The River Base Ration Manager oversees all aspects of the ration department. They provide guidance to instructors during course briefings, support courses by supplementing rations, and collaborate with the Rocky Mountain Rations Department to communicate course needs and river section details. They also handle meal planning and shopping for in-town meals while adapting to food allergies and dietary needs. In addition, they contribute as a team member in problem-solving, operations support, and facilities maintenance.

Key Information:

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

• Target Start Date: 23 March 2026

• Location: River Base Vernal, UT

• Position Type: Seasonal, Full-time, Exempt

• Additional Information: On-campus housing is available for a small fee monthly 

Questions? Feel free to contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Ration Manager do?

• Plan and purchase food to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements (e.g. allergies, intolerances, preferences, etc.) for staff, students, and field faculty in-town, on the road, and in the field.

• Collaborate with the Rocky Mountain Rations Department by communicating course needs and providing detailed information on river course sections. Responsibilities include sharing updates, clarifying logistics, and ensuring the rations team has accurate information to prepare and deliver supplies.

• Perform associated bookkeeping duties—track expenses.

• Brief and advise field instructors on course rations, course dietary requirements, allergen management, and meals.

• Maintain an impeccably clean and organized rations room and student kitchens. Oversee that food preparation, serving, and storage equipment are maintained in a sanitary, functional condition.

• Assist with operations, including transportation, equipment, evacuations, and facilities maintenance/clean-up.

• Collaborate and work closely with the River Base Operations Assistant and the Rations Department to ensure accurate communication and coordination. 

• Educate and provide instructors with information about river regulations and permit requirements to ensure safe and compliant operations.

In your first 2 months, you will: 

• Establish clear communication between the River Base and the Rocky Mountain Rations Department.

• Ensure instructors have timely and accurate information about rations and river permit regulations.

• Develop a strong understanding of River Base logistics, course flow, and how the Rations Manager’s responsibilities tie into overall operations.

• Streamline in-town meal planning and address dietary needs efficiently.

• Integrate fully into the operations team, contributing to problem-solving and facility support.

What makes a great Ration Manager at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Communicate clearly and be able to give/receive feedback.

• Strong work ethic, organized, and a high attention to detail.

• Self-motivated and able to complete tasks independently.

• Positive, friendly approach to student service.

• Enthusiasm for working in a small community.

• Able to work flexible and irregular hours, including weekends and holidays.

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, basic spreadsheets, and the ability to learn new software. 

• Physically able to bend, stoop, crouch, lift (up to 40 lbs.), frequently walk, and stand for extended periods of time.

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.