Program Supervisor

NOLS

. Supervise NOLS Alaska expedition courses in backpacking, sea kayaking, and mountaineering .

Posted 10/24/2026full-timePalmer • Alaska • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $20 - $21 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in supervising outdoor expedition courses, including backpacking, sea kayaking, and mountaineering, while effectively mentoring instructors and managing course logistics. Proficient in delivering technical skills training and ensuring adherence to NOLS' mission and values.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Active NOLS Instructor StatusField Experience in BackpackingTechnical Skills CoachingExcellent Written and Verbal CommunicationExperience Using Google Workspace

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Technical Skills TrainingCourse Logistics ManagementIncident ReportingRisk ManagementLeave No Trace PrinciplesRoute PlanningPerformance EvaluationsEmergency Field CoverageAssessment Plan DevelopmentCurriculum Contribution

Soft Skills

Feedback CommunicationDecision MakingTeam BuildingMentoringAdaptability

Tools & Technologies

Google WorkspaceNexus

Certifications & Qualifications

Criminal Background CheckLegal Working Rights

Industry Keywords

NOLS MissionExpedition SupervisionCourse Leader ExperienceField Staffing Office CollaborationEnvironmental Studies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Supervise NOLS Alaska expedition courses in backpacking, sea kayaking, and mountaineering
Prepare instructor teams through teambuilds, briefings, and debriefings
Deliver technical skills training, including river crossings, sea kayak rescue skills, and crevasse rescue
Develop assessment plans and partner with the Program Manager on assessment and Course Leader readiness conversations
Write Staff Performance Evaluations for every supervised instructor
Mentor instructors on career progression, including Course Leaders, instructors-in-training, and new and international staff
Communicate with staff, students, families, NOLS leadership, pilots, and water-taxi operators
Support the Evacuation team on complex field situations
Review and approve course logistics sheets and route plans
Attend weekly logistics meetings and communicate route or schedule changes
Track briefing and debriefing tasks for smooth course handoffs
Ensure accurate camping data and permit reporting
Complete post-course administration, including academic credit grades and incident and near-miss reports
Gather route feedback and course survey themes and contribute to curriculum, resources, and season summaries
Collaborate with Program Supervisors, Education, Risk Management, Admissions, and Field Staffing Office teams
Model and teach NOLS curriculum in leadership, risk management, Leave No Trace, and environmental studies
Drive courses between the field, campus, and airport in vans with trailers
Provide short-term emergency field coverage when approved
Complete onboarding and shadow an experienced supervisor before leading courses
Brief and debrief seven to nine courses during the first season
Recommend instructor level changes to the Field Staffing Office

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active NOLS instructor status required
Field experience in backpacking, sea kayaking, and/or mountaineering
Ability to coach technical skills to instructor teams
Excellent written and verbal communication in English
Comfort giving and receiving feedback
Ability to make sound decisions in difficult debriefs, schedule changes, and field situations with incomplete information
Ability to track logistics, paperwork, and deadlines for several courses at once
Experience using Google Workspace and Nexus
Understanding of and enthusiasm for NOLS’ mission, values, and educational goals
Willingness to work a variable schedule of 32–40 hours per week over five days, including evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak season
Criminal background check required
Legal working rights required in an eligible location
Relevant experience as a senior NOLS instructor at Course Leader level or in a similar supervisory role preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

On-site housing available for a modest fee
Course discounts for yourself and your family
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible full-time employees
Flexible time off policy
Employee Assistance Program with confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services