Program Instructor

Summary

This position supports education programs at the Environmental Learning Center from February through early December. Program instructors facilitate the Institute’s 5th grade overnight outdoor school program – Mountain School – in the Spring and Fall. Summers are spent delivering a variety of adult, youth, and family programs based in and around the Learning Center. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds but loves teaching, being outdoors, and is inspired to work with children. There are multiple positions available.

Position Location and Description

The work location for the Program Instructor is at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) located in the heart of the North Cascades National Park on the shore of Diablo Lake. Mountain School takes place from February to the beginning of June. Summer activities proceed from June to early September. Mountain School resumes in September and continues to mid-December.

Spring & Fall – Mountain School

Mountain School is our school-based science education program. It is a nationally-recognized overnight outdoor school experience that annually serves approximately 3000 participants. Students spend three days and two nights at the ELC, hike under towering trees, explore terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of the bioregion through lessons that are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and other Washington State Learning Standards.

Summer – ELC-Based Programs

Family Getaways – Summer camp for families and friends. Instructors host and teach a variety of engaging activities for all ages including: day hikes, nature based activities, natural history lessons, paddling in our big canoes, and campfire programs.

Conferences and Retreats – Instructors support these activities by teaching short programs, leading canoe outings, and engaging with guests to help NCI reach a broader audience. Events range from medical training to scientific conferences to family reunions.

Base Camps – Educational weekend retreats for individuals, families, or anyone who wants to learn about and explore the North Cascades. Instructors host and teach short programs throughout the weekend.

Summer – Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA)

YLA connects local high school students to the natural world through 5- and 8-day backcountry trips. On trail, instructors deliver lessons around leadership, identity, and climate solutions. Applicants who have relevant qualifications and experience may have the opportunity to join the YLA instructor team during the summer season. Those interested should speak with the hiring team during their interview to be considered. There are limited positions available.

Responsibilities

• Trail Group Leader: Deliver lessons on natural and cultural history, lead program participants for short hikes on National Park trails, oversee group management.
• Camptender: assist with program logistics, provide mealtime supervision, maintain and manage program inventory, and address other support needs.
• ELC Incident Commander: on a rotating basis, including “evening on-call” duties:
  • During Mountain School, support school staff in the evenings with issues of student morale, student health, room lockouts, etc.
  • Operate as the first contact point for participants and staff when reporting a situation that requires staff attention or intervention.
  • Operate as initial leader of any response in accordance with risk management policies.
  • Communicate as appropriate with ELC leadership.
• Lead and paddle canoe programs in both tandem and larger canoes, from 2-18 participants. Training will be provided.
• Support risk management policies and participate in incident responses as required.
• Provide ELC facilities, housekeeping, and kitchen staff with support as needed.
• Occasional participation in Marketing and Development projects: photography, blog posts, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm and experience teaching and/or leading elementary and/or middle school youth.
• Good judgment, flexibility, and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work and live in a small, rural community.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, valid through the term of employment.

Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of scientific principles, and how to teach them.
• Experience working collaboratively with individuals from underserved populations.
• Experience employing different teaching methods and styles to accommodate different audiences and learning styles.
• Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Working Environment

• The location is remote, in the forested mountains of the North Cascades ecosystem, and is home to many forms of wildlife – animals and plants that require knowledgeable and responsible cautionary behavior. Employees are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow standard safety practices.
• Given the remote setting, reliable transportation is required.
• Weather can vary from hot and dry to cold, rainy, and snowy. Candidates must be able to use personal outdoor equipment to lead programs in all weather conditions.
• The position requires occasional travel by car to other worksites or meeting places.
• Working hours include evenings and weekends, and may occasionally include overtime.

Physical Demands

• Sit, stand, dance, talk, yell, sing, and hear, use hands and fingers to operate field equipment; reach with hands and arms.
• Job duties are often carried out while hiking over uneven terrain with participants.
• Candidates will be trained to use and lead canoe programs during summer programs.
• Candidates must be able to lift, load, pack, and carry teaching materials and field equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position.

• Pay is $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience and training.
• Overtime pay is 1.5x base pay and will occasionally be required.
• Most weeks instructors will work approximately 35-40 hours. Some weeks, especially around season transitions and school holidays, will have lighter hours.
• Benefits include:
  • Paid holidays: 9 days
  • Sick leave: ~8 hours per month
  • Vacation leave: 4 days (32 hours)
  • Service days: 2 days
  • Wilderness First Responder Certification provided by the Institute – a $700 value
  • $300 yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs
  • Ability to participate in Institute pro deals
  • Employees are responsible for their own health insurance

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District Lodge 751. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.

Housing

Subsidized housing available. Private rooms in shared houses are typically available. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required.

Key Dates:

Anticipated Start Date: February 12, 2025

Anticipated End Date: December 10, 2025

WFR Certification (if applicable): Anticipated, February 5-9 – with virtual pre-work required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.

About North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute’s mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Since 1986, we have helped connect people, nature and community through science, art, literature and the hands-on study of natural and cultural history. Our goal is to help people of all ages and backgrounds experience and enjoy the mountains, rivers, forests, people and wildlife of the Pacific Northwest – so all will care for and protect this special place. 

Opened in 2005, the Learning Center is a collaboration between North Cascades Institute, the National Park Service, and Seattle City Light, The Learning Center is in the heart of some of North America’s most beautiful, wild landscapes and offers extraordinary opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature connection. This region has been inhabited by native tribes for over 9,000 years and native culture and society remain active and vibrant in their ancestral homelands here.