The evacuation coordinator (EC) is responsible for coordinating all details for calls that come in from the field (medical, non-medical, or logistical requests), managing communication gear and medication kits, connecting with pilots, drivers and boat captains and supporting evacuations that occur in-town. While the Evacuation Coordinator’s primary role is managing evac’s when not managing evacuations, you will be supporting the supervision of NOLS Alaska summer courses.

Key Logistical Information:

• Contract Type: Seasonal.  Flexible between April and September 2024. This could be a 5-month to 2-month position.

• Preference on have the experience of a senior NOLS Instructor working at course leader level or previous experience in program supervision in similar organizations.

• Benefits: Discounted medical, dental, and vision services are available at a special NOLS rate to seasonal employees. NOLS does not offer comprehensive health insurance to seasonal employees.

• Temporal housing may be available on-site for approximately $200 monthly fee and participation in daily community chores. (Fee includes food staples, lunch, and dinner when the Main kitchen is open, internet, and shared staff car). The kitchen and living areas are communal.

  Staff are not required to live on-site.

• NOLS provides a travel allowance to support seasonal staff traveling to Palmer, AK, at the start and back to their home base at the end of the season.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Evacuation Coordinator do?

You will be involved in the following activities:

Program and Field Staff Support:

• Support approximately 600 students out of NOLS Alaska. 

• Supervise and coordinate logistics for Alaska evacuations.

• Carry the 24/7 evacuation cell phone for between 3 days/3 nights to 4 days/4 nights in a row during peak season, depending on scheduling and team.

• Facilitate conversations on the evacuation phone with Instructors, student’s emergency contacts and private pilots and drivers

• Facilitate the experience of evacuated or expelled students with respect, compassion, and accountability. 

• Coach instructors in tactics and decisions regarding evacuations, student performance and behavioral issues, and course and group dynamics.

• Coach field staff on risk management documentation and decision making; contribute to NOLS Accepted Field Practices updates and development.

• Train field and program staff on all aspects of the Alaska evacuations (protocols and procedures, documentation and paperwork, challenging phone conversations).

• Collaborate and work closely together with the program manager to create vision and systems for the Evacuation office. 

• Be a team player, within the program department and throughout all NOLS Alaska departments.

• Assume or assist with other projects supervised by program manager, or campus director.

• Contribute to an environment that encourages field staff and students to feel relaxed, supported, and focused going into the field.
  

Operational Support 

• Support evacuees while they are in town.

• Organize and inventory communication gear (PLBs, SatPhones, radios, etc.) and medical kits.

• Calculate evacuation expenses for students and submit reports to the NOLS finance department. Work with the risk management, training, admissions, and other departments at the school to enhance service to students and staff.

• Promote and role model risk management at the Campus

• Support NOLS AK Departments by sharing and teaching NOLS curriculum related to leadership, risk management, and environmental studies

• Share responsibility for Alaska enrollment paperwork revisions, updates, and oversight. 

• Promote environmental sustainability activities on Campus

• Assist with course transportation, facility cleaning, vehicle preparation, course rationing, meal preparation, and outfitting to maintain excellent student service.

Other

• The EC will typically work between 35 to 45 hours per week on a set schedule. While carrying the evacuation cell phone, the EC will remain within a reasonable distance of the campus and be on call 24 hours a day. (Instructors are briefed to call in with non-urgent requests between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.)

• As assigned by the Alaska campus director and/or Alaska program manager.

• May be required to act as a field instructor in the case of injury/illness and possible unavailability of field staff. Must maintain active instructor status. 

• Responsible for cash accounting for private services, course logistics, and emergency money.

What makes a great Evacuation Coordinator at NOLS? 

We seek 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.

• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of and passion for the NOLS mission

• Excellent English oral and written communication

• Creative problem-solving, effective team-building, and strong facilitation skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment is crucial.

• Must also be able to work flexible and irregular hours, including holidays and weekends.

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 services 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.