Job Details

The Rations Assistant 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. Rations assistants support student dietary needs, work as a small team, and maintain a clean, welcoming, organized rations department. Responsibilities include helping with rations issue and de-issue days, helping to maintain the necessary quality and quantity of rations, assisting instructorswith pre-course preparations, training others in bagging food, and participating in rations room operations such as sanitizing dishes. 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

Application Deadline

30 Janury 2026

Target Start Date

27 April 2026

Location

Alaska Campus, Palmer AK

Wage
$13 - $15 USD
Reports To

Rations Manager

Department
Rations
Position Type

FT Non-Exempt

Benefits Eligible

No

What does a Rations Assistant do?

This role works under the supervision of the Rations Manager and Assistant Manager. It includes the following activities:

• Promote a friendly, fun, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, field faculty, staff, and community members.
• Pack nutritious food for faculty and students on Alaska Field expeditions.
• Perform repetitive and detail oriented prep tasks and do dishes
• Accurately bag and divide course rations and re-rations
• Receive and put away food orders
• Facilitate rationing sessions with students and instructors
• Maintain a clean and orderly rations facility
• Assist students and instructors in the deissuing process
• Facilitate rations meetings with instructor teams
• Be prepared to help out in other departments as needed

What makes a great Rations Assistant at NOLS?

For this position, we are seeking a person who is detail oriented and works to create an inclusive learning environment for students and faculty.

• Desire to learn about bulk field rations, cooking, and field nutrition.
• Adapts quickly to changes and issues
• Enjoys detail oriented work and strives for excellence
• Ability to work self-directed, efficient, and make decisions independently
• 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 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 ...@nols.edu.

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 ...@nols.edu.

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 ...@nols.edu with your request.