Job Description

The Ration Manager 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. This role includes ordering of foods to be stocked in the rations room, interacting with the admissions department to support student dietary needs, supervising a small team, and maintaining a clean, welcoming, organized rations department. Responsibilities include organizing rations issue and de-issue days, maintaining necessary quality and quantity of rations, assisting instructors with pre-course preparations, training others in bagging food, and participating in rations room operations. 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:

• Location: NOLS Alaska campus in Palmer, Alaska
• Contract Type: Seasonal (April to August 2026)
• Start Date: April 20, 2026

Perks & Benefits: On-site housing is available for a modest fee, which includes internet, food staples, lunch, and dinner when the kitchen is open, and access to a shared staff car. Living areas are communal, and everyone pitches in with daily chores

Questions? Feel free to contact us at peopleteam@nols.edu

What does a Ration Manager do?

• Use student numbers/field days to calculate appropriate ordering quantities in the off-season
• Work with vendors to facilitate the shipping of food items to Alaska
• Use software to create rations plans for each course at the Alaska branch
• Interact with the admissions department to answer dietary questions and provide accommodations for students
• Bag food, make spice kits, etc. for field rations
• Create custom field rations for dietary restrictions
• Supervise a team in day to day prep/ration operations
• Work with instructor teams to accommodate requests and adjust ration plans
• Manage a budget and ensure that credit card bills and invoices are paid in a timely fashion
• Provide and receive ongoing, growth-oriented feedback for program and personnel

What makes a great Ration Manager at NOLS?

For this position, we are seeking a person who is detail oriented and is passionate about facilitating inclusive experiences at the branch, and in-field for students, staff, and instructors.

• Desire to learn about bulk field rations, cooking, and field nutrition.
• Possess excellent organization skills related to ordering and inventory management
• Enjoy working in a dynamic environment as course numbers, ration lengths and dietary restrictions change
• Self-motivated to work independently when needed
• Must be a team player who can work collaboratively with others, and work with the best interests of the team in mind. Work closely with the issue room manager to ensure that issue days run smoothly.
• 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 in a friendly and proactive 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.

*To learn more and to be considered for this role, please click on the following link:

Job Types: Temporary, Seasonal

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

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