Overview
SUMMARY OF POSITION
North Cascades Institute (NCI) seeks a qualified, safety-minded individual to serve as the Overnight Incident Commander (OIC) at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in the heart of the North Cascades. The OIC is a key member of our risk management team, is responsible for after-hours operations, responding to guest and staff needs, and overnight incident response. This position requires strong judgement, clear communication, and the ability to remain calm, professional, and responsive in a remote environment setting. Dates of employment are January 13 – June 5, 2026.
While on duty, the OIC serves as the primary point of contact for after-hours needs; ranging from room lockouts and building concerns to medical or safety emergencies. The OIC collaborates closely with Daytime Incident Commanders, program staff, and the on-site director to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach to guest experience, safety, and campus operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES – For full details please refer the job announcement on our website: https://ncascades.org/jobs
• Emergency Response
• Customer Relations
• Learning Center Logistics
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The Environmental Learning Center is located in a remote, forested mountain environment within the North Cascades ecosystem. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including species that require knowledgeable and responsible cautionary behavior. Employees must exercise sound judgment around wildlife and follow established safety practices.
• Weather conditions vary significantly across seasons and may include heat, rain, snow, ice, and low-visibility conditions.
• Staff must be able to use personal outdoor gear to perform duties in all weather.
• The remote setting requires reliable personal transportation for commuting and errands.
• Overnight staff are expected to maintain the same professional conduct, work quality, and safety standards upheld during daytime operations.
• During after-hours shifts, the OIC holds operational authority for incident response until relieved by the Daytime IC, on-site director, or other designated staff.
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 – 3 days estimated through June 5, 2026
• $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
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
Qualifications:
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification; valid for the full term of employment.
• Capacity to work a varied schedule including evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to live and work in a small, rural community with limited amenities.
• 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
Required Skills:
• Ability to communicate kindly, clearly, and effectively through email, in person, and over the phone.
• Excellent customer service, situational awareness, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and ages.
• Ability to remain alert, responsive, and with communication range throughout the entire overnight shift.
Preferred Skills:
• 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
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.
