Fire Tower Steward

At Paul Smith’s College, we believe in investing in our employees’ well‑being.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes not only robust health, dental, and vision insurance, but generous paid time off, including vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and holidays. We prioritize employee wellness through access to a supportive employee assistance program. A myriad of voluntary benefits are available, including short- & long‑term disability insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and legal assistance.

We understand the importance of work‑life balance and encourage employees to take advantage of our flexible work options when possible.

The College offers eligible employees with a 403(b) retirement plan account and contributes 5% of their salary towards the plan.

Employees receive complimentary access to our library, gym, athletic facilities, fitness center, recreational equipment, on‑campus sporting events, cultural events, and social activities.

Discounts are available for on‑campus dining and the college’s Mercantile bookstore.

We value our employees’ academic and personal interests and offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents.

Employees receive complimentary access to the Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (the VIC), which offers 25 miles of scenic hiking, snowshoeing, and cross‑country ski trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, educational programs, and interactive butterfly exhibit.

For more information or questions about careers at Paul Smith’s College, please call us at:

Status: Temporary, Seasonal, Part‑time, Non‑Exempt (May 26‑October 12, 2026, approximately)

Department: Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC)

Reports to: General Manager

Compensation: $19.00 per hour

The Fire Tower Steward position interacts and educates visitors on the historical and cultural values of St. Regis Mountain, the New York State Fire Tower Network, the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and responsible stewardship and recreation while based on the summit of the mountain. Schedule for the position is Friday – Sunday, 8 hours per day from Memorial Day weekend to Indigenous People’s Day.

• Greet and interact with visitors on the summit of the mountain and provide educational messaging and information about responsible stewardship and land ethic.
• Perform all job duties while stationed outside on the summit of St. Regis Mountain during entire shift, in often inclement weather conditions.
• Trail work and tower maintenance/restoration duties are also required as time allows.
• Hike to the summit of St. Regis Mountain at the start of each shift, a moderate hike that ascends 1,266 ft. in 3.4 miles (one way).

• All education and experience levels are considered; applicants with coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, environmental science, education, recreation, history, or related fields are preferred.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Capable of working independently and in inclement weather.
• High level of motivation and enthusiasm, willing to initiate interaction with the public.
• Ability to spend extended amount of time on your feet and hike the mountain for each workday.
• Ability to work all weekends & holidays (required).

• Coursework in natural resources, environmental studies, environmental science, education, recreation, history, or related fields.
• Certification in at least one of the following:
  First aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder.

• Work is located in an outdoor setting in all weather conditions.

• Ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs. over uneven surfaces.

• Prolonged standing majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Ability to hike 7 miles per day roundtrip while ascending 1,266 feet over uneven surfaces.
• Utilize mobility assistive devices and equipment, as necessary.

• Demonstrates sufficient manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination to manage field equipment—such as binoculars, field guides, compasses, GPS units, radios, and first‑aid supplies—while in rugged, variable mountain conditions.

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.