Seasonal Full-Time JDP Park Operations Specialist

Position: Park Operations Specialist

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Temporary Seasonal

Department: John Dillon Park

Reports to: Park Manager

Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour

Housing: Shared Housing Provided

The Paul Smith’s College John Dillon Park is a 200-acre wilderness area outside of Long Lake in Hamilton County NY. Due to the generosity of the late John Dillon, who was a Paul Smith’s College alumni and former CEO of International Paper, the Park was specifically designed to accommodate people with disabilities, providing accessible trails, campsites, lean-tos, boat launches, outhouses, swimming areas, fishing platforms, and more. John Dillon Park provides free camping to all members of the public through an online registration center. A welcome center is located on its property where staff assist campers and provide visitor information

Position Description:

Paul Smith’s College is seeking a seasonal Park Operations Specialist to work directly with park managers in providing summer visitor services, including front desk management, guest services, trail work, maintenance and periodic on-trail walking to orient visitors to the site, its natural history and ecology.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide excellent, informed, and professional visitor services and public outreach for the point of entry for guests to the park through face-to-face contact and over the telephone.
• Manage Park campsite registrations as needed.
• Work with hand tools, power tools, drive all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV), clear trails and work on construction projects under the supervision of park managers.
• Clean campsites and privies as needed.
• Weekly on-trail walking to provide public outreach and natural history services to guests.
• Assist with administrative, maintenance and logistical needs of the park.
• The John Dillon Park Steward will regularly work weekends, occasional evening events and responses to camper needs when required at any hour if available.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualifications and Preferences:

• Availability: May 12, 2025 to Sept 1, 2025 (start/end date may be flexible with student applicants).
• All education and experience levels are considered.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Certification in at least one of the following: First aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder.
• Knowledge of or interest in Adirondack natural history and park management.
• Experience and interest in working with diverse audiences of all ages and mobility levels.
• Excellent communication skills including public speaking, over the phone, in person, and written communication.
• Ability to work swiftly, accurately, decisively, and independently.
• Familiarization with hand tools, power tools including a chainsaw.
• Reliable transportation for personal needs, e.g. groceries.

Open until filled

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V