The Evacuation Coordinator (EC) is central to safety and communication at NOLS Alaska. Reporting to the Evacuation Manager, the EC manages the response to medical, behavioral, and logistical situations in the field, coordinating evacuations and student separations with care, efficiency, and sound judgment for more than 700 students each summer.

The EC also prepares and maintains the emergency communication equipment and medical kits every course depends on, works closely with pilots, boat captains, drivers, and medical facilities, and supports the supervision of summer courses as part of the NOLS Alaska program team. This is a seasonal position from late April or early May through August 2027, with on-site housing available for a modest fee. NOLS instructors may also have the opportunity for one to two weeks of fieldwork outside peak season.

Key Information

What does an Evacuation Coordinator do?

Emergency Response and Field Support

• Share the 24/7 evacuation phone during peak season in rotating shifts of three to four days and nights, remaining within one hour of campus and responding to every call with calm, clear communication.
• Gather critical information from the field, apply NOLS medical and student behavior protocols, and escalate to the Evacuation Manager, who involves the Program Manager and Director in evacuation decisions as required.
• Arrange evacuation transport with pilots, helicopter operators, boat charters, and evacuation drivers, keeping logistics sheets, route sheets, and calendars current.
• Communicate promptly and compassionately with students’ emergency contacts, providing clear, factual updates throughout an evacuation.
• Deliver evacuation briefings and issue communication equipment to instructor teams and evacuation drivers.
• Support evacuees while they are in town, arranging medical appointments, transportation, and lodging.
• Drive evacuated students and staff to campus, medical facilities, or the airport, and step in as a Program Supervisor when needed.

Equipment, Documentation, and Operations

• Help forecast peak-season needs, and inventory, maintain, and issue satellite phones, inReach devices, PLBs, GPS units, and radios.
• Build, stock, and track drug kits and epinephrine kits in accordance with NOLS medical protocols, in coordination with the Evacuation Manager.
• Document incidents in Nexus, including evacuation notifications, incident reports, and quality review of near-miss reports, and keep the Call Tracker current.
• Track evacuation expenses, review charges with students and families, and coordinate invoicing with the Equipment and Finance teams.
• Coordinate follow-up for evacuated students, including academic credit adjustments, verification of medical care, and Tuition Protection Plan information.
• Supervise evacuation drivers, including briefings, paperwork, petty cash, and timesheets.

In your first season, you will:  

• Complete Evacuation Office onboarding, including Nexus, the Call Tracker, communication equipment, and Crisis Response Training, and take your first phone shifts with the Evacuation Manager as backup
• Get satellite phones, PLBs, radios, drug kits, and epinephrine kits inventoried and ready before the first courses launch.
• Carry the evacuation phone through peak season, coordinating evacuations and documenting every incident.
• Help close out the Evacuation Office at season’s end and share recommendations for next season.

What makes a great Evacuation Coordinator 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. 

How to Apply

When prompted to upload your resume, please submit one PDF document that includes both your resume and cover letter combined.

If you have any questions during the application process, please reach out to the NOLS People Team at [email protected].

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. 
NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada; 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 [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. 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

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 [email protected] with your request.