MOUNTAIN GUIDES

Professional mountain guiding is an exciting and rewarding job. The people we meet, the climbers we work with, the mountains we work in, and the challenges of the terrain and environment all contribute to making guiding an exceptional profession.

For over 50 years, RMI Expeditions has trained and employed some of the foremost American guides, and we are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of both our present and past guides. Our guides have made significant advances to the sport of mountaineering and the guiding industry. We continue that legacy and are always excited to welcome new guides to our team and to the industry.

We are CURRENTLY accepting entry-level guide applications for the 2026 season

An entry-level guide typically begins their career on our domestic programs in Washington, guiding on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades. RMI Expeditions has a robust training and mentoring program that prepares our entry-level guides for the job. As their skillset, leadership, and experience grow, guides broaden their horizons to expeditions such as Denali, Aconcagua, or a host of programs across the globe. Our primary focus is alpine climbing and ski guiding disciplines, and we are proud to work on all seven continents, providing ample opportunities for continued professional growth.

Guiding requires a passion for our clients, for the mountains, and for sharing our mountaineering knowledge and skills in a safe and professional manner.

Guiding For RMI: Notes From Some Of Our Top Guides

• 

• Casey: "After a long-awaited dream come true, I started my guiding career in the spring of 2000. I only knew then a fraction of the benefits that I would eventually gain. The last decade has been incredible, from working under the leadership of some of the best guides in the country, to getting to travel the world as a professional mountain guide for the most famous guide service in America. I started with guiding different routes on Mt. Rainier, and after a short period of hard work,... Read more...

• 

• Lacie: "After hearing about RMI from multiple people, I was excited to apply for the position and see what the Pacific Northwest guiding was all about. Little did I realize the opportunities and fulfillment it would bring. I was looking for a company that would push my growth in leadership and climbing. After my first season, I was sure I made the right move by joining a company that provided unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth..." Read more...

• 

• Dustin: "I work for an organized, well-respected guide service with approachable owners and managers, alongside many of the best people I have ever known. My work life and personal life both revolve around spending time outside, and I finally have a sense of fulfillment at work. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and would encourage anyone considering becoming a guide to apply at RMI and see where it could take you." Read more...

• 

• Arianna: "I started working for RMI's Warehouse team during the winter of 2023. I had just graduated from college in Wisconsin and knew that I wanted to spend time in the Pacific Northwest before applying to law school. I moved to Washington with the primary goal of completing more personal climbing objectives in the Cascades; at this time, a career in guiding was not on my radar..." Read more...

Current Guide Hiring Opportunities

We are accepting applications for Entry-Level and Experienced Guide Applicants for the 2026 summer season. 

Who We Hire:

As a guide for RMI, you must enjoy talking and engaging with people, communicate well, be exceptionally patient, possess solid mountaineering skills, and be in top physical condition.

RMI Guides are known for their interpersonal skills and client care. We hire climbers with strong personal climbing resumes demonstrating a solid knowledge of technical alpine climbing who are patient, professional, friendly, and have a strong work ethic.

It is preferred that applicants have completed an AMGA Alpine Skills Course, Rock Guide Course, or greater.

Entry-Level Applicants:

Requirements for all entry-level guide applicants include:

• Significant personal alpine climbing/mountaineering experience.
• Current WFR, CPR, and Avalanche Rec 1 certifications by the start of the season.
• Participation in a personal interview held in January, February, or March.

Experienced guide applicants:

Requirements for all experienced guide applicants include:

• IFMGA and AMGA Certified Alpine Guides or significant alpine/mountaineering guiding experience.
• U.S. Pro 1 (or equivalent) Avalanche certificate.
• Participation in a personal interview.

Please note that RMI does not offer college internships or unpaid apprenticeships.

Guide Hiring Application Process

All applicants must submit the following information electronically at the time of application.

1. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Complete the Employment Application.
3. Complete the Outdoor/Climbing Resume.
4. Submit a Work Availability Calendar indicating your availability for the summer guiding season.
5. Submit current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Leave No Trace Trainer (LNT) certificates or documentation of your intent to complete (e.g., receipts, course syllabus, advertised dates, etc.). RMI will offer an LNT Trainer course as part of our pre-employment training. WFR and CPR courses are not provided as part of pre-employment training and must be obtained before employment. Certificates above and beyond these minimums will carry additional weight in the hiring process. Examples of other certifications include Avalanche Levels I, II, or III and various American Mountain Guide Association certificates.
6. Submit an application to Guide Supervisor Paul Maier at [email protected].

Once we receive these items, we will review your qualifications and certifications and notify you if we would like you to attend an online group interview.

entry-level Guide Pay and Compensation:

• Base pay is $275 per day for entry-level guides. A guide's previous guiding experience, training, and certifications will increase this base pay rate.
• Guides are tipped on average 10% of the program cost by each client they work with. While tips cannot be counted on for every program worked, most of our guides have found that tip money has remained a consistent form of income.
• Employee housing in Ashford.
• Meals are provided while working overnight programs on the mountain.
• Travel pay and travel stipends for programs in the North Cascades.
• SIMPLE IRA plan, with 3% matching, is available after one year of employment.
• Guide uniform items.
• Pro deals for clothing and equipment through top outdoor manufacturers.
• Guide training and mentoring.
• Professional Development Grants up to $1,000 for AMGA Courses.
• Advancement opportunities, with subsequent pay raises, are available as responsibilities, certifications, and performance increase.

