As a NOLS Patagonia Program Supervisor, you will supervise courses, to ensure program quality and promote student and field staff satisfaction. You will report to the NOLS Patagonia Program Manager and be expected to provide instructor teams with curriculum, route, and risk management support. Give feedback, evaluate performance and mentor career development for field staff. Serve as a link between courses and NOLS Patagonia.

Key Logistical Points:

• Must be a senior NOLS Instructor working at course leader level experience, or previous experience in program supervision

• Location: Coyhaique, Chile.

• Contract type: Seasonal. Flexible between October 2024 to April 2025. This could be a 6-month to 2-month position.

• Start date: Open until filled; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

• Benefits: Temporal housing may be available on-site for approximately $60 per week fee and includes food staples. Kitchen and living areas are communal.

• Questions: Please contact Martin Arteaga, NOLS Patagonia Interim Program Manager, martin_arteaga@nols.edu cc; Karen_gallegos@nols.edu NOLS Patagonia HR and Finance manager or peopleteam@nols.edu.

What does a Seasonal Program Supervisor do?

Program and Field Staff Supervision (80%)

• Supervise Custom Education and Expedition Courses as skills allow

• Provide field staff with comprehensive briefings and debriefings 

• Write instructor evaluations in a timely fashion based on NOLS Field Instructor Skills and NOLS Accepted Field Practices

• Actively guide staff in their career development, including recommending training, coursework, and professional development

• Ensure timely completion of all course paperwork and reports, in accordance with school policies

• Travel to off-campus section transitions to provide overall leadership for transitions

• Provide technical skills training for instructor teams during instructor development briefing time

• Remain current with school policies, position statements, NOLS Current Safety Issues, and NOLS Accepted Field Practices relevant to the courses they supervise.

• Facilitate communication in complex situations,  including communication with emergency contacts and family members

• Supervise and mentor field instructors in the areas of course logistics, curriculum, risk management, and performance expectations

• Serve as a communication link between NOLS administration and field instructors

Curriculum and Operational Support (15%)

• Participate in an evacuation coordinator rotation and support evacuees while they are in town.

• Network with other program supervisors to exchange ideas and offer support and leadership. Review school-wide practices to ensure consistency amongst NOLS programs. Stay abreast of techniques used by other professionals and accepted standards outside of NOLS (eg. AMGA, BCU, ACA).

• Work with the education, staffing, risk management, training, admissions, and other departments at the school to enhance service to students and staff.

• Promote field and in-town risk management.

• Share responsibility for Patagonia enrollment paperwork revisions, updates, and oversight. 

• Occasionally assist with course transportation, facility cleaning, vehicle preparation, course rationing, meal preparation, and outfitting as necessary to maintain excellent student service.

Other (5%)

• Assist administration with operating plans, new course proposals, staffing configurations, and operational logistics.

• Other duties and projects as assigned by the NOLS Patagonia program manager.

• May be required to act as a field instructor in the case of injury/illness and possible unavailability of field staff. Must maintain active instructor status.

• Responsible for cash accounting for private services, course logistics, and course emergency money

The above duties should not be considered an exhaustive list; other responsibilities may be required.

What makes a great Program Supervisor at NOLS? 

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

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and passion for the NOLS mission

• Excellent English oral and written communication

• Creative problem-solving, effective team-building, and strong facilitation skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment is crucial.

• Must also be able to work flexible and irregular hours, including some holidays.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help people step forward boldly as a leader.

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.

NOLS really is a great place to work:

• We have locations in seven U.S. states, and six countries; and courses in all 50 U.S. states and over 10 countries.

• We have fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• We offer discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• All employees can benefit of free Outdoor Equipment "Rental" at our various locations

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits package. 

• Wellness Time: Accrued leave that may be used for many HR-approved reasons throughout the season.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access to counselors that are available 24/7 to assist employees with work-life balance concerns.

Pre-Employment Check

• 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 human resources 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

Reasonable Accommodation

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe learning environment. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.