Overview
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Based out of the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in the summer and the Sedro-Woolley office in the fall, winter and spring the Youth Leadership Program Manager provides leadership and program oversight of the Youth Leadership Adventures (YLA) program. Key responsibilities include developing and managing the program budget; hiring a high-functioning program instruction team; collaborating closely with other ELC departments and programs; maintaining positive mission-enhancing relationships with partner agencies; supervising key staff responsible for implementing the Youth Leadership program; and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in North Cascades Institute (NCI) programs and culture. This position works directly with staff instructors to ensure high quality instruction, logistical support, and risk management. The Youth Leadership Program Manager is a core member of the Institute’s Program Team.
RESONSIBILITIES
• Leadership, Management, and Supervision
• Youth Leadership Adventures Program Oversight
• Next Generation Science Standards, and other key standards
COMPENSATION
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position subject to a winter furlough (unpaid) of 2 to 4 weeks. The pay rate is $27.98 per hour.
BENEFITS
We offer a competitive compensation package. Benefits include the following:
• 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 week.
HOUSING
Good quality housing is available through the Institute at $397.28 per month, including utilities, considerably below market rates. Private rooms in shared houses are typically available, but not guaranteed. In rare cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required at $198.64 per month.
START DATE
May 18, 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.
Qualifications:
• Awareness of privilege and personal bias and how it influences own leadership practice
• Proactive, results-oriented management
• Ability to initiate and prioritize tasks with exemplary time management and problem-solving skills
• Adaptable, solution-oriented mindset to opportunities and challenges
• Program development
• Program evaluation and assessment
• Ability to develop and implement process improvements
• Budget development and management
Required Skills:
• At least two years of experience in backcountry programming, including: program logistics and delivery, teaching backpacking and canoe-camping skills, and managing the risks associated with these activities
• At least two years of experience supervising adults
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or higher
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule including some evenings, nights, and weekends
• Ability to work overnight on-call shifts, on average 1-2x a week in the summer
Preferred Skills:
• Master's or Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Education, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology or related field.
• Experience teaching lessons on stewardship, climate change, identity, natural and cultural history, and/or leadership.
• Working or living in communities that are historically marginalized or underrepresented in the field of environmental education
• Demonstrated commitment to increasing equitable access to outdoor engagement
• Spanish language proficiency
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.
