The Evacuation Coordinator (EC) plays a central role in supporting safety and communication at NOLS Alaska. This position manages emergency responses and logistics for medical, non-medical, and operational situations, ensuring evacuations are handled smoothly, efficiently, and with care. The EC maintains and organizes critical field equipment, including communication gear and medical kits, and works closely with local pilots, drivers, and boat captains to keep response systems ready and reliable.

Outside of evacuation duties, the EC supports the supervision of NOLS Alaska summer courses and helps foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for staff and students alike.

Key Information:

• This is an internal position only

• Upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document when you are prompted to upload your CV/resume

• Location: NOLS Alaska campus in Palmer, Alaska

• Contract Type: Seasonal (May- August 2026). There’s also a chance to do 1 to 2 weeks of fieldwork during the non-peak season for NOLS Instructors. 

• Start Date: April 28th, 2026 

Perks & Benefits:

• On-site housing is available for a modest fee, which includes internet, food staples, lunch, and dinner when the kitchen is open, and access to a shared staff car. Living areas are communal, and everyone pitches in with daily chores.

Questions? Feel free to contact us at peopleteam@nols.edu

What Does an Evacuation Coordinator Do?

You’ll take on diverse and impactful responsibilities that make a difference in our students' and staff's experiences:

Program and Field Staff Support:

You’ll take on a variety of responsibilities that directly support the safety, learning, and well-being of NOLS Alaska students and staff.

Program and Field Staff Support

• Support about 700 students each summer by coordinating safe and timely evacuations across Alaska.

• Carry the 24/7 evacuation phone during peak season (3–5 days/nights per shift) and respond to calls with care, calm, and clear communication.

• Connect instructors, emergency contacts, pilots, and drivers to ensure effective coordination during evacuations.

• Treat all students—whether evacuating or leaving early—with respect, compassion, and accountability.

• Coach instructors on evacuation procedures, group management, and risk management.

• Help train staff on documentation, communication, and protocols for emergencies.

• Work with the Program Manager to strengthen systems in the Evacuation Office.

• Collaborate across departments to build an inclusive, supportive campus community.

• Step in as a Program Supervisor when needed, collaborating closely with and supported by the Program Manager.

• Drive evacuated students and staff to campus, medical facilities, or the airport; maintain good records and a valid driver’s license.

Operational Support

• Support evacuees while they’re in town, ensuring they feel safe, cared for, and informed.

• Maintain and organize communication and medical equipment (PLBs, radios, sat phones, first-aid kits).

• Track and report evacuation costs and help improve systems across departments.

• Model and reinforce strong risk management practices for staff and students.

• Contribute to teaching and sharing NOLS curriculum, especially in leadership, risk management, and environmental topics.

• Help keep enrollment paperwork accurate, clear, and accessible.

• Support sustainability efforts and promote environmentally responsible practices on campus.

• Assist with course logistics—transportation, vehicle prep, meals, and outfitting—to ensure smooth and positive student experiences.

What Makes a Great Evacuation Coordinator at NOLS?

We’re looking for people who share NOLS’ values and are excited to grow their skills in outdoor education and field operations. Strong candidates bring experience, judgment, and leadership, and we provide training to support growth in key areas.

Key Qualities and Skills:

• Relevant Experience: Preference for those with senior NOLS Instructor experience (course leader level) or comparable program supervision experience.

• Passion for the Mission: A deep understanding of and enthusiasm for NOLS’ mission and educational goals.

• Communication: Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with students, staff, and external partners.

• Problem-Solving and Teamwork: Ability to think creatively, facilitate teams, and solve challenges collaboratively.

• Flexibility: Willingness to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support field programs and staff. Consecutive days off may be limited during peak season to ensure consistent program support..

We value diversity of experience and perspective and are committed to supporting professional development so each person can succeed and contribute fully to the NOLS community.

How To Apply

Upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document when you are prompted to upload your CV/resume.

At NOLS we use the Applied platform for our recruitment. The Applied platform will ask you some demographic questions before you start your application. We at NOLS never see the responses to these demographic questions with your application. We only see summary statistics to help us check if our candidate pool is balanced and if everyone has an equal chance to get hired irrespective of their background. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.

Who is NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. 

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.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Global Reach: With locations across the U.S. operations in six countries, and courses running in all 50 states and more than 10 countries, you’ll be part of an organization with a truly worldwide impact.

• Course Discounts: Receive special pricing on NOLS courses for yourself and your family.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible time off policy that empowers employees to take the time they need for rest, adventure, and personal priorities without the constraints of traditional accrual systems.

• Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services to help you maintain balance and well-being.

Additional Information

To support pay transparency and equity, the posted salary range is fixed. We encourage you to explore our opportunities that fit your pay expectations. 

• 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 People Team 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.

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 by emailing peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.