Summary of Position

North Cascades Institute (NCI) is seeking a Seasonal Housekeeper to play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and sustainability of our facilities and grounds. As a member of the Operations Team, the Housekeeper will be based at the Institute’s Environmental Learning Center (ELC) within North Cascades National Park. This remote location is subject to unique environmental conditions, including rockslides, wildfire smoke, wildlife presence, occasional flooding, snow-covered roads, and avalanches. This is a seasonal, full-time position reporting to the Operations Manager. Dates of employment are February 24 - June 5, 2026.

Responsibilities

Cleaning

• Perform routine cleaning of the Learning Center’s facilities, including sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing, organizing, and restocking.
• Ensure that all rooms are cleaned and inspected according to established standards.
• Maintain campus garbage and recycling containers.
• Keep supply closets orderly, clean, and well-stocked.
• Promptly report maintenance or housekeeping issues to the supervisor and immediately address hazards encountered during duties.
• Comply with infection-control policies as trained.
• Perform pest control removal as trained.
• Clean staff housing and perform deep-cleaning projects as assigned.
• Properly use and maintain cleaning tools and equipment.

Laundry

• Collect, wash, dry, fold, and distribute laundry for participant lodges and other accommodations as assigned.
• Maintain an orderly, clean, and functional laundry room.

General

• Assist with routine groundskeeping (e.g., weed removal, thinning native plants, snow removal from pathways, debris clearing from trails) as assigned by the Operations Manager.
• Clean Institute vehicles as assigned.
• Respond to reasonable requests and customer feedback with professionalism.
• Participate in staff meetings, training programs, and cross-departmental work as assigned.
• Use a computer to access email, inventory tools, employee timecards, and the Human Resources portal.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job position.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods while performing cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Regularly use hands and arms to operate cleaning tools, vacuums, mops, and other housekeeping equipment.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as laundry bags, cleaning supplies, and furniture.
• May be required to climb stairs or ladders and work in confined or elevated spaces.
• Must be able to work in varying indoor and outdoor conditions, including cold, heat, rain, snow, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required for cleaning products or physical tasks.
• Must remain alert, observant, and safety-conscious while performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks.

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

February 24, 2026

End Date

June 5, 2026

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.

Required Qualifications

• General housekeeping experience, or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of performance.
• Strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to model safe work habits and follow risk management practices.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand/walk for extended periods, and perform repetitive physical movements (e.g., bending, lifting, reaching).
• Experience using cleaning chemicals and following MSDS standards.
• Ability to accommodate a varied work schedule, including longer days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and historically excluded populations.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• 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 housekeeping 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 $19.76 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 - 1 day 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.