Climbers ascending a snowy mountain slope at sunrise with clouds and mountains below.

Join Our Team

At RMI Expeditions, our staff is the foundation of more than 55 years of mountain guiding excellence. Every team member plays an essential role in shaping the experiences of our climbers on treks, climbs, and adventures around the globe. We pride ourselves on delivering top-tier service, with meticulous pre-trip planning, personalized attention to climbers, and a genuine passion for adventure, making every program truly unforgettable.Joining RMI is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to share your passion for the outdoors with others, collaborate with a supportive team, develop your skills, and explore some of the world’s most iconic mountains. Our mission is to turn dreams into reality.

GUIDE STAFF

We are accepting applications for the 2027 summer season.

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 55 years, RMI Expeditions has trained and employed some of the foremost American guides, and we're proud of the accomplishments of both our present and past guides. We continue that legacy and are always excited to welcome new guides to our team and to the industry.

An entry-level guide typically begins their career on our domestic programs in Washington, guiding on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades. RMI has a robust training and mentoring program that prepares entry-level guides for the job. As skillset, leadership, and experience grow, guides broaden their horizons to expeditions such as Mt. McKinley, Aconcagua, or a host of programs across the globe.

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

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and RMI 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 USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, contact 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.

Mount Rainier National Park — these services operate 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 is permitted. Address comments to the Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304.

Mountain Guide

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

Entry-Level Applicants — requirements include:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Significant personal alpine climbing/mountaineering experience
  • Current WFR, CPR, and Avalanche Rec 1 certifications by the start of the season
  • Participation in an online group interview, followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates, held in January, February, or March

Experienced Guide Applicants — requirements 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.

Application Process

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

  • Email Guide Supervisor Paul Maier at [email protected] to request the application packet — the employment application, outdoor/climbing resume, and work availability calendar for the summer guiding season — and return the completed forms to the same address
  • Submit current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor certificates — or documentation of your intent to complete them (receipts, course syllabus, advertised dates, etc.). RMI offers a Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor course as part of pre-employment training; WFR and CPR are not provided and must be obtained before employment. Certifications above these minimums (Avalanche Levels I–III, additional AMGA certificates) carry extra weight in the hiring process.

Once we receive these items, we'll review your qualifications and certifications and notify you if we'd like you to attend an online group interview. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to a personal interview.

Pay & Compensation

  • Base pay is $275 per day for entry-level guides; previous guiding experience, training, and certifications increase this base rate
  • Guides are tipped on average 10% of the program cost per client — not guaranteed on every program, but a consistent source of income for most guides
  • Employee housing in Ashford
  • Meals provided while working overnight programs on the mountain
  • Travel pay and travel stipends for North Cascades programs
  • SIMPLE IRA plan with 3% matching, available after one year of employment
  • Guide uniform items
  • Pro deals on 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, as responsibilities, certifications, and performance increase

New Hire Expectations

All newly hired guides, entry-level or experienced, must participate in mandatory paid pre-employment training — a thorough orientation to RMI's teaching and guiding techniques.

Once training is complete, guides are ready to begin work; the exact start date depends on staffing needs. Entry-level guides are expected to commit to a full season of employment, April/May/June through September.

OFFICE STAFF

We are accepting applications for the 2027 season.

We help people climb mountains and achieve their goals. The RMI Office is an integral part of everyday operations for expeditions, whether it's climbs in our own backyard or two-week expeditions in South America. Our main goals are to provide excellent customer service and support our climbers and guides wherever they are in the world — and we're 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's 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 actively encourages qualified female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ applicants to apply.

Seasonal Office Staff

Your Responsibilities

  • Supporting customers by responding to questions, general inquiries, and feedback
  • Reviewing climber registration
  • Providing customers with information on climbs, equipment, and local area information
  • Performing guest check-in
  • Producing forms and certificates as needed for programs
  • Communicating with park services regarding program registration
  • Processing payments
  • Performing other tasks as requested

What You Bring

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

  • Previous customer service experience
  • Familiarity 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, dynamic environment
  • Ability to adhere to company policies and procedures
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends

Compensation and Benefits

Seasonal office pay ranges from $18–$20 per hour. The role also includes:

  • A workplace built on respect, integrity, and adventure
  • Gear and merchandise discount
  • Opportunity to join climbs on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades
  • Housing available in Ashford if needed

To Apply

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

WAREHOUSE STAFF

WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2027 SEASON

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 Mt. McKinley, 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:

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. We have received a high volume of applications and are no longer accepting new submissions at this time.

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:

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. We have received a high volume of applications and are no longer accepting new submissions at this time.

SHUTTLE STAFF

We are accepting applications for the 2027 season.

RMI Shuttle Drivers are an integral part of everyday operations on Mt. Rainier. Our main goal is to provide excellent support for our climbers and guides while driving teams from Rainier BaseCamp in Ashford, WA to Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. We're proud of the high level of customer service and logistical support provided by our 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 actively encourages qualified female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ applicants to apply.

Shuttle Drivers

Your Responsibilities

  • Transporting climbers from Rainier BaseCamp to Paradise
  • Maintaining clean vehicles

What You Bring

Minimum requirement: CDL-B with passenger (P) endorsement

  • Excellent driving record
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends
  • Friendly and personable demeanor
  • Effective communication skills
  • Ability to adhere to company policies and procedures

RMI hires for both 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

To Apply

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