This position supports education programs at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) during the spring program season. This includes Mountain School, North Cascades Institute’s 5th grade overnight outdoor school program, as well as various weekend adult and family programs. Program Instructors deliver hands-on, nature-based education in the North Cascades ecosystem and support program operations while living and working in a remote mountain setting. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds but loves teaching, being outdoors, and is inspired to work with children.

Summary

Full job announcement posted on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs

Position Dates and Location

Season dates: February 17 – June 5, 2026. The position is based at the North Cascades

Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on the shore of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park.

Required Qualifications

Experience teaching or leading elementary and/or middle school youth
Flexibility, strong judgment, and ability to work independently and on a team
Ability to live and work in a remote community
Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification by start date, valid for full term of employment (training provided in February at the expense of the employee)
Availability for evening and weekend work as needed
Final offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include employment history, a national criminal background check, sex offender registry search, and a driving history check

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with teaching science concepts in outdoor settings
Experience working with individuals from underrepresented communities
Spanish language proficiency
Knowledge of the North Cascades natural and cultural history

Responsibilities

Lead trail groups on short hikes and deliver natural and cultural history lessons
Supervise and support students in a residential setting, including mealtimes and evening activities
Participate in training and follow organizational risk management protocols
Support program logistics, facilities, and other team needs as assigned

Housing

Good quality housing is available through the Institute at $397/month including utilities, considerably below market rates. Private rooms in shared houses are typically available, but not guaranteed. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required, at $198.50/month.

Key Dates

Season start: February 17, 2026
Season end: June 5, 2026
WFA training opportunity: February 14-15

Application Deadline

Position will remain open until filled.

To Apply

Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

Compensation Information

This is a temporary/seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The wage is $18.98/hour. Most weeks average 35-40 hours; occasional overtime possible (paid at 1.5x).

Benefits include the following:

Sick leave - accrued at the rate of .04615 per hour
Vacation leave - accrued at the rate of .01925 per hour
Paid holidays - 1 day estimated through June 5
$110 per month health care stipend to be paid in the first pay period following completion of a 21-day probationary period
Option to defer compensation as a pre-tax deferral in our retirement plan
Ability to participate in Institute pro deals

Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week. 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.

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