Position: Lead Guide | Part Time

Compensation: $16 -18/hour depending on experience

Term of Employment: June 7, 2019 – September 15, 2019 (some flexibility). Not to exceed 280 hours.
This is a non-exempt, temporary seasonal position.

Closing Date: March 3, 2019

SUMMARY:

The Mount St. Helens Institute seeks part-time Mountain Climbing Guides for the 2019 summer season. We desire candidates who are passionate about introducing beginners to mountain climbing and sharing knowledge about the fascinating landscape of Mount St. Helens.

We seek skilled mountaineers who have demonstrated experience the she/he/they can safely lead guided climbs and other guided trips around Mount St. Helens. The Mount St. Helens Institute Exploration Programs encourage participants to gain confidence in the outdoors while also providing natural history and interpretation of the landscape. Routes and programs include: Mount St. Helens Rim, Glacier Overlook Hike, Into the Crater, and other trails throughout the Mount St. Helens area. Guides can expect to work Saturday and/or Sunday (with some Fridays and other weekdays) throughout the summer with additional work possible as private trips are requested. The Lead Guide will work under the supervision of the Outdoor Programs Manager. See guided program descriptions here.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide strong outdoor leadership for guide team including assistant guides and volunteer guides
  • Actively build team dynamics and encourage healthy decisions among guide team and participants during climbs/hikes
  • Respond to emergency situations, major or minor injury, and concerns in a thoughtful and safe manner
  • Provide quality and compassionate participant care on each trip
  • Mentor assistant guides as they develop their guiding skills
  • Coordinate and support assistant guides and volunteer guides (Mountain Stewards) during trips
  • Deliver education on basic mountaineering and hiking, natural history, and Mount St. Helens history

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Demonstrated lead experience in mountain climbing
  • 1+ year safely leading participants in variable conditions
  • Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR (must be current through September 2019)
  • Demonstrated experience providing medical care during an emergency
  • Ability to manage, work with, and help develop interns and volunteers
  • Excellent group management, communication and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of Leave No Trace practices and environmental awareness
  • Working knowledge of natural history of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding area, or willingness to learn
  • Ability to commit to at least 20-30 days between June and September
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years.
  • A reliable personal vehicle.

ABILITIES: Guides must be in excellent physical shape and be able to lead groups up the steep, rugged terrain of Mount St. Helens (elevation of 8,365, over 10 miles round trip), while carrying 30-40 lb backpack. Regular driving for up to 4 hours is common.

WORKING HOURS: This is a part-time position with mandatory trainings. Scheduled shifts will be announced at least two weeks in advance with input on guide date requests. Some overnight work will be required.

LOCATION: The Mount St. Helens Institute’s main office is in Amboy, WA. Climbs and programs will occur from Marble Mountain Sno-park, Climber’s Bivouac, from Hwy 504, Windy Ridge as well as other areas around Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

ABOUT US: MSHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of the Earth through science, education and exploration of volcanic landscapes. MSHI functions as a tight-knit group of individuals united in our common passion for Mount St. Helens. We value diversity, good challenges, adventure, fun, partnership and community. We work closely with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument staff on a daily basis and operate under US Forest Service special use permit. We are not a guiding company and first and foremost are committed to providing educational outdoor exploration experiences.

OUR COMMITMENT: The Mount St. Helens Institute fundamentally believes that its employees are a valuable source of ideas for improving operations and making the workplace more interesting and attractive. In order to do so, we ensure that all employees work in an environment free of discrimination. All candidates applying for this position will be reviewed without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. This institution is an equal opportunity provided. Review the Mount St. Helens Institute’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.

TO APPLY:

Apply no later than March 3, 2019 at 11 PM.

Email the following items to apply@mshinstitute.org.

  • Subject Line: “Last Name Lead Guide”
  • Cover Letter (name the file as follows “Last Name, First Name Cover Letter”)
    • Include the following:
      • Why are you interested in this position?
      • How does this position fit with your career goals?
      • What is your available start date? Required end date?
      • Are there any required days off during the season?
      • Resume (name the file as follows “Last Name First Name” Resume)

Please no phone calls! You may email us with questions.