New hire expectations:

• All newly hired guides, whether entry-level or experienced, must participate in mandatory pre-employment training. This paid training includes a thorough orientation to our company and our teaching and guiding techniques.
• Once the applicant completes this pre-employment training session, the applicant is ready to begin working. The exact start date will depend on our staffing needs.
• Entry-level guides are expected to commit to an entire season of employment, April/May/June through September.

Thank you. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

RMI Expeditions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest - In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights
Room 326-W, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Mount Rainier National Park - These services are operated in an area under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior. No discrimination by segregation or other means in the furnishing of services or privileges on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, sex, age, disabling condition or national origin is permitted in the use of this facility. Violations of this prohibition are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Address comments to:

Superintendent
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Shuttle Drivers

We are accepting applications for the 2026 Season

Why This Job Is Great:

RMI Shuttle Drivers are an integral part of everyday operations on Mt. Rainier. Our main goals are to provide excellent support for our climbers and guides while driving teams from Rainier Base Camp in Ashford, WA to Paradise in Mt. Rainier National Park.

We are very proud of the high level of customer service and logistical support provided by the RMI Shuttle Drivers. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment. In an effort to diversify the outdoor industry, RMI is actively seeking qualified female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.

BRING YOUR EXPERTISE AND SENSE OF ADVENTURE:

Send your resume with three references to [email protected].

Minimum Requirements for RMI Shuttle Drivers:

• CDL-B certification

In addition to excellent customer service skills, typical work for this position includes:

• Excellent driving record
• Transporting climbers from Rainier Base Camp to Paradise
• Maintaining clean vehicles
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends
• Friendly and personable demeanor
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to adhere to company policies and procedures

COME JOIN OUR TEAM:

RMI is hiring for part-time and full-time Shuttle Driver positions.

• Pay starts at $19/ hour, including paid wait time (approx. $140-$180/day in wages)
• A workplace built on respect, integrity, and adventure 
• Gear and merchandise discount
• Opportunity to join climbs on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades
• Employee housing available in Ashford, if needed

OFFICE STAFF

We are accepting applications for the 2026 Season

Why This Job Is Great:

We help people climb mountains and achieve their goals!

The RMI Office is an integral part of everyday operations for expeditions, whether it be for climbs in our own backyard or two-week expeditions in South America.  Our main goals are to provide excellent customer service and to support our climbers and guides wherever they are in the world. We are very proud of the high level of customer service provided by the RMI Office Team.  Our climbers love our guides once they get to meet them, but the first contact comes from the office and it is important that we start their adventure off right! 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment. In an effort to diversify the outdoor industry, RMI is actively seeking qualified female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.

In addition to excellent customer service skills, typical work for this position includes: 

• Support customers by responding to questions, general inquiries, and customer feedback
• Reviewing climber registration
• Provide customers with information on climbs, equipment, and local area information
• Perform guest check-in
• Produce forms and certificates as needed for programs
• Communicate with park services regarding program registration
• Processes payments
• Performs unique tasks as requested

BRING YOUR EXPERTISE AND SENSE OF ADVENTURE:

Here are some skills that we look for in our RMI Office Team:

• Previous customer service experience 
• Familiar with backpacking/mountaineering/skiing skills and equipment
• Effective communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 
• Ability to anticipate needs and work proactively
• Ability to perform well in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to adhere to company policies and procedures
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

COME JOIN OUR TEAM:

Our commitment remains the same as when we started out in 1969: to provide the safest mountain experience possible.  

• A workplace built on respect, integrity, and adventure 
• Gear and merchandise discount 
• Opportunity to join climbs on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades
• Pay ranges from $18 - $20/ hour
• Housing is available in Ashford if needed 

Send your resume with three references to [email protected].

WAREHOUSE STAFF 

We are accepting applications for the 2026 Season

Why This Job Is Great:

We help people climb mountains and achieve their goals!

The RMI Logistics Department is responsible for managing and maintaining all the food and equipment logistics needed to outfit our programs on all the mountains we climb worldwide. Our busy season is May through September, when we have many Mt. Rainier climbs and climbs in the nearby North Cascades. We spend our time in the winter preparing for Denali, conducting international climbs in the southern hemisphere, and getting ready for our next summer season. We provide our guides with what they need so they can continue making each mountain experience great. The Logistics Department is also responsible for overseeing our fleet of seven vehicles for client transportation and our three housing properties. 

