Position Announcement

JOB TITLE: NOLS Alaska Operations Manager

REPORTS TO: NOLS Alaska Director

JOB OBJECTIVE: To hire, train, supervise, and support the managers and staff of the rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment departments of NOLS Alaska. Work closely with the Alaska director and program manager in long-term planning and oversight for NOLS Alaska.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Knowledge of and passion for the NOLS mission and operations, and commitment to serve our students. 
  • A positive attitude, calm demeanor, and high degree of motivation, initiative, and organizational skills are required. 
  • Previous management and/or supervision experience, and the ability to improve, innovate, and implement systems.
  • Practical experience in facilities or plant maintenance, and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn about logistics and operational details of NOLS Alaska course operating areas.
  • Able to work independently and with a variety of people on a team, and communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. 
  • The position demands adaptability, along with the ability to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends or holidays, to support operations.
  • Experience with or willingness to learn Excel and Google suite and Point of Sale Inventory Management Systems (POSIM).

LEADERSHIP OR SUPERVISORY DUTIES: Hire, train, and supervise the rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment managers. As a member of the NOLS Alaska leadership team (along with director and program manager) expect to receive and give timely feedback with team members regarding performance. 

FUNDS AND/OR PROPERTY: Responsible for managing and accounting for the equipment, merchandise, facilities, rations, kitchen, and vehicle maintenance budgets. Additionally responsible for managing minor furnishings, computer supplies, operating supplies, asset budgets, and purchasing short and long-term assets. Responsible for check signing. Responsible for accurately tracking expenses and receipts, including a NOLS-issued credit card and petty cash.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Arrive to work promptly and with a clean, neat appearance.
  • Hire and train staff in the following operations departments: rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment.
  • Write contracts for all operations staff and act as a liaison with staff and HR regarding visa and paperwork requirements.
  • Provide effective supervision (clear expectations, comprehensive training, periodic individual check-ins, and growth-oriented evaluations) to ensure all operations departments operate optimally and provide an exceptional student and staff experience while at NOLS Alaska.
  • Assist NOLS Alaska director to plan operations departmental budgets.
  • Implement all operations department budgets, including rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment.
  • Plan and oversee all long-term asset projects and coordinate with contractors and subcontractors.
  • Manage the acquisition and selling of long term and short term assets. 
  • Build operations calendar and schedules for all departments.
  • Monitor Alaska’s equipment inventory requirements, the selection and ordering of equipment, and provide long-range planning in this area to the Alaska equipment manager.
  • Along with Rations Manager, oversee the NOLS rationing program (BITE), food service sanitation and the operations of a commercial kitchen (including health department regulations), and general facility maintenance.
  • Practical experience in retail management, sales, and Point of Sale Inventory Management Systems (POSIM) is helpful.
  • Along with facilities and transportation managers, plan and execute the maintenance, acquisition, cleanliness, and safety of campus and its vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
  • Along with facilities manager, coordinate and oversee all scheduled maintenance and upkeep on campus such as septic pumping, winterizing, and meeting environmental, labor, and sanitation requirements in the state of Alaska.
  • Assist caretaker with upkeep and maintenance during the off-season when possible.
  • Manage/collaborate with facilities staff to ensure that NOLS Alaska remains in clean, working condition.
  • Along with office manager, maintain and offer technical support for telephone, computer networking systems, and campus facilities at NOLS Alaska and act as the on-site liaison for information systems to provide network management and troubleshooting. 
  • Provide technical advice, equipment selection input, and planning assistance to other NOLS locations seasonally when possible.
  • Maintain good relations between NOLS Alaska and NOLS finance, purchasing, information systems, and other departments at NOLS World Headquarters.
  • Actively contribute to a positive and healthy community living environment while striving to maintain balance between work and life.
  • Help NOLS foster a strong local presence in Alaska.

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, 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.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

E-VERIFY: NOLS participates in E-verify.

MOTOR VEHICLE RECORD: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for NOLS vehicle insurance coverage. 

COVID-19 VACCINE POLICY:  All employees that work at NOLS facilities and who have regular contact with other employees and or students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their first day of work, unless they meet a medical, disability or religion exemption and a reasonable accommodation is approved. Any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) is an acceptable vaccine for the purpose of this policy. Full vaccination or an approved exemption is a condition of employment for all new employees. Employees that work remotely and do not have contact with other employees and or students are not required to be vaccinated or have an approved exemption.

WORK LOCATION: Palmer, Alaska March 1-September 30. Up to 2 months remote work opportunity between October and February. There may be some restrictions on the US states and countries from which NOLS employees can work remotely. Inquire for details.

WORK CONDITIONS:  This is a nine-month position with schedule flexibility between October and February, allowing the appropriate candidate to seek NOLS field work or other professional opportunities. From March thru September, private rustic housing is offered on-site. Meals are provided for staff between approximately May 1 and late-August. Additional kitchen and living areas are shared with other NOLS Alaska staff. Employees will be expected to follow COVID in-town mitigation practices at all times. Campus fees apply for staff living on site.

HOW TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to Chris Brauneis, NOLS Alaska Director.
Email: chris_brauneis@nols.edu
Contact: Chris Brauneis by email with questions.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: January 3, 2022.

STARTING DATE: Part-time, beginning in mid-January, 2022; full-time, on site, beginning March 1, 2022.

Thank you for your interest in NOLS. Please consider providing some optional, anonymous information by visiting this link.