Trailhead Ambassador Program Coordinator

Glacier Peak Institute (GPI) is a unique community-based outdoor leadership organization that offers immersive outdoor STEM and excursion programs that allow youth to tap their potential. Rural communities like Darrington are teeming with potential, while also facing compounding challenges—from natural disasters to historical underinvestment and lack of resources for youth education, recreation, and community health. 

This role is on-site at our Darrington, Washington office and is seasonal starting May 2024 to September 2024

Glacier Peak Institute is looking for a Trailhead Ambassador Program Coordinator who loves the outdoors and working with people. You will serve as the coordinator for a volunteer-based program in the Southern Mountain Loop area over 10 summer weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in 2024. The coordinator will recruit, train, and manage volunteers to act as friendly and educational points of contact for visitors and to promote safe, responsible recreation. 

This role is on-site at our Darrington, Washington office and is seasonal starting May 2024 to September 2024

What you will do:

  • Recruit and hire volunteer Trailhead Ambassadors. (Priority will be given to local volunteers).

  • Track and schedule all volunteers, ensuring full staffing coverage each weekend.

  • Follow all safety guidelines and communicate them clearly to volunteers.

  • Provide online and in-person training to all volunteers regarding visitor interaction and safe and responsible recreation and trail use. Review training and update to reflect best practices as needed.

  • Develop and run a training for first-time volunteers covering safety issues, program procedures, and accompanying communication handouts.

  • Provide volunteers with guidance on how to create a safe, welcoming environment to visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.

  • Ensure handouts are well-stocked and volunteers have all necessary supplies.

  • Research conditions on the trails for the upcoming weekend’s outreach.

  • Create guidance for suggesting recreational trails and/or activities for people with varying levels of mobility and experience.

  • Coordinate with US Forest Service, Washington Trails Association, and the National Forest Foundation on implementation of the program and ongoing improvements

  • Evaluate the need for mid-season training for a new batch of volunteers. If needed, coordinate training.

  • Track all required program metrics and support the development of a final report with recommendations for future programming.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license

  • First Aid & CPR certification (provided by GPI post-hire if needed)

  • Pass background check 

  • No specific previous experience required but preference given to local candidates 

Compensation for this role is $18/hour. 24-32 hours/week, Monday-Friday within regular work hours (8:30 am-5:30 pm) with availability on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons as needed. 

Please send your resume and cover letter to HR@glacierpeakinstitute.org

At the Glacier Peak Institute we consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, which may lead individual compensation to vary depending on job related qualifications, skills, and experience. All full time employees are eligible for benefits which include:  Medical, vision, dental, retirement 401(k) match, and a flexible schedule with an unlimited PTO plan


Glacier Peak Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at Glacier Peak Institute are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender status), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment. The Organization will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary and where required by law so long as the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the business. The Organization will also accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs of its employees to the extent the accommodation does not pose an undue hardship on the business. If you would like to request an accommodation, or have any questions about your rights and responsibilities, contact your Director of Special Initiatives. This policy is not intended to afford employees with any greater protections than those which exist under federal, state or local law. Glacier Peak Institute strongly urges the reporting of all instances of discrimination and harassment, and prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, harassment, or participates in an investigation of such a report. Glacier Peak Institute will take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination, against any employee who violates this policy.