RMI is no longer accepting 2010 Entry-Level Guide applications.
We continue to accept Experienced Guide applications throughout the year.
2011 Entry-Level Guide applications may be submitted beginning October 2010.

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI) is one of the oldest and most active guide services in the United States, operating within Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Denali National Park and Preserve, and on all seven continents.

RMI is extremely proud of the accomplishments of both our present and our past guides. Our guides have made significant impacts toward advancing the sport of mountaineering.

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

Guiding requires a passion for our clients, for the mountains, and for sharing our mountaineering knowledge and skills in a safe and professional manner. As a guide for RMI, you must be exceptionally patient, possess solid mountaineering skills, and be in top physical condition. We have been an Equal Opportunity Employer since 1969. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Guide hiring application process is as follows:

All applicants are required to:

• Demonstrate applicable employment documentation (i.e., Social Security card and Driver's License, or Passport, or current work visas). Please fax photocopies to our office, attn: Alex Van Steen.
• Complete the Application (Excel, pdf)
• Complete the Outdoor/Climbing Resume (Excel, pdf).
• Submit an Availability Calendar indicating your approximate availability for the summer guiding season.
• Submit current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Leave No Trace (LNT) certificates. These certifications meet the minimum requirements set by the National Park Service under whose jurisdiction we operate. WFR and CPR certificates should be submitted with the initial application for employment. LNT certificates may be submitted at a later date if you plan to participate in the RMI LNT Trainer course. *Certificates above and beyond these minimums will carry additional weight in the hiring process. Examples of additional certifications include: Avalanche Levels I, II or III, and various American Mountain Guide Association certificates.

Once we receive these items, we will review your qualifications and certifications, and notify you if we would like you to attend a group interview (dates to be disclosed with the invitation to interview).

Experienced guide applicants:

• Experienced guide applicants are IFMGA and AMGA Certified Alpine Guides or guides who have more than 5 years of alpine / mountaineering guiding experience. In addition to the requirements mentioned for entry level applicants, experienced guide applicants must present a strong climbing or guiding resume, and must have a U.S. Level II (or equivalent) Avalanche certificate.
• Are required to participate in a personal interview (dates determined on an individual basis).
• We ask that you work a minimum of two weeks on Mt. Rainier.

New hire expectations:

• All newly hired guides, whether entry-level or experienced, are required to participate in a week of training which will include a thorough orientation to our company and to our teaching techniques. Applicants will be asked to participate in a training session (dates to be determined).
• Once this training session is completed, the applicant is in position to begin employment. The exact starting dates will depend on our staffing needs.
• Starting pay ranges from $125 (entry level) / $175 (experienced guide) / $200 (AMGA Alpine certified) to $250 (IFMGA certified) per day, depending on experience and certifications. In addition to wages, there is an employee housing option available. Most meals while working overnight programs on the mountain are also provided. Advancement opportunities, with subsequent pay raises, are available as responsibilities and performance increase.
• It is expected that entry level guides commit to a full season (May/June through September) of employment for their first year.

Miscellaneous:

• *RMI will offer an LNT Trainer certification course free of charge at the start of our season (dates to be determined).
• The following information represents part of our expectation for entry level guide applicants. We are looking for confidence and competence on the following mountaineering topics:

Avalanche Forecasting
Crampon Use
Snow and Ice Anchors
Pressure Breathing
Knots/Slings/Ropes
Wilderness Medicine
Cold Weather Injuries
Crevasse Rescue
Mountain Weather
Leave No Trace Ethics
Outdoor Equipment

High Altitude Illness
Belaying
Ice Axe Arrest
Client Care
Rest Stepping
Glacier Travel
Setting a Pace
Step Kicking
Transceiver Searches
Fixed Line Use
Navigation/Route Finding

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