Employment with Alpine Ascents International

Mountain Guides

We are no longer accepting  applications for the 2021 summer season.

We actively recruit mountain guides who are dedicated to pursuing excellence in guiding and teaching on the world’s most beautiful and challenging mountains. Alpine Ascents is a world leader in guiding great mountains around the globe for over 20 years. We guide on seven continents and operate climbing programs on Mt. Rainier, in the North Cascades, and in Denali National Park. Alpine Ascents has offices in Seattle, Washington and Talkeetna, Alaska.

Mountain guiding is a highly demanding field which requires great physical and emotional stamina, patience, solid technical skills, strong decision-making abilities, and a passion for imparting knowledge to others. In turn, guides are rewarded with a life in the outdoors, professional growth and development opportunities and very competitive wages. Successful mountain guides applicants will possess the following skills and certifications:

• Strong understanding and mastery of alpine climbing skills
• Ability to assess the needs of the individual and group for safety and success
• Teaching techniques appropriate for adult learners with various climbing abilities
• Experience climbing (and preferably guiding) in the areas where Alpine Ascents offers programs
• Ability to perform and teach self-arrest and crevasse rescue skills
• Minimum of three years alpine climbing and preferably guiding experience
• Excellent ability to lead, communicate effectively and efficiently, be congenial to co-workers, clients, and the general public when guiding, and teach in a kind and friendly manner under stressful conditions.
• Maintain current WFR, CPR, Leave No Trace Trainer and avalanche certifications. Lead guides on Mt. Rainier must hold an Avalanche II certification.
• Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

We are actively recruiting female guides.

We are recruiting Summer Gear Staff to serve as key members of our peak-season operational support team. The Summer Gear Staff team is responsible for the inventory, maintenance, packing, and logistics for all mountaineering courses, climbs, and expeditions. This position serves a critical function in the success of all Alpine Ascents programming and though it can be demanding during the summer months, individuals with a love for the mountains, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic will find it incredibly rewarding.

Responsibilities:
• Prepare equipment for multi-day domestic climbs and courses
• Provide support for and assist with daily client gear checks
• Handle basic customer inquiries with a focus on quality customer service
• Issue and de-issue climber rentals and group gear
• Thoroughly inspect, clean, and maintain equipment for safety and functionality (rock racks, avy transceivers, down parkas, ropes, etc.)
• Assorted retail and administrative tasks as needed (organization, inventory counts, re-stocking)
• **Tasks are varied, requiring a flexible, patient, and go-getter attitude
• Other duties as assigned

Gear and Logistics Manager

We are recruiting a Gear and Logistics Manager to lead the team responsible for ensuring our courses, climbs, and expeditions have all the necessary support to make them a success. This is a demanding role, especially in the summer months (May-August), but one that will be incredibly rewarding to someone who has a love of the mountains and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities:

• Work as a key member of the Alpine Ascents International leadership team, reporting to the Director of Field Operations
• Manage and train the expected 2-6 seasonal staff that will work in the Gear Department
• Manage and perform all aspects of course, climb, and expedition operations, including but not limited to client inquiries, gear and equipment management, food planning and preparation, pre-climb gear checks, and driving groups to climbing destinations.
• Manage the processes around our gear and clothing rental business
• Manage the auto fleet (8 vehicles, 6 trailers)
• Work in tandem with the Director of Finance on the retail store business and facilities management, with the potential to migrate into management of those areas

Key personnel attributes:

• 2+ years experience working in outdoor industry
• 1+ years staff management experience
• Strong mountaineering and climbing knowledge
• Experience personally climbing on glaciated terrain
• Strong customer service focus
• Clear and effective communicator
• Commitment to the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Willing and able to drive a 15-passenger van with trailer
• Willing to work a variable schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and long days

To Apply

Please submit the following to the Director of Field Operations, Jonathon Spitzer at [email protected]:

1. Completed Pre-Employment Application
2. Professional Outdoor Employment Resume
3. Completed Climbing Resume– we are most interested in your experience climbing and/or guiding in glaciated terrain (but include all climbing you consider relevant)
4. Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or equivalent; CPR certifications. Indicate your intention to obtain or recertify if not current.
5. Copy of Avalanche Level 1 course completion
6. Copy of Leave No Trace Trainer certification
7. AMGA certificates are not required, but carry additional weight in the hiring process
8. If you are not a US citizen, please submit employment eligibility documentation such as a current work visa or green card.

Once we receive these items, our guide management team will review your qualifications and certifications. Applicants will be invited to interview in person or over the phone with at least one member of our guide management team. We will make hiring decisions within a month of the interview.

All newly hired guides are required to participate in a 10-day pre-employment training on Mount Baker and Mount Rainier in April 2021. This training is designed to familiarize guides with the teaching methods and philosophy of Alpine Ascents guiding. The training is paid and on-mountain breakfasts and dinners are provided.

Once this training session is completed, the applicant is in position to begin employment. The exact starting dates will depend on our staffing needs.

All application materials are held in confidence. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you!