This entry-level position provides an opportunity to learn and understand NOLS campus operations as a whole. They will be integrated into different operational departments and teams, all working to create positive student experiences at a small yet bustling NOLS location.

Key Information

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

• Target Start Date: 23 March 2026

• Location: River Base Vernal, UT

• Position Type: Seasonal, 2.5 months with possibility to extend to summer.

• Additional Information: On-campus housing is available for a small fee monthly 

Questions? Feel free to contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Operations Assistant do?

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

• Check, clean, repair, and maintain outdoor gear and equipment. Clean and maintain the equipment room. Assist in boat repairs as skill and schedule allow.

• Assist with vehicle maintenance, vehicle preparation, and course drives. 

• Assist with organizing and preparing meals and field food.

• Assist operations and program managers with administrative work and other tasks, including organizing pre-course and end-of-course paperwork.

• Keep grounds tidy by lawn maintenance, mowing, weed removal, and trash pick-up.

• Perform facilities maintenance and tasks as skill allows.

• Maintain a flexible and supportive atmosphere.

• Maintain a willingness to step into different roles, take on additional tasks.

What makes a great Operations Assistant at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• An understanding of and passion for the NOLS mission. 

• A desire to interact with students and work in a small community.

• Curiosity about basic building and grounds maintenance tasks.

• Effective communication skills and a strong work ethic.

• Flexibility and tolerance for adversity and uncertainty.

• Ability to work effectively on a team and follow through with tasks independently.

• Hard-working, detail-oriented, and committed to excellence.

• Willing to work a non-traditional schedule (occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings).

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.