The Equipment Manager at NOLS Rocky Mountain directly oversees all aspects of the Rocky Mountain equipment process for 1000+ expedition students and faculty each year. They ensure quality interactions with students, staff and public in the RM outfitting store. They oversee gear purchases, equipment rotation, inventory, gear repair, budget management and merchandise strategy. NOLS Rocky Mountain field programs require equipment for backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing and winter camping. This position supports the equipment departments at NOLS Rocky Mountain River Base, Teton Valley, and Three Peaks Ranch.

Key Logistical Information:

• Start date: December 2023 or January 2024.

• Benefits: This position is eligible for Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending account, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time off, 403(b), 403(b) contribution, and more.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Equipment Manager do?

• Maintain equipment in a safe, functional condition. 

• Train and supervise the RM Assistant Equipment Manager, coordinator, 5-7 summer outfitting assistants, and other temporary and seasonal staff as necessary. 

• Plan, organize, and supervise students and field staff during briefing, issue and de-issue days.

• Maintain adequate stock in the issue room for efficient outfitting of NOLS courses.

• Maintain equipment issue sheets and handle all aspects of student equipment charges.

• Provide instruction and training in equipment repair and maintenance for staff, students, and instructors.

• Manage group gear for Rocky Mountain, Three Peaks, Teton Valley and River Base.

• Supervise the sale and rental of equipment to students, faculty, alumni and the public.

• Create and implement a long-term purchasing strategy that includes pre-season buying, equipment rotation, and an annual equipment sale.

• Train staff in a point-of-sales software system to sell and rent equipment.

• Determine pricing structure and develop the annual budget for all merchandise.

• Budgetary oversight of approximately $500,000 of revenue and $600,000 of expenses annually. 

• Responsible for accurate records of equipment issue, public sales and rental, and merchandise selection and inventory.  

• Responsible for supervision and operation of cash register transactions and finance reports. 

• Jointly involved with the Rocky Mountain leadership team in planning and acquisition of all short and long-term assets for the Equipment Department.

• Opportunities to work directly with equipment vendors to continually refine equipment design to better suit the needs of NOLS students and instructors.

• If qualified, serve as the Expedition Equipment Lead by supporting school-wide implementation of updated gear offerings, management strategies, and ongoing development (and implementation) of outfitting best practices. Taking on this elevated role has the potential to move the candidate into a higher starting salary range.

What makes a great Equipment 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.

• Experience with the use and function of some Rocky Mountain equipment, including gear associated with backpacking, canyoneering, rock climbing, fly fishing, and backcountry skiing. 

• Experience evaluating and innovating NOLS field equipment systems across skill types and environments

• Highly motivated.

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

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

• Excellent organizational, supervisory, facilitation, and problem-solving skills. 

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

• Pleasant and approachable manner with students, faculty, alumni, vendors, and the public. 

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Google suite. Comfortable learning new computer skills and systems.

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

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

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Gain an understanding of NOLS Rocky Mountain, Teton Valley, Three Peaks Ranch, and River Base operations. 

• Act as the primary support system for the equipment needs of spring semester expeditions that are outfitted from NOLS Rock Mountain, preparing both students and instructors for expeditions involving rock climbing, canyoneering, and backcountry skiing/winter camping. 

• Engage with operational planning and preparations for the summer peak season including evaluating the logistics calendar, collaborating with other locations to identify needs, and hiring/training a summer team.

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.