The River/Winter Program Supervisor is dedicated to supporting all NOLS Teton Valley programs, staff, and students. The Program Supervisor will also work in the field. This position will be split with 150 days of Program Supervision and 45 of field work on courses and seminars to directly mentor and train instructors. Additional field work is possible, but not a requirement. They will coordinate with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure NOLS program quality and promote student, field and in-town staff satisfaction. They will supervise course logistics, educational outcomes, collaborate and support operations, risk management and staff in a way that furthers the NOLS mission and supports transformative opportunities for students, recruits future faculty, and develops faculty talent to their full potential. This benefitted salaried faculty position is hired primarily to support our technical skills programming in the river and winter environments.

Key Information

What does a Teton Valley River/Winter Program Supervisor do?

• Learn, understand and supervise all aspects of Teton Valley’s technical course offerings, in both the River and Winter Programs.
• Plan quality briefings, debriefings, and write performance evaluations - actively guiding and developing field faculty.
• In winter, you will plan and lead terrain tours, provide coaching and continual training to instructors in regards to winter risk management, avalanche hazard evaluation and cold injuries.
• In summer, you will plan and lead river skills and rescue skills training.
• Provide coaching and continual training to river instructors on risk management, whitewater skills, and rescue skills, with a focus on Instructor Development Days during briefings.
• Collaborate with others to recruit, develop, and retain field faculty.
• Hold the evacuation phone on a rotating basis.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• December - Onboard to the position, familiarize, teambuild, and prepare for the winter season. The first briefing is Dec 30, 2026.
• January - Work on the program team to perform winter program duties and functions.
• February - Continue winter program season, review January results / learnings, adjust. Begin outreach to the river community.
• March - Conclude winter season program, end of season review / learning / shift into summer program. Time off or field work.
• April - Time off and / or field work and / or prepare for river season.
• May - Work the spring Salmon River Training Trip (SRTT), prep summer operations. There is a window for some time off following the SRTT and before the summer season.
• June - September - Program supervision of river courses during the summer season; help close out summer and make pre-season preparations for winter.

NOLS Teton Valley will provide a thoughtful, detailed, initial work plan with key goals & actions, coupled with success indicators. Down the road, you will be responsible to build your own work plan, taking into account mentorship opportunities, Teton Valley macro goals, and outreach opportunities.

What makes a great Teton Valley River/Winter Program Supervisor 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.

• A leader and simultaneously a team player, someone who will advocate ceaselessly for the best possible outcome, believing in potential and human growth.
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail while being able to hold a longer term vision and prioritize accordingly.
• Desire to have an impactful presence and steer the river and winter programs into a collective, brighter future. 
• Driven to pursue your career with passion, vigor, creativity and urgency.
• Cares deeply about people and NOLS’ purpose and mission.
• Understands the value of ‘picking up the broom’, role modeling all aspects of excellence.
• Experience leading courses in both river and winter classrooms for NOLS; course leading experience is preferred in one or both disciplines.

Candidates must have:

• Clean driving record with ability to become an approved driver for NOLS.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and high attention to detail.
• Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule, work late/early, weekends, holidays.
• Effective supervisory skills.

Priority will be given to candidates who have/are:

• NOLS course leader with field experience at NOLS Teton Valley. 
• Demonstrate engagement with the NOLS mission, strategic plan and field curriculum.
• Familiarity and positive performance with Teton Valley and other NOLS operations.
• Experience mentoring and developing faculty.
• Demonstrate an ability to nurture and support a community.
• Available for the entirety of the summer and winter operating seasons. 
• Available to work winter and river field courses.

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.