The Equipment Assistant Manager works on the Rocky Mountain Outfitting & Equipment team to create a welcoming and supportive environment for NOLS students, staff, and the public. They manage sales and rentals of outfitting equipment and merchandise. They facilitate instructor equipment preparation, issue and de-issue gear for expedition students, and oversee all outfitting equipment.  They also work with the Equipment Manager to supervise and train seasonal employees.

Key Logistical Information:

• This is a seasonal, non-benefited position.

• Contract Dates: April 1st to September 30th, 2024.

• Potential to shift into a 3/4 time, benefitted position.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Equipment Assistant Manager do?

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

• Maintain equipment issue sheets and handle student equipment charges.

• Take a leadership role in promoting a sense of ownership for course equipment.

• Check, clean, prepare, repair, and maintain equipment (if unfamiliar with any of these skills, a desire to learn and practice these skills is essential)

• Understand and provide training for data entry and sales and rental transactions on the point of sale and inventory management system.

• Receiving and inventorying incoming orders of group, rental, and merchandise gear. Participation in the annual merchandise inventory. 

• Maintain equipment in a clean, safe, and functional condition. 

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

• Oversee upkeep and management of equipment facilities.   

• Serve as the Equipment Manager in their absence.

• Perform special projects and other duties, including working field or classroom courses if qualified.

What makes a great Equipment Assistant 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. 

• Effective 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. 

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

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• 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. 

• Collaborate with Equipment Manager on pre-season planning for Summer 2024.

• Gain working knowledge of NOLS Rocky Mountain campus operations.

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.