Summary

North Cascades Institute seeks a qualified retail associate to work in the bookstores at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, Washington. The Institute operates six sales sites within or adjacent to the North Cascades National Park Complex. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, Washington is located approximately 50 miles east of Sedro-Woolley, WA.

The stores offer books, trail guides, maps, educational products, apparel, and mementos that appeal to a variety of visitors and inspire them to experience, enjoy and appreciate the North Cascades. The associate will work with National Park Interpretive Rangers, Institute employees, and Seattle City Light employees to help visitors explore the ecosystems and increase their awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the North Cascades National Park and the North Cascades.

Qualifications

• Exemplary customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Excellent organizational skills
• Accuracy and thoroughness in following procedures and in record keeping
• Experience in direct retail sales or customer service
• Experience with inventory management Point of Sales system
• Able to move from task to task with frequent interruptions
• A pre-employment background screening and criminal history check
• Federal background check for access to National Park buildings outside of business hours
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three years
• Personal car to drive between sales sites with mileage reimbursement
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service
• Handle sales transactions
• Maintain orderly and 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 sites as needed
• Participant in season end inventories
• Develop expertise in use of Point of Sale (POS) system and cash register
• Provide supervision and training in use of POS
• Maintain financial records for opening and closing of the till and the change bag
• Supply change for sales sites when needed
• Assist three additional retail sites with inventory needs, money handling, POS questions and supplies at Marblemount, Newhalem and Diablo Lake, all within 25 miles of the Newhalem Visitor Center
• Train retail assistant with product communication, customer interaction, POS knowledge and function
• Work with retail manager to assess and develop products, respond to customer product requests, and expand product selection
• Become versed in North Cascades Institute’s mission and programs to cultivate public awareness in conjunction with Park mission
• Collaborate with retail manager and NPS staff for promotions and in-store events
• Represent the Institute at conferences, festivals, and community events as assigned
• Familiarity with National park and National recreation Area trails and campgrounds (desired)

Job Duration and Work Location

* The position annually is approximately March 1 through November 15.

* For 2021: the position is April 19 through November 12:

April 19 – Late May: the position is based in Sedro-Woolley administrative office/warehouse, (32 hours per week in April: Mon-Thurs, and 40 hours per week in May)
Late-May – September 30: the position is based at Newhalem Visitor Center, 40 hours per week, Thursday-Mon  9am-5pm
October 1 – Nov 12:  3 days per week (24 hours) at various sites primarily for inventory counts and other administrative duties, midweek days, flexible.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a regular non-exempt (hourly) position. The wage starts at $15 per hour as of 2021. Benefits include paid time-off, medical/dental insurance and tax-deferred annuity and contribution retirement plans. Mileage between the Newhalem Visitor Center and the three additional sites will be reimbursed at $0.40/mile.

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled. Start date is Monday, April 19, 2021.

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.  North Cascades Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.

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.