Office Assistant (seasonal)

Job Description: Summary of Position

North Cascades Institute seeks a motivated, organized, and customer\-focused individual to serve as an Office Assistant at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in North Cascades National Park.

The Office Assistant plays a key role in front desk operations, guest services, retail support, and program logistics. This position helps ensure visitors and program participants receive accurate information, efficient service, and a welcoming experience aligned with the Institute's mission.

Work pace varies throughout the season and includes a combination of guest\-facing responsibilities, retail activity, administrative tasks, and independent project work during quieter periods. Success in this role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple operational workflows simultaneously.

North Cascades Institute provides a structured training process to ensure the Office Assistant is confident in front desk procedures, program workflows, registration systems, communication channels, and ELC operations. The Office Assistant reports to the Operations Manager and works closely with the Retail Manager, Registration Team, and Learning Center staff to support daily campus operations.

Dates of employment are April 16 \- October 15, 2026\. The is a seasonal, full\-time position located in a remote mountain setting with variable wilderness conditions such as snow, wildfire smoke, floods, and limited connectivity. If you are passionate about connecting people with nature and community, and enjoy working in a dynamic, outdoor environment, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities

Front Desk Support:

• Serves as the primary front desk point of contact for visitors, providing accurate information about Institute programs, facilities, and the surrounding region.
• Assists with program check\-in processes and helps manage guest flow during busy arrival periods.
• Processes retail transactions using the Point of Sale (POS) system and assists with daily reconciliation procedures.
• Maintains an organized front desk workspace, ensuring radios, forms, rosters, and guest materials are stocked and accessible.
• Assists the Operations Manager in maintaining an organized, well\-stocked, and welcoming retail store environment.

Skagit Tours Registration:

• Registers participants in person or by phone for Skagit Tours during weekends and as needed.
• Processes payments and enters participant data accurately into Salesforce.
• Manages the Skagit Tours waitlist and prepares daily Skagit Tour rosters to support staff planning and logistical execution.

Administration for Programs and Operations

• Provides administrative support to Learning Center staff in service of campus programs.
• Creates daily and weekend program rosters, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution to relevant campus teams.
• Collects, organizes, and securely handles confidential participant paperwork; prepares and submits complete program packets to the Sedro\-Woolley office.
• Communicates logistical issues, guest concerns, or operational needs promptly to the Operations Manager and appropriate program staff.
• Works collaboratively with Programs, Registration, Retail, and Operations teams to ensure clear information flow and consistent guest experience.
• Develops a working understanding of how key roles at the ELC (Front Desk, Registration, Programs, Retail, Operations) interact to support smooth campus operations.

Training and Supervision

• Participates in structured onboarding to learn front desk systems, program workflows, communication channels, and Environmental Learning Center procedures.
• Meets regularly with the Operations Manager for coaching, workflow review, and operational feedback.

Other Duties

• Attends staff meetings and may support note\-taking.
• Participates in Hands\-to\-Work projects as needed.
• Supports emergency response procedures as directed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Learning Center leadership.

Working Environment

The Environmental Learning Center is located in a remote mountain environment within the North Cascades ecosystem. Staff may encounter varied weather conditions and wildlife common to the region and are expected to exercise sound judgment and follow established safety practices.

• Weather conditions may include rain, snow, heat, smoke, or low\-visibility conditions.
• Staff should be comfortable working in an outdoor setting and commuting to a remote worksite.
• Reliable personal transportation is required for commuting and personal errands.

Start Date

April 16, 2026

End Date

October 15, 2026

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

To Apply

Please apply online on our website by selecting the 'Apply Now' tab at the bottom of this page.

Complete the online application and upload a cover letter and resume.

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.

Experience and Skills:

Required Qualifications

• Passion for North Cascades Institute's mission to connect people, nature, and community.
• Strong customer service and communication skills, including excellent phone etiquette.
• Ability to remain calm, courteous, and solution\-focused in a variety of guest interactions and occasionally high\-stress situations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, identities, and ages.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy during data entry and record\-keeping.
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment.
• Reliable transportation to and from the remote jobsite.
• Ability to use a Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Willingness to learn program workflows, communication channels, and the responsibilities of interconnected ELC staff roles.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which may include a review of employment history, national criminal background, sex offender registry search, and driving history check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Basic experience using databases (Salesforce preferred).
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Basic First Aid certification.

Job Benefits:Compensation \- This is a seasonal, full\-time, non\-exempt position. The pay rate is $18\.98 per hour. Typical work weeks average 35–40 hours; occasional overtime may occur (paid at 1\.5x).The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.

Benefits \- Benefits are prorated for employees working less than 40 hours per week. Employees are responsible for their own health insurance.

• Sick leave \- accrued at the rate of .04615 per hour
• Vacation leave \- accrued at the rate of .01925 per hour
• Paid holidays \- 5 days estimated through October 15
• $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.

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.

From: North Cascades Institute