Overview
SUMMARY
This position coordinates education programs at the Environmental Learning Center. Program Coordinators provide leadership for Institute programs, supervise Program Instructors at the Learning Center, and offer instructional support as necessary. This position will coordinate the logistics and delivery of the Mountain School program during the school year, and Family Getaways during the summer. They may also support other Learning Center programs from time to time. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds but loves teaching, being outdoors, and is inspired to work with children.
POSITION LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The work location for the Environmental 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. Family Getaways and other programs (see below) proceed from June to early September. Mountain School resumes in September and continues to early-December.
COMPENSATION
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position subject to a winter furlough (unpaid) of one month. The pay rate is $24.12 per hour. The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.
BENEFITS
• Sick Leave – accrued at the rate of 0.04615 per hour.
• Vacation Leave – accrued at the rate of 0.0385 per hour in the first year (about 10 days), with increasing accrual in successive years. Positions with furloughs may accrue less than 10 days.
• Holiday Leave – 12 days maximum per year.
• Service Days – 2 days per year.
• Other paid time-off such as family leave, pregnancy leave, bereavement leave, etc.
• Medical/dental insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, tax-deferred annuity, and contribution retirement plan.
• Ability to participate in Institute pro deals.
• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs.
Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per weeks
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
Anticipated Start Date: February 2, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter
Anticipated Furlough: December 16, 2026 – January 15, 2027
Qualifications:
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, or higher
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to work and live in a small, rural community
• 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.
Required Skills:
• Experience working successfully in teams
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
• Ability to communicate kindly, clearly, and productively via email, in person, and over the phone
• Strong customer service skills
Preferred Skills:
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in related field
• Experience working or living in communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field of environmental education
• Experience working at residential learning centers, camps, schools, or similar facilities
• Previous supervisory experience
• Possession of current driver’s license; acceptable driving record for past 3 years
• Fluency in multiple languages, Spanish preferred
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 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
