The Evacuation Manager (EM) is a new leadership role at NOLS Alaska. Reporting to the Program Manager, the EM supervises and trains the Evacuation Coordinator, owns the systems that support emergency response, and ensures that evacuations and student separations (medical, behavioral, and logistical) for more than 700 students each summer are handled smoothly, efficiently, and with care.

During peak season, the EM shares the 24/7 evacuation phone, guides instructors through complex situations, and leads communication with emergency contacts, pilots, drivers, and boat captains. Year-round, the EM strengthens the Evacuation Office as a system by refining protocols, developing training resources, and preparing equipment and medical supplies for each season. This is a full-time, year-round position with peak season from April through September, and on-site housing is available for a modest fee.

Key Information

What does an Evacuation Manager do?

Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise, mentor, and support the Evacuation Coordinator through regular one-on-ones, feedback, and coaching on difficult calls and decisions.
• Lead onboarding and training for the Evacuation Coordinator, contribute to hiring, and lead the end-of-season performance review.
• Build the evacuation phone schedule and serve as on-call backup when the Coordinator holds the phone.

Emergency Response and Field Support

• Share the 24/7 evacuation phone during peak season in rotating shifts of three to four days and nights.
• Guide evacuation decisions using NOLS medical and student behavior protocols, involving the Program Manager or Director in medical and behavioral decisions and consulting NOLS Risk Management as needed.
• Lead communication with emergency contacts about evacuations and student behavior, explaining decisions and next steps with clarity and compassion.
• Coach instructors on evacuation procedures, decision-making, student behavior, and risk management, and step in as a Program Supervisor when needed.

Systems, Training, and Operations

• Own and continually improve Evacuation Office systems, including paperwork, protocols, the Call Tracker, communication devices, and evacuation logistics.
• Forecast peak-season needs and oversee the ordering, inventory, and maintenance of communication equipment, drug kits, and epinephrine kits.
• Train field and program staff on evacuation protocols, documentation, and difficult phone conversations.
• Ensure incidents are documented accurately in Nexus and lead after-action reviews of significant incidents.
• Contribute to NOLS Accepted Field Practices and Alaska-specific protocols, such as tsunami response, with Risk Management and Expedition and Leadership Education.
• Oversee evacuation billing, including discretionary billing decisions, and the hiring and supervision of evacuation drivers.

In your first month, you will: 

What makes a great Evacuation Manager at NOLS? 

We are looking for 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. 

• Relevant Experience: Senior NOLS instructor experience (Course Leader level) or comparable program supervision experience is preferred. Prior experience as an Evacuation Coordinator is a strong plus.

• Supervisory Experience: Experience supervising at least one direct report or leading a small team through complex, time-sensitive work, with the ability to give feedback, mentor, and build trust.
• Calm Under Pressure: The ability to make sound decisions quickly with incomplete information, balancing student safety, program goals, and logistical constraints.
• Communication: Clear, professional communication, including in urgent or emotionally charged conversations with students, staff, families, and external partners.
• Systems Thinking: The ability to see the Evacuation Office as a whole while refining individual forms and protocols, and to build frameworks that make others’ work easier.
• Attention to Detail: Strong organization with incident documentation, financial reporting, and equipment inventories, using tools such as Nexus and Google Workspace.
• Task Switching: The ability to move fluidly between field calls, in-town logistics, and coaching without losing track of details.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work a variable schedule, including evenings, weekends, and some holidays, with limited consecutive days off during peak season.

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. 

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 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 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.