Overview: The Operations Manager at NOLS Alaska plays a key leadership role in supervising and coordinating the efficient execution of all course logistics at the Palmer Campus. This position oversees a team of 25+ in-town staff members and works closely with various operational departments, including kitchen, rations, equipment, facilities, and transportation, ensuring a high standard of service and support for both students and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the NOLS Alaska Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for:

• Staff Management and Development:

  • Hire, train, and supervise staff across the operations departments (rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment).

  • Provide clear expectations, comprehensive training, and growth-oriented evaluations to ensure effective performance and professional development.

  • Conduct periodic individual check-ins with staff, offering feedback and support to ensure a positive work environment and an exceptional student and staff experience.

• Operational Oversight:

  • Ensure smooth and efficient operation of all logistics-related activities, including the management of course meals, gear, transportation, and facilities.

  • Monitor day-to-day operations, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and implement solutions that maintain high standards of service.

  • Foster a culture of safety, responsibility, and collaboration within the operations team.

• Budget Management:

  • Assist the NOLS Alaska Director in planning, tracking, and implementing operational departmental budgets to ensure cost-effective operations without compromising quality.

  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements within each department.

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

  • Maintain strong working relationships with NOLS Alaska’s finance, purchasing, information systems, and other departments at NOLS World Headquarters.

  • Coordinate logistics and operational needs with other NOLS locations and programs to ensure consistency across the organization.

• Local Presence and Community Engagement:

  • Help build and maintain a positive, collaborative, and professional presence for NOLS Alaska within the local community and broader NOLS network.

  • Promote NOLS values and foster strong relationships with local vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Previous experience in operations management, logistics, or a similar role.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with attention to detail.

• Proficiency in budgeting, resource management, and problem-solving.

• Passion for outdoor education and commitment to fostering a positive student and staff experience.

• What makes a great Operations Manager?

For this position, we are seeking a person who is passionate about working as a team, enjoys dynamic day to day operations, and takes pride in living/working in a small communal environment.

• Ability to be self-directed, take initiative, and make decisions independently

• Adaptable to last minute adversity and uncertainty in logistics

• Eager to collaborate and communicate effectively as a team to support the mission of NOLS

• Willing to accommodate flexible work hours/schedules including holidays/weekends.

• Able to lift and carry 60+ lbs (items such as propane tanks, laundry, and tools)

• Capacity to approach challenges on campus with empathy

• Be 21 years of age - NOLS Insurance requires drivers to be at least 21 years old

Who is NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that believes in the transformative power of leadership through wilderness education. We are dedicated to developing leaders by providing immersive experiences that challenge you to step beyond your comfort zone and unlock your full potential. Whether in remote backcountry settings or through courses near home, we equip people with the skills, resilience, and confidence to lead in all walks of life.

At NOLS, we’re driven by a commitment to education, adventure, and a deep respect for the wilderness. These values are at the heart of every experience we offer, empowering students to make meaningful connections with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Awesome employees! Ask anyone at NOLS and they’ll likely say they work here because of the community.

• Fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• Discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• Free equipment “rentals" at our various locations

• A flexible time off policy for all full-time regular employees, and accrued vacation for part-time regular employees

• Sick time for all employees

• 403(b) available to all employees, with an annual employer contribution

• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 access with 5 sessions per issue to assist employees with work or life concerns.

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this role please ensure you upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document when prompted to upload your CV/resume.

NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada, provinces: British Columbia, and Ontario; Chile; India; Mexico; New Zealand; the US, states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Pre-Employment Check

• 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, 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.

How to Apply

It’s super easy! Just enter your email and click the “start your application” button at the top of the screen. 

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

In order to better understand our candidate pools and ensure we are attracting diverse candidates, Applied will ask you some demographic questions before you start your application. The responses are never tied to your application; we only see summary statistics. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.