Cradle of Forestry Heritage Site Host 2027 Season

FIND Outdoors; Pisgah Forest (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full hook-up site

Wi‑Fi & laundry facilities

Gift shop discount

Time off to explore area

Job summary

FIND Outdoors invites applications for a Site Host at the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site outside of Pisgah Forest, NC. The Host will greet visitors, support daily operations, and help deliver programming, with focus on safety, sustainability, and engaging the public.

This role requires strong customer service, ability to work 3 days per week with occasional events, and willingness to assist with maintenance, gift shop tasks, and special events while representing FIND Outdoors and USFS partners.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.
• Comfort interacting with visitors and staff to deliver information and programs.
• Ability to walk up to 1/2 mile daily and lift up to 20 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and manage rotations at the information desk and gift shop.
• Open/close visitor center and historic buildings as assigned.
• Assist with special events and living history programs.
• Engage with Forest Service staff and partners in a professional manner.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Public interaction

Multitasking

Tools

Grounds keeping equipment (gas-powered)

Job description

Cradle of Forestry Heritage Site Host 2027 Season

• Pisgah Forest, NC

About the Opportunity:

Site Host at Cradle of Forestry

Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

FIND Outdoors has an exciting opportunity for a Host at The Cradle of Forestry Historic Site outside of Pisgah Forest, NC. FIND Outdoors serves approximately one million total visitors each year at 21 recreation, education and camping facilities in North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky, all which offer the public over 150 educational and recreation opportunities and special events. In addition, FIND offers our visitors forest-related gifts, educational resources and provides partnership opportunities for the health of our forests and safety of our forest users on public and private lands.

The Site Host will focus on providing exceptional experiences for all of our visitors through customer relations and ensuring the safe and attractive operation of all grounds and facilities, with a special focus on sustainability and green practices where appropriate. The successful candidate must have the requisite skills to function in this position and will be held to a high standard for customer service, community relations and will be an ambassador to the FIND Outdoors brand.

Hosts are expected to be on duty 3 days per week; however, may be asked to work additional hours as needed by FIND management (typically only for pre-determined special events).

Hosts are primarily responsible for greeting visitors with rotational assignments at the Fee Gate, Information Desk, Exhibit Hall, Historic Buildings, Gift Shop, and living history trail programs. Hosts will assist staff with daily operations, coordinate and assist with delivering programming, participate in special events and other opportunities to engage the public at the Cradle of Forestry in conjunction with FIND Outdoors Directors and USFS personnel. Cradle hosts will contribute to the safe and attractive operation of all grounds, facilities, historic buildings/collections, and equipment.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Provide interaction with the public to ensure exceptional experiences at all times.
• Open and close visitor center and historic buildings.
• Staff the onsite FIND gift shop, as assigned by Cradle Manager.
• Engage visitors and answer questions about the Cradle, Pisgah National Forest, the Biltmore legacy, FIND Outdoors’ mission and the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as local resources of interest.
• Responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of record keeping and reporting procedures related to fee collection and demographic reporting.
• Assist with special events at the Cradle of Forestry after hours, on holidays and weekends.
• Interact with Forest Service staff, FIND staff and local partners in a professional manner, and be an ambassador for FIND Outdoors in the community.
• Perform other general duties as assigned by the Cradle Manager and/or FIND leadership.
• Individuals assigned to the maintenance crew will perform routine housekeeping, landscaping, and daily light maintenance for overall appearance and functionality of the historic site.

QUALIFICATIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively as both part of a team and independently.
• Ability to meet the public and communicate effectively both in person and on the telephone, providing information regarding services and/or programs.
• Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously within a strict time frame.
• Ability to walk up to 1/2 mile daily and lift twenty (20) lbs.
• Ability to move, lift and utilize handheld gas-powered grounds keeping equipment.
• Ability to see and hear in to order to safely drive a golf cart.
• Possess camping trailer or motor home in good condition.

Amenities

• Full hook-up site (30 & 50 amp e/s/w)
• Activity building with wi-fi, laundry facilities, full kitchen, deep freezers, showers, and more
• gift shop discount
• ample time off to explore the area with its rich cultural and natural resources

FIND Outdoors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.