Program Instructor – Summer

Summary of Position

This position supports education programs at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) during the summer program season. Summers are spent delivering a variety of adult, youth, and family programs based at and around the Learning Center. 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 and adults alike. Multiple positions are available.

Position Dates and Location

Season dates: As soon as possible – September 6, 2026. The position is based at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on the shore of Diablo Lake in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Summer 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.

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

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

Required Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading programs for participants of all ages
• 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
• Availability for evening and weekend work
• 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 hikes of up to four miles and canoe programs in our big canoes.
• Deliver natural and cultural history lessons for multigenerational audiences.
• Provide excellent customer service, including supervising mealtimes and evening activities
• Participate in training and follow organizational risk management protocols
• Support program logistics, facilities, and other team needs as assigned

Compensation

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 – 2 days estimated through September 6
• $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.

Housing

Good quality housing is available through the Institute at $397.28/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 $198.64/month.

Key Dates

• Season start: As soon as possible
• Season end: September 6, 2026

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.

North Cascades Institute is a respected leader among U.S. environmental education organizations, and we believe that sustainable communities are built on healthy environments, vibrant economies and social equity. The Institute is in sound financial health with a $4 million budget and strong reserves, and 21 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.