Fall Program Instructor (seasonal)

North Cascades Institute; Rockport (KY); On-site; USD 21,571 - 30,722; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Health care stipend

Retirement plan

Institute pro deals

Job summary

North Cascades Institute seeks multiple seasonal Education Program Instructors to deliver hands-on, nature-based education at the Environmental Learning Center. This role involves teaching 5th-grade Mountain School and weekend programs, living in a remote mountain setting, and supporting program operations.

Strong teaching, outdoor enthusiasm, and a love of working with children are essential. Season dates run September 8–November 22, 2026, with wage at $18.98/hour and typical 35–40 hours per

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading elementary and/or middle school youth.
• Flexibility, strong judgment, and ability to work independently and on a team.
• Ability to live and work in a remote community.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification by start date, valid for full term of employment (training provided in February at the expense of the employee).
• Availability for evening and weekend work as needed.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead trail groups on short hikes and deliver natural and cultural history lessons.
• Supervise and support students in a residential setting, including mealtimes and evening activities.
• Participate in training and follow organizational risk management protocols.
• Support program logistics, facilities, and other team needs as assigned.

Skills

Teaching youth (K-8)

Outdoor education

Program supervision

Team collaboration

Job description

Summary of Position

This position supports education programs at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) during the spring program season. This includes Mountain School, North Cascades Institute’s 5th grade overnight outdoor school program, as well as various weekend adult and family programs. Program Instructors deliver hands‑on, nature‑based education in the North Cascades ecosystem and support program operations while living and working in a remote mountain setting. A successful candidate may hail from a variety of professional backgrounds but loves teaching, being outdoors, and is inspired to work with children. Multiple positions are available. The dates of employment are September 8 - November 22, 2026.

Position Dates and Location

Season dates: September 8 - November 22, 2026. The position is based at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center (ELC) on the shore of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park.

Mountain School Program

Mountain School is a nationally recognized, residential environmental education program serving approximately 3,000 students annually. During its three‑day, two‑night experience, 5th‑grade students hike under towering trees, explore terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and learn about the natural and cultural history of the region through lessons aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Weekend ELC‑Based Programs

• Instructors support conferences and retreats by teaching short programs, hosting sites, and engaging guests to broaden NCI’s audience. Events range from medical training to scientific conferences to family reunions.
• Instructors host and teach short programs in educational weekend retreats (Base Camps) for individuals, families, or anyone who wants to learn about and explore the North Cascades.

Required Qualifications

• Experience teaching or leading elementary and/or middle school youth.
• Flexibility, strong judgment, and ability to work independently and on a team.
• Ability to live and work in a remote community.
• Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification by start date, valid for full term of employment (training provided in February at the expense of the employee).
• Availability for evening and weekend work as needed.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead trail groups on short hikes and deliver natural and cultural history lessons.
• Supervise and support students in a residential setting, including mealtimes and evening activities.
• Participate in training and follow organizational risk management protocols.
• Support program logistics, facilities, and other team needs as assigned.

Compensation

This is a temporary/seasonal, full‑time, non‑exempt position. The wage is $18.98 per hour. Most weeks average 35–40 hours; occasional overtime may be paid at 1.5×.

Benefits

• Sick leave accrued at the rate of 0.04615 per hour.
• Vacation leave accrued at the rate of 0.01925 per hour.
• Paid holidays – 2 days estimated through November 22.
• $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.

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 some cases roommates in shared rooms may be required, at $198.64 per month.

Key Dates

• Season start: September 8, 2026
• Season end: November 22, 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.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

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.