Retail Assistant-Newhalem; seasonal

North Cascades Institute is seeking qualified, enthusiastic individuals to join our retail team. North Cascades Institute is a nonprofit cooperating association that supports North Cascades National Park Complex by the operations of seven retail stores within and adjacent to the Park. The Newhalem Visitor Center is one of the most popular stores, with well over 125,000 visitors each summer. The stores offer books, trail guides, maps, educational products, and mementos that appeal to a variety of visitors and inspire them to experience, enjoy and appreciate the North Cascades.

Retail Assistants will work closely with the Institute’s Retail Associate, with National Park Interpretive Rangers and other Institute employees to help visitors explore the ecosystems and increase their awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the North Cascades National Park and the North Cascades.

Multiple positions are available. Dates of employment range between mid-May through September/early October (exact dates below). These are seasonal/temporary, non‑exempt, full‑time positions based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center.

• Accept guidance from our Lead Sales Associate
• Handle sales transactions
• Maintain orderly, attractive appearance of retail area including timely merchandise displays
• Maintain a working knowledge of all stock in order to hand sell to visitors
• Maintain inventory stock in stores to meet sales: restock as needed
• Develop expertise in use of the Point of Sale (POS) system and sales register
• Maintain financial records for opening and closing of the till and Park pass inventory.
• Assist (when needed) at two additional locations in the same locale, though 85%+ of your time will be in the main Visitor Center at Newhalem.
• Become versed in North Cascades Institute’s mission and programs to cultivate public awareness
• Familiarity with National Park and National Recreation Area trails and campgrounds

There are three position durations available.

• May 13 - September 30, 2026, full‑time (40 hours per week)
• May 13 - October 11, 2026, full‑time (40 hours per week)
• May 20 - September 1, 2026, full‑time (32 hours per week)

Weekly days off are consistently set but can be switched out with other employees. Any extended time off concerns, i.e. weddings, family reunions, etc., would be difficult to accommodate unless it is in September.

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.

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.

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.