Retail Assistant

North Cascades Institute seeks a qualified, enthusiastic Retail Assistant to join our retail team. This is a seasonal/temporary, non-exempt, full-time position that runs from May 17 - September 30, 2024 This position is based out of the Newhalem North Cascades National Park Visitor Center. There are multiple positions available.

North Cascades Institute (NCI) is a nonprofit cooperating association that supports North Cascades National Park Complex by the operations of six retail stores within and adjacent to the Park. The Newhalem Visitor Center is one of the most popular stores, with over 80,000 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. The Retail Assistant will work closely with NCI’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.

Qualifications

• Exemplary customer service skills in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Superior organizational skills, ability to multi-task and prioritize among various tasks
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Accuracy and thoroughness in following procedures and in record keeping
• Administrative experience and direct customer service experience
• Experience with inventory, management Point of Sales (POS) system
• Able to move from task to task with frequent interruptions
• Must own reliable transportation
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Valid driver’s license and driving record check must have no more than one moving violation in the past three years, no DUI, reckless driving or serious moving violations, etc.
• Final offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check that may include employment history, national criminal background check, national sex offender registry search and a driving history check

Responsibilities

• Accept guidance from our Retail Associate
• Provide excellent customer service
• 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 in two different sites, primarily at POS, all within a 15 mile radius to the Newhalem Visitor Center (this would be a rare occurrence and may not be necessary at all)
• 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

Compensation

This is a seasonal, full-time, non-exempt position. The wage is $17.50 per hour. This position is subject to a $1 increase for utilizing non-NCI housing.

Benefits include the following:

• Paid holidays: 4 days
• Sick leave: ~8 hours per month
• 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.

Start Date

May 17, 2024

Job Duration

May 17 – September 30, 2024 (19 weeks)

Work Schedule

Typical days off in a standard 40 hour week is either Monday and Tuesday or Wednesday and Thursday, with a variation of Tuesday & Wednesday on some weeks.  

Every third week is a 6 day per week schedule in which this position acquires 8 hours of overtime pay (time and a half). There are a total of seven weeks with overtime pay.

Housing

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

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.