Mountain Guide, Assistant

Position: Assistant Guide | Part Time | Seasonal

Compensation: $19.43/hour for first year; step increases for returning guides; Eligible for SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match.

Term of Employment: June 1 – September 21, 2025, flexible into October.

Hourly; part-time; non-exempt; temporary; seasonal.

Application Closing Date: April 1st, 2025 or when positions are filled

SUMMARY: The Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) seeks Assistant Mountain Guides for the 2025 Summer season. Assistant Guides are skilled, experienced and enthusiastic leaders who assist in guiding groups of diverse international participants and support staff on safe, exciting and informative hikes and non-technical climbs on Mount St. Helens. An Assistant Guide is a critical member of an MSHI Guide Team and collaborates directly with a Lead Guide and certified Volunteer Mountain Stewards and scientists, depending on the program. This guide team will work together to highlight the natural and historical wonders of the American Pacific Northwest, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument throughout each adventure.

We seek qualified mountaineers with demonstrated personal experience who can safely assist participants on 7 to 10 mile guided adventures around an active volcano and a vibrant National Forest in all weather conditions at elevations ranging from 2,600ft (792m) to 8,365ft (2,550m). Assistant Guides will be trained in MSHI policies, scientific and historical interpretation, route navigation, emergency response, risk management, radio communication, equity, diversity and inclusion. Through the team’s training and technical expertise, MSHI compassionately encourages participants to gain confidence in the outdoors while also providing natural history and scientific interpretation of the landscape. Routes and programs include: Mount St. Helens Rim (summit), Glacier Overlook Hike, Into the Crater Hike and various other outdoor seminars and hikes. Guides can expect remote and in-person training in June and programs that run from June through September. Guides can expect to work Saturday and/or Sunday (with some Fridays and other weekdays) throughout the Summer with additional work possible. The Assistant Guide will work under the supervision of the Outdoor Programs Manager, and will work collaboratively with other MSHI guide staff and volunteers throughout the season. See guided adventure descriptions at .

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in preparing materials (paperwork, supplies) before and after trips as needed
• Greet participants and provide introduction and instructions for the day’s adventure
• Provide engaging and accurate natural history interpretation on the trail
• Collaborate with Lead Guides and Volunteers
• Assist with emergency situations
• Assist with managing group dynamics
• Follow and enforce MSHI risk management, health and safety protocols

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First aid and CPR certification (or higher) valid through September 21, 2025, or willing to obtain prior to period of employment
• Demonstrated ability to teach and lead groups in outdoor settings
• Demonstrated experience with preparing and presenting public talks
• Knowledge and passion for natural and human history
• Excellent people and group management skills
• Able to hike terrain of varying difficulties
• Ability to work both independently and in groups in remote areas with minimal supervision
• Enthusiasm for Mount St. Helens and the mission of the Mount St. Helens Institute
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Have a reliable personal vehicle

ABILITIES: The Assistant Guide is required to hike and stand for long periods of time, work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike up to 15 miles across rough terrain with a 30 lb. pack and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. Regular driving for up to 4 hours is common.

WORKING HOURS: This is a part-time position with mandatory paid trainings. The typical schedule will be one or two ~12 hour days on the weekend with flexibility required. Days can vary in length depending on circumstance.. Guides will be required to travel throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest including overnight travel; MSHI will provide appropriate accommodations. The schedule will vary based on program dates; the schedule will be announced at minimum two weeks in advance. Most trips are on the weekends, though some weekday work may be required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Assistant Guide must be comfortable outdoors, in nature for extended periods of time in various weather conditions and willing to camp (sleep) at the various trailheads on the South, Northeast and North side of the Monument or MSHI’s remote and rustic field camp when scheduled for multi-day assignments. At field camp, non-flush toilet facilities and handwashing stations are available. Shower facilities are not available. Cell phone service is very limited throughout the Monument. MSHI shall provide radio communications.

LOCATION: 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. Guides may have access to an MSHI vehicle. If a MSHI vehicle is not available, guides must drive personal vehicles to program locations and will be reimbursed for mileage.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: MSHI shall conduct a background investigation prior to making a conditional offer of employment or re-hire. All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation.

ABOUT US: The Mount St. Helens Instituteadvances understanding and stewardship of the Earth through science, education and exploration of volcanic landscapes.

TO APPLY: Email the following items before April 1, 2025, 11:59PM Pacific

• Subject Line: “Last Name, First Name - Assistant Guide”
• Cover Letter (name the file as follows “Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter”)
• Resume (name the file as follows “Last Name, First Name – Resume”)

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $19.43 per hour

Expected hours: 12 – 20 per week

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental Pay:

• Tips

Work Location: Multiple locations

Salary : $19