The Program Assistant is a new role at NOLS Alaska that keeps the program office organized and running smoothly during the field season. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Program Assistant takes on the logistical and administrative work behind every course, from pre-briefing packets and logistics sheets to student arrivals, course returns, and paperwork, so that Program Supervisors can focus on educating, supervising, and supporting instructors.

This is an excellent opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented person to gain experience in outdoor education operations as part of the NOLS Alaska program team. No field instructor experience is required. This is a seasonal position from late April through August 2027, scheduled five days a week including weekends, with on-site housing available for a modest fee.

Key Information

What does a Program Assistant do?

Course Preparation

• Send each instructor team its welcome email and pre-briefing packet 10–14 days before the course, linking resources selected by the Program Supervisor.
• Draft course logistics sheets and build the season’s big-picture program calendar for Program Supervisors to review and approve.
• Create course folders in Google Drive, and build and stock Course Leader folders with rosters, evaluations, permits, and logistics sheets.
• Book instructor team meetings with the Rations, Equipment, Kitchen, Transportation, and Evacuation teams, and coordinate instructor travel, rideshares, and housing.

Arrivals, Departures, and Course Returns

• Host student arrival days with the instructor team, including roster verification, no-show notices to Admissions, sea kayak manifests, fishing licenses, and course photos.
• Collect and check the paperwork each instructor team leaves with the program office, flagging gaps to the Program Supervisor.
• Prepare for course returns with welcome-back letters, bay set-up, student mail, diplomas, and grad packets, and run the Course Quality Survey on return day.
• Run the instructor close-out checklist, including Course Leader folders, evaluations, and electronics returned to the Evacuation Office.

Records, Communications, and Office Support

• Scan, upload, and file course paperwork, mail paperwork to Admissions every two weeks, and enter college-credit grades for Program Supervisors to verify.
• Send student welcome letters and post-course thank-you emails, and share course photos with Marketing.
• Serve as a friendly first point of contact for students and staff in the program office.

What makes a great Program 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.

• Relevant Experience: Experience in administrative, office, logistics, or operations support is preferred. Familiarity with NOLS or outdoor education is a plus.
• Organization and Attention to Detail: The ability to keep many moving pieces accurate and up to date, and to notice when documents or schedules don’t match.
• Technology Skills: Comfort with Google Workspace and willingness to learn NOLS systems such as Nexus and Airtable.
• Welcoming Presence: A friendly, calm face for students and instructors on busy arrival and return days.
• Communication: Clear, friendly verbal and written communication with staff, students, families, and partners.
• Reliability and Initiative: A dependable team member who follows through, works independently, and asks for help when needed.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work a schedule that includes weekends and to adapt as plans change during the season.
• Driving: A valid driver’s license is helpful.

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.