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

Qualifications

Required

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification; valid for the full term of employment.
• 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.
• Capacity to work a varied schedule including evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Ability to live and work in a small, rural community with limited amenities.
• Ability to remain alert, responsive, and with communication range throughout the entire overnight shift.

Preferred

• 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.

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.

Responsibilities

Emergency Response

• Oversees and coordinates after-hours emergency responses in accordance with NCI protocols.
• Establishes scene safety and manages ongoing risk during incidents.
• Assesses incident severity and follows appropriate escalation procedures based on NCI’s Incident Severy Scale.
• Leads communication with internal teams and external emergency services as needed.
• Coordinates evacuations, medical responses, and other appropriate actions to ensure participant and staff safety.
• Maintains readiness with appropriate safety gear, communication tools, and emergency supplies while on shift.
• Maintains situational awareness of campus conditions, program activities, and environmental hazards.
• Completes accurate and timely incident documentation following NCI reporting protocols.
• Leads post-incident debriefs with involved staff, ensuring professionalism, confidentiality, and actionable learning.
• Supports continuous improvement of NCI’s risk management practices by contributing to post-incident reviews and Standard Operating Procedure updates.
• Remains within reliable WiFi range of the Learning Center and ensures the IC phone remains charged and monitored at all times.

Customer Relations

• Responds to the after-hours Learning Center “Duty Phone” promptly, courteously, and professionally.
• Assists guests with after-hours needs, such as room lockouts, heating or plumbing issues, and general access needs at the Learning Center resources.
• Provides accurate information, reassurance, and clear communication during guest interactions.
• Upholds NCI’s culture of safety, hospitality, and accountability in all decisions and actions.

Learning Center Logistics

• Communicates regularly with Daytime Incident Commanders to ensure smooth transition between shifts.
• Shares relevant updates at shift handoff and reviews weekly ELC meeting notes to remain informed of campus priorities.
• Occasionally attends ELC staff meetings in person.
• Participates in required risk management training and contributes to ongoing improvements in emergency response readiness.

General

• Assist with Learning Center program operations as needed, including Mountain School and Family Getaways.
• May occasionally staff the Learning Center front desk using the Point of Sale system.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

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

Application Deadline

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

To Apply

Please apply online on our website at: https://ncascades.org/jobs

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.