Housekeeper

North Cascades Institute (NCI) is seeking a Seasonal Housekeeper to play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness 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 snow-covered roads, avalanches, wildfire smoke, wild animals, and occasional flooding. This is a seasonal, full-time position reporting to the Operations Manager.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.

• 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 with 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

• Previous housekeeping experience in residential learning centers, camps, schools, or similar facilities.

• Experience with recycling, composting, and waste management. 

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 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 as assigned.

• Perform deep cleaning projects as assigned.

• Properly use and maintain equipment as trained.

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 general staff duties such as staff meetings and training programs, as assigned by the Operations Manager.

• Use a computer to access email and inventory tools, employee timecards, and the human resources portal.

Compensation

This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The pay rate is $18.00-$19.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. The job location for this position is at the Environmental Learning Center.

Benefits

• Paid holidays: 9 days estimated between February 12 and December 15

• Sick leave: ~8 hours per month

• Vacation leave: 4 days (32 hours) for positions with a duration of 6 or more months. Positions less than 6 months are not eligible for vacation leave.

• Service Days: 2 days per year

• Ability to participate in Institute pro deals

• Yearly stipend to participate in Institute programs.

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

Subsidized housing available. Private rooms in shared houses are often available. In some cases, roommates in shared rooms may be required.

Start Date: February 12, 2025

Job Duration: February 12 - December 15, 2025

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 15 four-star ratings with Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.