The Ration Manager plays a key role in supporting the NOLS Alaska mission to educate and inspire through wilderness expeditions by overseeing the rationing of over 700 students . This position helps ensure that students and instructors are well fed for safe, efficient, and meaningful field experiences. This role includes ordering of foods to be stocked in the rations room, interacting with the admissions department to support student dietary needs, supervising a small team, and maintaining a clean, welcoming, organized rations department. Responsibilities include organizing rations issue and de-issue days, maintaining necessary quality and quantity of rations, assisting instructors with pre-course preparations, training others in bagging food, and participating in rations room operations. Success in this role requires attention to detail, initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to teamwork and community—reflecting the NOLS values of leadership, excellence, and stewardship.

Key Information

What does a Rations Manager do?

• Use student numbers/field days to calculate appropriate ordering quantities in the off-season

• Work with vendors to facilitate the shipping of food items to Alaska

• Use software to create rations plans for each course at the Alaska branch

• Interact with the admissions department to answer dietary questions and provide accommodations for students

• Bag food, make spice kits, etc. for field rations

• Create custom field rations for dietary restrictions

• Supervise a team in day to day prep/ration operations

• Work with instructor teams to accommodate requests and adjust ration plans

• Manage a budget and ensure that credit card bills and invoices are paid in a timely fashion

• Provide and receive ongoing, growth-oriented feedback for program and personnel

What makes a great Rations Manager 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.

• Desire to learn about bulk field rations, cooking, and field nutrition.

• Possess excellent organization skills related to ordering and inventory management

• Enjoy working in a dynamic environment as course numbers, ration lengths and dietary restrictions change 

• Self-motivated to work independently when needed

• Must be a team player who can work collaboratively with others, and work with the best interests of the team in mind. Work closely with the issue room manager to ensure that issue days run smoothly.

• Able to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds. Examples include but are not limited to, bags of flour, boxes and duffle bags of food, full coolers, and shelving units

• Desire to interact in a friendly and proactive with NOLS students, faculty, and in-town staff.

• Eager to live and work in a small community that shares responsibility for maintaining common areas.

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

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.