Overnight Incident Commander

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.

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.

POSITION DURATION
This position fills in for the end of our Spring programming season before covering our full summer season. The estimated start date is April 29, 2026 or a soon as possible thereafter and the position runs until September.
• End of Spring Season: April 29 – June 5, 2026
• Summer Season: June 13 – September 6, 2026

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 – eligible for holidays starting with the first day of employment
• $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/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.

Tagged as: Administrative Staff, Conservation, Full Time, Medical, Support Staff

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.

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:

• Experience at outdoor learning centers, public lands agencies, camps, schools, or similar residential programs.
• Experience with emergency response, incident command, or risk management systems.
• Familiarity with emergency communication systems such as radios, POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) phone lines, Garmin InReach units, or similar tools.