Work With Us

As we continue to thrive and expand our impact, the Mount St. Helens Institute is on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to join our growing team. If you're fueled by a passion for Mount St. Helens and are eager to contribute to our mission, we welcome you to explore exciting career opportunities with us. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between people and the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Mount St. Helens. Together, let's make a positive impact and create memorable experiences for all who share our love for this iconic landscape. Discover your potential and grow with us at the Mount St. Helens Institute!

Culture

At Mount St. Helens Institute, we value our employees as a vital source of innovative ideas to enhance operations and cultivate an engaging workplace. We are committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and discrimination-free environment. All candidates for this position will be evaluated without consideration of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, or physical ability. Join us in a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes a culture of empowerment. We are an equal opportunity employer and provider. For more information on our commitment, please review our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement. 


Current Job Openings

2025 Educator Positions OPEN with priority review by Feb. 1, 2025.

View the position description and instructions for applying (this link will download a PDF, if this does not work, please use this link). The Mount St. Helens Institute Educators facilitate meaningful experiences for our guests, including leading hikes and other educational activities, helping students build confidence and a sense of belonging in the outdoors, and sharing their enthusiasm for Mount St. Helens with our guests. This position is based full-time at the Mount St. Helens Science and Learning Center on the northwest side of Mount St. Helens.

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2025 GeoGirls Teacher Mentor OPEN with priority review by March 1, 2025.

GeoGirls is calling 4 female (cis and transgender) middle school or high school science teachers in Oregon and Washington state to join as teacher mentors assisting with camp and leading a group of 5 youth. GeoGirls 2025 runs August 4-8, 2025. View our positions description and application link here.

GeoGirls is a 5-day, 4-night geology and technology camp at Mount St. Helens for girls(cis and transgender) from Oregon and Washington. GeoGirls is a collaborative effort between the Mount St. Helens Institute and the U.S. Geological Survey – Cascades Volcano Observatory with partners from various scientific agencies, universities and private companies. 

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2025 Guided Programs Positions OPEN.   Deadline to apply for the following positions is April 1, 2025 or when positions are filled.  See guided adventure descriptions at https://www.mshinstitute.org/explore/guided-adventures/.  

Field Camp Host (July - Sept):   We desire candidates who are passionate about providing excellent customer service, cooking gourmet food in a remote outdoor kitchen for 12-25 people for eight weekends of the 2025 Summer Season.  The Camp Host is charged with the logistics, food service and general camp operations from Friday evening through Sunday morning at our remote basecamp near Windy Ridge on the NE side of Mount St. Helens.  TO APPLY:  Email your resume with cover letter telling us about yourself to apply@mshinstitute.org before April 1, 2025, 11:59PM Pacific. Subject Line: “Last Name, First Name - Camp Host”

QUALIFICATIONS (partial): 

  • Washington State Food Handler Certification, obtained by June 2025
  • Comfortable in the wilderness, customer & food service for groups of 12+
  • Ability to work both independently in remote areas with minimal supervision
  • Have a reliable personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record for the past three year.

Lead Mountain Guide (June - Sept):  We seek qualified mountaineers with demonstrated personal experience who can safely lead 7 to 10 mile guided adventures around an active volcano and a National Forest in all weather conditions at elevations ranging from 2,600ft (792m) to 8,365ft (2,550m).  Lead Guides will be trained in MSHI policies, scientific and historical interpretation, route navigation, emergency response, risk management and radio communication. Guides can expect to work Saturday and/or Sunday (with some Fridays and other weekdays) throughout the Summer with additional work possible.  TO APPLY:  Email your resume with cover letter telling us about yourself to apply@mshinstitute.org before April 1, 2025, 11:59PM Pacific.  Subject Line: “Last Name, First Name - Lead Guide”  

QUALIFICATIONS (partial): 

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in mountaineering and backpacking to include proficiency with traction devices, ice axes and trekking poles
  • Minimum Wilderness First Responder and CPR or equivalent (current through September 2025)  
  • Experience providing medical care during an emergency   
  • Group management, communication and organizational skills experience
  • Working knowledge and/or willingness to learn the natural, historical and scientific aspects of Mount St. Helens
  • Ability to commit to at least 20 days between June and September
  • Have a reliable personal vehicle and valid driver’s license 

Assistant Mountain Guide (June - Sept):  We seek qualified mountaineers who can safely assist participants and Lead Guides on 7 to 10 mile 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 and radio communication. Guides can expect to work Saturday and/or Sunday (with some Fridays and other weekdays) throughout the Summer with additional work possible.  TO APPLY:  Email your resume with cover letter telling us about yourself to apply@mshinstitute.org before April 1, 2025, 11:59PM Pacific.  Subject Line: “Last Name, First Name - Assistant Guide”  

QUALIFICATIONS (partial): 

  • Wilderness First Aid and/or 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
  • Ability to work both independently and in groups in remote areas with minimal supervision
  • Ability to commit to at least 20 days between June and September
  • Have a reliable personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license 

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We are always looking for talented and enthusiastic people to join our team, even when we are not currently hiring. Complete our Career Interest Form so that we can reach out to you when we have open positions. Please note, this form is not an application form. If we have an open position listed above that you're interested in, please follow the application directions in the position description to officially apply. 

Words From Our Team

"Mount St. Helens Institute is where I get to channel my passion for the outdoors and public lands into meaningful work. It's more than a fun job; it's a place where our shared love for nature comes to life." "Imagine working in a stunning landscape with endless recreational possibilities. At Mount St. Helens Institute, the breathtaking views and abundant outdoor activities make it the perfect workplace for nature enthusiasts like me."
"Being part of a mission-driven organization like Mount St. Helens Institute gives my work real purpose. Every day, I contribute to something bigger, making a positive impact on our environment and the communities we serve." "Flexibility is key, and everyone here is incredibly supportive. Mount St. Helens Institute understands the importance of work-life balance, ensuring that we can adapt to various needs while maintaining a positive and encouraging atmosphere."

Interest Form

We are always looking for talented and enthusiastic people to join our team, even when we are not currently hiring. Complete our Career Interest Form so that we can reach out to you when we have open positions. Please note, this form is not an application form. If we have an open position listed above that you're interested in, please follow the application directions in the position description to officially apply. 

In accordance to Federal law and US Department of Agriculture policy, this Institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, age, disability, HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis C, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender identity, veteran or military status.