Operations Director

NOLS

. Lead day-to-day operations and help set the tone for the NOLS Rocky Mountain leadership team .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeLander • Wyoming • United StatesLead💰 $53,000 - $58,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in operational planning, course management, and relationship building with land management agencies. Proven ability to lead teams, adapt to emergent situations, and execute decisions effectively in dynamic environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Operational PlanningBackcountry Expedition GuidingPermit ManagementRelationship BuildingCrisis Response

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Course Route PlanningLand-Use Permit ManagementTrip PlanningBackcountry Travel KnowledgeData Analysis

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationPrioritizationTeam CollaborationAdaptabilityDecision-Making

Tools & Technologies

Field Feedback SystemsScheduling Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Criminal Background Check

Industry Keywords

NOLS MissionEmergent IssuesCrisis ManagementGovernment Agency RelationsRocky Mountain Leadership

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead day-to-day operations and help set the tone for the NOLS Rocky Mountain leadership team
Conduct long-term operational planning for NOLS Rocky Mountain and associated campuses
Plan course routes and manage 30+ commercial land-use permits across seven western states
Maintain relationships with land management agencies
Manage permit use and distribution to retain NOLS user days
Submit pre-season paperwork and year-end use reports
Navigate permit violations and challenges
Plan and schedule courses for the upcoming season and two years into the future
Oversee direct course expenses and land-use fees
Orchestrate route planning, including coordination of re-rations
Create, analyze, and refine course routes using field faculty and student feedback
Contribute to leadership, culture-setting, and organizational decision-making
Supervise three Rocky Mountain departments
Support, assist with, and occasionally lead evacuations, emergent issues, and crisis response
Build relationships with government agencies, in-town staff, instructors, and community partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Professional-level experience instructing or guiding extended backcountry expeditions in remote environments with a variety of clients
Intimate knowledge of trip planning and backcountry travel
Specific knowledge of the Wind River Range, Utah canyons, Absarokas, and Big Horns is a plus
Excellent prioritization skills and ability to adapt to emergent demands, team support, and deadlines
Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to execute decisions with limited information
Desire to work in a close, dynamic, and collaborative team
Capability to maintain a flexible schedule, including long days, weekends, and holidays
Technological proficiency and ability to learn complicated systems quickly
Commitment to understanding and embodying NOLS' mission, values, and educational philosophy
Criminal background check required
Combined resume and cover letter submitted as one PDF document

Benefits

Comp & perks

Course discounts for employees and family
Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Flexible time off policy
Employee Assistance Program with confidential 24/7 counseling and support
NOLS participates in relevant employment verification systems