Rocky Mountain - Operations Director

The NOLS Rocky Mountain (RM) Operations Director is an essential member of the Rocky Mountain leadership team. They work to set tone and help to lead in day-to-day operations and into the future. The Operations Director is primarily responsible for long-term operational planning for the NOLS Rocky Mountain and associated campuses, including planning course routes and managing 30+ commercial land-use permits.

They also play an integral role in emergency and crisis response. They are deeply committed to the NOLS mission and values while supporting in-town teams and field faculty to facilitate positive, life-changing experiences for NOLS students. Key Information Application Deadline 1 November 2026 Target Start Date December 2026 Location Lander, WY Wage $53,000-58,000 Reports To Rocky Mountain Director Department Operations Position Type Full Time, Exempt Benefits Eligible Yes What does an Operations Director do?

Oversight of 30+ commercial use permits on public land in seven western states; responsible for maintaining NOLS’ relationship with many different land management agencies. Manage Rocky Mountain permit use and distribution to ensure retention of NOLS’ user days over time. Submit pre-season paperwork and end of year use reports to land management agencies.

Navigate permit violations and challenges as they arise. Long-term operational planning: Plan and schedule courses for the upcoming season and two years into the future for Rocky Mountain and associated campuses. Financial oversight for direct course expenses and land use fees. Route planning: Orchestrate route planning for all Rocky Mountain campuses, including coordination of re-rations.

Create, analyze, and refine course routes based on feedback from field faculty and students. Innovate and implement changes. Contribute as part of the Rocky Mountain leadership team; setting tone and shaping culture. Supervise three Rocky Mountain departments. Support, assist, and occasionally lead day-to-day needs, complex evacuations, emergent issues, and crisis response.

In your first 6 months, you will: Gain a deep understanding of NOLS, and specifically the Rocky Mountain campuses, engaging with staff, operational procedures, course and classroom offerings to ensure organizational goals are reached. Build relationships with 30+ government agencies regarding our operating permits and course areas, ensuring that government expectations are met.

Build relationships with in town staff, instructors, and community partners in service to students. Become intimately familiar with NOLS RM+ evacuation procedures and systems. What makes a great Operations Director at NOLS? We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise.

While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas. Effective supervision: Help departments meet their goals and the goals we give them; use their team effectively, challenge them to adapt to different leadership styles when necessary, help teams lead in the service of others with a growth mindset 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 with the ability to adequately adapt based on emergent demands, team support, and deadlines Ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders Propensity for executing decisions with limited information Desire to work in a close team in a dynamic and collaborative environment Capability to maintain a flexible schedule, working some long days, weekends and holidays Technological proficiency with the capacity to learn quickly, navigate complicated and sometimes antiquated systems, and have a desire for continual systems innovation Commitment to understanding and embodying NOLS' mission, values, and educational philosophy as a learning organization 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 peopleteam@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 peopleteam@nols.edu . Equal Employment Opportunity NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

All employment decisions - including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations - are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. 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. 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 peopleteam@nols.

edu with your request.