Summary of Position

North Cascades Institute (NCI) is dedicated to providing nourishing meals to our program participants, staff, and guests. To uphold and expand this commitment, NCI is seeking a qualified Cook to join our kitchen team. This position is based at the Institute’s field campus in North Cascades National Park and supports food service operations at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC). The location is remote, with exposure to unique environmental conditions, including snow-covered roads, avalanches, wildfire smoke, wild animals, and flooding. This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Food Service Supervisor. Dates of employment are January 13 - June 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Prepare and serve meals daily, typically in a buffet-style setting.
• Maintain all health and food safety standards, following applicable food safety regulations.
• Ensure exemplary cleanliness in the dining hall, kitchen, and walk-in areas.
• Assist with ware-washing duties.
• Actively participate in the Institute’s recycling and waste management programs.
• Address and resolve customer complaints, disputes, or grievances, while providing excellent customer service and sensitivity to participant needs.

Other Duties

• Participate in general staff responsibilities, such as attending staff meetings, contributing to hands-on work, and engaging in risk management initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Supervisor.

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.

Start Date

January 13, 2026

End Date

June 5, 2026

Application Deadline

Applications reviewed upon arrival.

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 the 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.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of professional food service experience.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including longer days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work effectively with historically excluded populations.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Valid Washington State Food Handler's Permit and thorough knowledge of food safety practices.
• 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

• Previous food service experience in residential learning centers, camps, schools, or similar facilities.
• Experience with recycling, composting, and waste management.

Compensation - This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The pay rate is $21.84 per hour. Most weeks average 35-40 hours; occasional overtime possible (paid at 1.5x).The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.

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
• $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.