Position Title: Visitor Center Assistant
Incumbent: TBD
Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
Status: Seasonal (Part-time)
Supervisor: Director of Marketing and Communications
Department: Marketing and Communications

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: 

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the orderly and efficient operation of the Conservancy’s visitor center 24 hours a week. (2 weekdays, preferably Tuesday and Wednesday, and 1 weekend day—usually Saturday, but sometimes Sunday instead with advance notice) from September to mid-December.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Greets and engages visitors ranging from tourists to long-distance hikers and makes them feel welcome.
  • Invites visitors, especially those making purchases, to support the Appalachian Trail by becoming Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) members.
  • Accurately and helpfully answers questions about the Appalachian Trail, local services and attractions, and the ATC, responding to visitors and those calling by phone, including members.
  • Operates a cash register to sell memberships, publications, and merchandise.
  • Provides responsible and informed hike recommendations, advising visitors of local regulations, for those wishing to explore the A.T. and other trails in the general vicinity of ATC.
  • Assists with updating of information materials, including amending Word documents, and photocopying these handouts.
  • Ensures that photographs of prospective 2,000-milers are taken, when appropriate, for Conservancy records and that those photos are filled out by the hikers, and downloaded and labeled at the end of the day.
  • Invites visitors to sign the guestbook and sends follow-up emails that encourage visitors to continue their engagement with and support of the A.T. and the ATC.
  • Ensures that the visitor center and porch is kept clean and tidy.
  • Ensures that brochures are stocked.
  • Meters outgoing mail.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Customer service experience.
  • Sales experience.
  • Hiking experience and preferably backpacking experience, with knowledge of Leave No Trace practices.
  • Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, especially in the Harpers Ferry area.
  • Some experience in visitor or retail services.
  • Basic bookkeeping and cash-register operating skills.
  • Excellent organizational and communications skills. 
  • High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to communicate with individuals by phone and in person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

  • Moderate noise level due to visitor-center environment with a high level of conversation and crowds from time to time.
  • Periods of standing on feet from time to time
  • Exposure to unpleasant odors

TO APPLY:

The deadline to apply is September 15, 2013. To apply please email cover letter and resume to [email protected]