Supervise the production of nutritious, delicious meals for students and faculty at NOLS Teton Valley, including menu planning, ordering, preparing, and serving meals. Maintain a high standard of sanitation for the kitchen and dining areas. Seek out local, sustainable food and use sustainable kitchen practices when practical. Promote a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming culture within the kitchen and dining areas.  Provide occasional logistical support to NOLS Teton Valley operations.

Key Logistical Points:

• 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.

• Location: NOLS Teton Valley in Driggs, ID

• Position type:  Seasonal, full-time, exempt (Early June to Late August 2025)

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

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Kitchen Manager do?

• Plan, prepare, and serve quality meals for students and field faculty.

• Train other employees on kitchen procedures with clarity, sensitivity, and high standards.

• Work with the campus director to manage the kitchen budget.

• Work closely and effectively in a team setting.

• Inventory, order and stock all kitchen supplies.

• Maintain relationships and order food through US Foods. Grocery shop locally for additional provisions.

• Supervise field staff and students in basic kitchen preparation and cleanup duties.

• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and observe all health department regulations.

• Help with additional facility tasks such as: general facility upkeep and maintenance, cleaning, and driving.

What makes a great Kitchen 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, education, and/ or interest in food service and kitchen management, especially for large groups and for people with dietary restrictions. 

• Strong attention to detail, especially in regard to dietary restrictions.

• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently on tasks, meal planning, and preparation of meals.

• Ability to delegate appropriately and communicate needs. 

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

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

• Enthusiasm for creating and supporting a positive campus culture and contributing positively to a small, close-knit in-town team.

• 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, evenings, and weekends, with a goal of maintaining a 40-hour work week. 

• Comfort living and working in a range of weather conditions, including wind and snow.

• Comfort learning new computer skills and systems.

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS Teton Valley is located in Driggs, Idaho, at the foot of the western side of the Teton Range (40 minutes from Jackson Hole, WY). On-campus yurt housing is available for a modest fee. Staff members are not required to live on-property. Meals are provided for in-town staff when students are on-site. This is a full-time seasonal position with an anticipated end date in late August with the possibility of some work in September.

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

• 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, 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 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, 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.

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.