The Ration Assistant Manager plays a key role in supporting the NOLS Alaska mission to educate and inspire through wilderness expeditions by overseeing the rationing of over 700 students . This position helps ensure that students and instructors are well fed for safe, efficient, and meaningful field experiences. This role also includes ordering of foods to be stocked in the rations room, interacting with the admissions department to support student dietary needs, working as part of a small team and maintaining a clean, welcoming, organized rations department. Responsibilities include helping with rations issue and de-issue days, helping to maintain the necessary quality and quantity of rations, assisting instructors with pre-course preparations, training others in bagging food, and participating in rations room operations such as sanitizing dishes. Success in this role requires attention to detail, initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to teamwork and community—reflecting the NOLS values of leadership, excellence, and stewardship.

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 August 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 peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Ration Assistant Manager do?

• Help the rations manager as needed to ensure that field expeditions are adequately rationed with nutritious bulk ingredients. This will include: educating field courses on nutrition and the rationing process, picking up bulk rations from local retailers, cleaning and organizing the rations area, doing laundry and sanitizing rations containers, managing leftover rations, interacting with students in a friendly and proactive manner

• Use software to create rations plans for each course at the Alaska branch

• Supervise people helping to bag rations when the rations manager is not working

• Work with instructor teams to accommodate requests and adjust ration plans

• Assist in preparation of bulk rations which include assembly line style work to pre-pack course food

• Use course survey data to inform decisions on rations content

What makes a great Ration Assistant Manager at NOLS?

For this position, we are seeking a person who is detail oriented and is passionate about facilitating inclusive experiences at the branch, and in-field for students, staff, and instructors.

• Desire to learn about bulk field rations, cooking, and field nutrition.

• Possess excellent organization skills related to ordering and inventory management

• Desire to work in a dynamic environment

• Must be self-motivated to work independently when needed

• Must be a team player who can work collaboratively with others, and work with the best interests of the team in mind

• Able to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Examples include but are not limited to, bags of flour, boxes and duffle bags of food, full coolers, and shelving units

• Desire to interact with NOLS students, faculty, and in-town staff.

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

• Be 21 years of age - NOLS Insurance requires drivers to be at least 21 years old

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.