Do you enjoy supporting people going on expeditions? Do you enjoy planning and organising a team and the support needed for expeditions? In this role you will work with all department staff, field instructors and students to facilitate the process to go on and be on expedition.

Key Logistical Points:

• Applicants need to hold the legal right to work in New Zealand (or be working holiday visa eligible) to be considered for this position.

• Class 1 driver's licence with excellent driving record required. Must undertake and meet NOLS driver training requirements. Passenger endorsement and/or New Zealand Class 2 licence viewed favourably. 

• Position type:  Full time, between 2 September 2024 and 17 April 2025. Over the duration of the contract, weekly hours will vary but will average 40 hours per week, exclusive of 3 weeks unpaid time off over the Christmas/New Year period. 

• Start Date: 2 September 2024

• Benefits: Basic housing with communal facilities may be available on-site at subsidised rates.

• Questions: Please contact inga_booiman@nols.edu or peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Operations Manager do?

You will be involved in the following activities but not limited to:

• Provide effective supervision (clear expectations, comprehensive training, periodic individual check-ins, and growth-oriented evaluations) to ensure all operations departments operate optimally and provide an exceptional student and staff experience while at NOLS New Zealand.

• Assist NOLS New Zealand director to plan operations departmental budgets.

• Implement all operations department budgets, including rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment.

• Plan and oversee select long-term and short term asset projects.

• Build operations calendar and schedules for all operation departments.

• Collaborate with the program department to ensure exceptional student and staff experiences.

• With the equipment manager, monitor equipment inventory requirements, the selection and ordering of equipment, and provide long-range planning.

• With kitchen/rations manager, oversee rations and food service provision. 

• Along with facilities and transportation managers, plan and execute the maintenance, acquisition, cleanliness, and safety of the campus, vehicles, equipment, and supplies.

• Along with facilities manager, coordinate and oversee all scheduled maintenance and upkeep on campus.

• Manage NOLS New Zealand’s local social media communications in conjunction with NOLS HQ.  

• Be an active member of NOLS New Zealand’s emergency and evacuation support team, including sharing the monitoring of our emergency phone.

• Actively contribute to a positive and healthy community living environment while striving to maintain balance between work and life. Must role model excellent in-town expedition behaviour. 

• Help NOLS foster a strong local presence in New Zealand.

In this role is at you will be also be responsible for: 

• Responsible for managing and accounting for the equipment, merchandise, facilities, rations, kitchen, and vehicle maintenance budgets totalling approximately $300,000 expenses and $100,000 revenue annually. Responsible for accurately tracking expenses and receipts, including a NOLS-issued credit card and adhere to NOLS financial procedures. 

  What makes a great Operations Manager 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.

• Familiarity with and ability to support the NOLS mission and operations, and a commitment to serve our students. 

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, NOLS operations and logistics for courses and their locations, DOC Concessions and private service use. 

• Must have strong organisational and communication skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Must be able to work flexible and at times irregular hours, including some weekends and public holidays.

• Familiarity with Excel and the Google Suite and Xero is desirable

• Must be able to successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Report check

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 organisation 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 packages. 

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

Next steps

All you need to do is start the process by clicking on the yellow button on the top right.

You’ll answer some questions that are related to your day-to-day job. After the job closes, your answers will go through our sift process: all answers will be anonymized, randomised and then reviewed by a panel of reviewers. If you are shortlisted, we’ll invite you to the next step, which includes an interview. 

Additional Information

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

• 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.

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, 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.

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, and 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.