The Equipment Manager at NOLS Alaska oversees and directly works in all aspects of outfitting students and instructors with high-quality, well-maintained gear that supports safe and effective wilderness education. This role manages equipment systems, supervises a small team, and ensures smooth operations during course briefings, issue, and de-issue days. The manager is responsible for budgeting, purchasing, inventory, and vendor relations, maintaining roughly $1 million in combined revenue and expenses annually. They lead training on equipment use, repair, and maintenance, foster a welcoming and supportive environment for students and staff, and continuously refine systems to meet the needs of diverse expeditions. Success in this role requires strong leadership, a good work ethic, organization, communication, and a deep commitment to the NOLS mission of teaching leadership, environmental ethics, and outdoor skills through hands-on experience.

Key Information:

• Upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document when you are prompted to upload your CV/resume.

• Location: NOLS Alaska campus in Palmer, Alaska

• Contract Type: Seasonal (April to September 2026)

• Start Date: April 20, 2026 

Perks & Benefits:

• On-site housing is available for a modest fee, which includes internet, food staples, lunch, and dinner when the kitchen is open, and access to a shared staff car. Living areas are communal, and everyone pitches in with daily chores.

Questions? Feel free to contact us at peopleteam@nols.edu

• Oversee all aspects of NOLS Alaska’s equipment operations, ensuring that every student and instructor receives safe, functional, and well-maintained gear.

• Lead, train, and supervise a team of seasonal staff members, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.

• Plan and organize equipment logistics during course briefings, issue, and de-issue days, supporting a smooth and welcoming experience for students and field staff.

• Role-model excellent expedition behavior by directly issuing students gear, pulling or putting away gear as needed and Maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere in the equipment room, modeling the NOLS values of community, professionalism, and service.

• Maintain adequate stock levels and create efficient systems for outfitting field courses in backpacking, sea kayaking, mountaineering, and pack-rafting.

• Manage and maintain accurate equipment issue sheets, student charge records, and inventory data in digital systems.

• Provide training and mentorship in equipment use, repair, and maintenance for staff, students, and instructors to promote self-reliance and care for gear. Role-model doing timely and on-going repairs of field gear throughout the season.

• Supervise the sale and rental of outdoor equipment to students, staff, alumni, and the public, upholding high standards of customer service and accountability.

• Create and implement a long-term purchasing and equipment rotation strategy to ensure sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop and manage the annual equipment budget, overseeing roughly $500,000 in revenue and $600,000 in expenses, while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility.

• Train staff in point-of-sale (POS) and inventory management systems to effectively process sales, rentals, and transactions.

• Ensure accurate financial reporting, including cash register reconciliation, sales records, and budget tracking. Ensure that credit card bills and invoices are paid in a timely fashion

• Collaborate with field staff, program managers, and vendors to assess gear performance and refine designs to meet the evolving needs of NOLS courses.

• Coordinate group gear management for Rocky Mountain, Three Peaks, and River Base programs, ensuring readiness and compliance with safety standards.

• Promote NOLS’ environmental stewardship values through responsible purchasing, repair, reuse, and recycling practices.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized equipment facility that supports learning, efficiency, and well-being for all users.

• Alignment with NOLS Mission: Deep understanding of and commitment to NOLS’ mission to educate and inspire through wilderness and leadership experiences.

• Leadership and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to lead teams with empathy, clear communication, and shared accountability. Ability to communicate across departments to ensure smooth and efficient operations

• Technical Knowledge and Innovation: Proficiency with field equipment systems used at NOLS Alaska and desire to improve gear systems across multiple field programs. Problem-solve with existing gear and supplies. Creatively think about how issues and deissues can be more effective and efficient. 

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the desire to provide and receive thoughtful, ongoing feedback. 

• Organization and Accountability: Strong administrative and project management skills; able to balance multiple priorities with attention to detail. Desire to run a profitable merchandise program. 

• Inclusivity and Community Building: Approachable, supportive, and culturally competent in working with people from diverse backgrounds. Ability to create a friendly and fun environment where staff, students and instructors feel welcome. 

• Technology and Data Management: Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite and inventory management systems; open to learning new digital tools and software.

• Work Ethic and Flexibility: Consistent and self-motivated with the ability to work irregular hours, including occasional early mornings, weekends, and holidays, while maintaining balance and professionalism. Desire to work alongside their team throughout the season and role-model ensuring that expeditions are well set up to have an excellent field experience and are welcomed back when they return.  

• Physical Readiness: Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, working on one’s feet for extended periods, and performing physical tasks safely and efficiently.

• Eager to live and work in a small community that shares responsibility for maintaining common areas.

How to Apply

Upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document when you are prompted to upload your CV/resume.

At NOLS we use the Applied platform for our recruitment. The Applied platform will ask you some demographic questions before you start your application. We at NOLS never see the responses to these demographic questions with your application. We only see summary statistics to help us check if our candidate pool is balanced and if everyone has an equal chance to get hired irrespective of their background. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.

Who is NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. 

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Global Reach: With locations across the U.S. operations in six countries, and courses running in all 50 states and more than 10 countries, you’ll be part of an organization with a truly worldwide impact.

• Course Discounts: Receive special pricing on NOLS courses for yourself and your family.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible time off policy that empowers employees to take the time they need for rest, adventure, and personal priorities without the constraints of traditional accrual systems.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services to help you maintain balance and well-being.

Additional Information

To support pay transparency and equity, the posted salary range is fixed. We encourage you to explore our opportunities that fit your pay expectations. 

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in e-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with People Team and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process.

Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment by emailing peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.