Catskill Fire Tower Steward

Catskill Fire Tower Steward

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 stewardship of our natural resources. 

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, fully accessible nature trails, a pavilion, a fire tower, and year-round events for all ages and interests.

To learn more, visit www.catskillcenter.org and www.catskillsvisitorcenter.org.

Position Description

We are searching for two motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic Catskill Fire Tower Stewards to assist visitors at three of the Catskills Fire Towers: the Upper Esopus Fire Tower, Hunter Fire Tower, and Overlook Fire Tower. The Catskill Fire Tower Stewards will work part of the week in the frontcountry on the grounds at the Catskills Visitor Center, and part of the week in a backcountry location to provide friendly, welcoming natural history interpretation and education to the public. One day a week the Stewards will also be assigned a work day to collaborate with the team of Catskill Stewards. The Fire Tower Stewards will help support a safe experience for visitors on the fire towers and will report any challenges or potential issues to the Coordinators at the Catskills Visitor Center.

Applicants who enjoy working with the public, love the outdoors, would like to help educate visitors about the Catskill Park, and who seek a physically active job may be a great fit for this position. 

These positions are full-time (37.5 working hours, 5 days per week) from Monday, May 9th 2022 through mid-October 2022 and require work on weekends and holidays. Candidates must be available for training the week of May 9th. This is an outdoors-based position with some computer work and is based in three Catskills locations: Mt. Tremper, Hunter, and Woodstock, NY. Hiring for this position is contingent upon funding.

Job Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Visitor Experience and Steward Coordinator, the Catskill Fire Tower Steward will:

• Welcome and educate visitors about the history of the Catskills Fire Towers, the Catskill Park, and the Catskill Forest Preserve as appropriate
• Talk with and educate visitors about Leave No Trace best practices
• Answer questions about the 2022 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, and direct visitors to the locations of the towers
• Help ensure fire tower maximum capacity limits are not exceeded 
• Talk with visitors about the Catskills Visitor Center and the Catskill Center
• Direct visitors to dispose of litter and trash correctly
• Suggest Catskills-wide recreation destinations
• Record the number of hikers and fire tower visitors
• Report any issues needing attention
• Follow set guidelines for maintaining COVID-19 safety guidelines
• Assist with other tasks as assigned, including the potential to help with maintenance projects at the fire towers

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, be willing and able to pass a background check, and be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to beginning employment.
• Demonstrated success in customer service or working with the public
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passionate about hiking and the outdoors
• Ability to take notes in the field and to record information about visitor numbers
• Ability to hike 5-6 miles and ascend 2240’ of elevation
• Comfortable spending 8 hours outdoors
• Ability to ascend and descend more than fifty stairs
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to remain in and be comfortable with being outdoors, sometimes in adverse conditions
• Strong candidates will also have the following qualifications:
• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, recreational opportunities, and/or communities of the Catskill Park
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace
• Empathy and patience
• Commitment to the environment and the Catskills
• Experience talking with diverse groups of people

Compensation

• $16-17 per hour

How to apply:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will be accepted until April 30th, 2022 or until the position is filled. The Catskill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Please send an application package, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to [email protected].