We work closely with both guides and office staff as we manage a plethora of moving pieces while preparing for trips throughout the year. This involves managing a dynamic inventory in our warehouse located at Rainier Basecamp in Ashford, WA. Attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial in this role! 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment. RMI actively encourages applications from women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ candidates as part of our commitment to a more inclusive outdoor industry.

Expedition Logistics Assistant:

Reports To: Warehouse Manager
Employed By: RMI Expeditions
Location Requirement: On-site – Rainier BaseCamp, Ashford, WA
Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time
Compensation: $18–$20/hour

ROLE SUMMARY:

The Expedition Logistics Assistant supports RMI’s Logistics Department by helping maintain, prepare, and deploy equipment, food, vehicles, and facilities required for guided mountaineering programs. This role is execution-focused and hands-on, contributing directly to the smooth operation of domestic and international expeditions. Work is highly varied and requires adaptability, attention to detail, and comfort working both independently and within a small team.

SUPPORT RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position supports logistics operations across equipment, food, transportation, and facilities, including:

• Inspecting, maintaining, cleaning, and repairing expedition equipment
• Preparing, packing, and staging mountain food for programs
• Inspecting, tracking, and maintaining climbing ropes and safety equipment
• Inspecting and testing communication equipment
• Washing, cleaning, and basic upkeep of shuttle vehicles
• Performing light facilities maintenance at housing properties (e.g., mowing, replacing fixtures)
• Reviewing trip schedules to anticipate logistical needs
• Receiving and relaying feedback from mountain guides regarding equipment and supplies to the Warehouse Manager

COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION:

• Works closely with Warehouse staff, Logistics leadership, and Mountain Guides
• Communicates equipment issues, inventory needs, and maintenance concerns clearly and promptly
• Supports a shared team workload during peak season (May–September)

skills & requirements

• Ability to work effectively with a small team and independently with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to perform a wide variety of physical and operational tasks
• Experience with Microsoft Office or similar tools
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods
• Interest in or willingness to learn about mountaineering (experience not required)
• Ability to adhere to company policies, safety standards, and procedures

Schedule & Seasonality

• Typical season: April–September (semi-flexible start/end dates)
• Potential for off-season work supporting international and Alaska programs
• Four-day workweek (four 10-hour days)

Benefits & Work Environment

• Gear and merchandise discounts
• Free housing available in Ashford
• On-site role in a mountain-focused work environment
• Emphasis on safety, respect, and operational excellence
   

To Apply:

Send your resume with three references to [email protected].

Operations Assistant

Reports To: Warehouse Manager
Employed By: RMI Expeditions
Location Requirement: On-site – Rainier BaseCamp, Ashford, WA
Position Type: Seasonal, Full-Time
Compensation: $20/hour starting; up to $22/hour after 30-day proficiency review

Role Summary

The Operations Assistant is a senior role within RMI’s Warehouse, responsible for supporting expedition logistics and independently overseeing day-to-day department operations during assigned coverage days. After onboarding, this role serves as the primary on-site warehouse operations point person on non-overlap days with the Warehouse Manager, ensuring continuity, readiness, and operational reliability across equipment, food, vehicles, and facilities.

Lead Responsibilities

On assigned coverage days, this role is accountable for daily logistics operations, including:

• Serving as the on-site operational lead for the Warehouse during non-overlap days
• Ensuring all scheduled trips are properly outfitted with required equipment, food, and supplies
• Monitoring warehouse readiness and addressing immediate operational issues as they arise
• Reviewing trip schedules and proactively planning logistics needs
• Communicating operational status, issues, and follow-ups to the Warehouse Manager

Support Responsibilities

This role supports core logistics execution, including:

• Inspecting, maintaining, cleaning, and repairing expedition equipment
• Preparing, packing, and staging mountain food for programs
• Inspecting, tracking, and maintaining climbing ropes and safety equipment
• Inspecting and testing communication and navigation equipment
• Washing, cleaning, and performing basic upkeep on shuttle vehicles
• Performing light facilities maintenance at housing properties (e.g., mowing, fixture replacement)
• Receiving and relaying feedback from mountain guides regarding equipment and supplies

Collaboration & Communication

• Works closely with the Warehouse Manager, Logistics staff, Mountain Guides, and office teams
• Acts as a clear point of contact for operational questions during assigned coverage days
• Escalates safety, equipment, or resource issues appropriately and promptly

Schedule & Coverage

• Four-day workweek (four 10-hour days)
• Post-training schedule typically Thursday–Sunday or Friday–Monday
• One scheduled overlap day per week with the Warehouse Manager to support handoff and alignment

Skills & Requirements

• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage varied, hands-on logistics tasks in a fast-moving environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office or similar tools
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods
• Interest in or willingness to learn about mountaineering (experience not required)
• Ability to adhere to company policies, safety standards, and procedures

Seasonality & Benefits

• Typical season: April 1 – September (semi-flexible end dates)
• Potential for off-season work supporting international and Alaska programs
• Gear and merchandise discounts
• Free housing available in Ashford
• Mountain-focused work environment focused on safety, respect, and operational excellence

To Apply:

Send your resume with three references to [email protected].