The Assistant Rations Manager works on the Rocky Mountain Rations (field food) team to create a welcoming and supportive environment for NOLS students, staff, and the public. This assistant manager position serves as the lead in special dietary accommodations. The position contributes to all other aspects of Rocky Mountain rations including planning course food, packing food, ordering and inventorying, and educating field faculty and students on basic nutrition and the NOLS bulk rationing system. They also work with the Rations Manager and other Assistant Rations Manager to supervise and train seasonal employees.

Key Logistical Information:

• Seasonal, mid-March to mid-September with potential for a 3/4 time benefitted position.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Assistant Rations Manager do?

• Support students and field faculty, especially those with special dietary needs, as they prepare to go on expeditions based out of NOLS Rocky Mountain. 

• Create dietary accommodations plans for students with food allergies, dietary sensitivities and intolerances, and dietary preferences. 

• Communicate dietary accommodation plans with students, parents/guardians, and the Expedition Admissions department over email, and occasionally answer questions over the phone.

• Contribute to the rations leadership team (Rations Manager and two Assistant Rations Managers) to co-create vision and manage day-to-day operations in the rations department.

• Share in the responsibility of placing food orders, maintaining inventory, and monitoring food costs. Oversee delivery and processing of orders including stocking and inventory management. 

• Assist in hiring, training, and supervision of seasonal employees.

• Brief field faculty and students on their course ration preparations.

• Bag, divide, and pack course rations and re-rations.

• Share in the responsibility for maintenance and cleaning of rations room and storage areas. 

• Performs duties and special projects as assigned by the Rations Manager, including NOLS fieldwork if qualified.

What makes a great Assistant Rations 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.

• Excellent written communication skills. 

• Effective verbal communication skills including the ability to receive/provide thoughtful, timely feedback. 

• Consistent and self-driven work ethic with high attention to detail

• Ability to work effectively on a team, delegate appropriately, and complete tasks independently

• Flexible mindset, creativity, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude.

• Positive, friendly approach to student-service

• Ability to perform periodic heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds, and work while standing for extended periods of time.

• Ability to work flexible and irregular hours including occasional early mornings, weekends, and holidays, with a goal of maintaining a 40-hour work week. 

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Learn about the NOLS bulk rationing system through hands-on training and self-paced reading of resources such as the “NOLS Cookery.”

• Complete the ServSafe allergen course and train using the NOLS Food Allergen Management guide as you start building a working knowledge of how to accommodate dietary needs in a wilderness context.  

• Build relationships with your immediate team at NOLS Rocky Mountain and colleagues in other NOLS departments including Admissions, Finance, Custom Education, and Alumni. 

• Bag, divide, and pack rations for Rocky Mountain courses.

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

• Free outdoor equipment rentals

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. 

• 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.

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, randomized 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

Pre-Employment Check

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for NOLS vehicle insurance coverage.

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

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location. Applicants must have legal working rights in the location for the position they are applying for.

• 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, 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.