, Hunter Mountain, Red Hill, Balsam Lake Mountain, Mt. Tremper, and Overlook Mountain. One Ridge Runner Steward will work at popular backcountry destinations in the Catskill Forest Preserve, primarily along the Devil’s Path in Elka Park NY and at Catskills Fire Towers. The Devil’s Path is a 24-mile trail spanning five peaks with a total accumulation of 9,000 ft of elevation gain. This position is open to one highly qualified individual with excellent hiking endurance and a demonstrated ability to camp outdoors for extended periods of time.  Job Responsibilities  Under the supervision of the Steward Coordinator, Catskill Stewards will:  Welcome and educate the public about the area, New York City watershed, Catskill Park, and Catskill Forest Preserve, as applicable;  Educate visitors about the Catskills Visitor Center, the Catskill Center, and the history of the Catskills Fire Towers;  Introduce visitors to Leave No Trace Principles and responsible recreation;  Guide visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly;  Support on-site Forest Rangers and NYSDEC staff;  Check permits and sign in visitors where applicable;  Suggest alternative recreation destinations as appropriate;  Provide photos/videos and captions for social media;  Promote the program through group videos and interviews; Perform routine trail maintenance and litter cleanup of trails, parking lots, and surrounding areas;  Help with group clean-ups and land stewardship projects;  Lead educational public programs; Report any issues needing immediate attention; Count daily visitor totals at assigned location; Assist supervisor with reporting requirements;  Support CVC staff as needed; Complete other tasks as requested.  Additional Responsibilities for Head Steward position: Data entry including steward location metrics sheets Responsible for steward check in & out times, when applicable Support Steward Coordinator in various ta sks, and serve as backup in their absence Required Qualifications - All positions Must be at least 18 years old Possess a valid Driver’s License Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public  Ability to work independently or in a group with minimal supervision  Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills  Ability to remain outdoors with minimal access to facilities for extended periods of time, and without cell phone service at some locations Must be physically capable of performing field work common to the assigned work area over rough terrain and during inclement weather. Passion for the environment and/or the Catskills  Additional Requirements for Ridge Runner & work at remote Fire Towers Demonstrated ability to ascend and descend a 3500’ peak across at least 6 miles of uneven terrain in a backcountry setting  Ability to and comfort with remaining outdoors with minimal or no access to facilities and no cell phone service for eight hours at a time  Preferred qualifications include: Knowledge of Catskills natural history, ecology, and recreational opportunities 1+ year of college credit in environmental education, natural resources management, biology, environmental studies, or a related field or 6 months experience in environmental conservation work in a park or recreation setting Ability to speak conversational Spanish a plus Empathy and patience  Experience teaching  CPR, First Aid and/or Wilderness First Aid certifications   Compensation: $17.50-$21.50 per hour  TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to jobs@catskillcenter.org .  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until Friday, April 10th, 2026 or until the positions are filled. All offers are contingent upon funding. 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.  The Catskill Stewards Program is partially funded by the Environmental Protection Fund, as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.