The objective of the Rations Assistant position is to support the NOLS Patagonia Rations Manager in all aspects of the field food (rations) operation. This includes assisting with food planning, organization, and distribution, while also helping students and instructors develop a basic understanding of bulk food planning and nutrition for expedition settings.

Key Information

Application Deadline	31 July 2026	Target Start Date	01 September 2026
Location	NOLS Patagonia, Coyhaique, Chile	Wage	$942,612 monthly gross salary (CLP)
Reports To	Rations Manager	Department	Operations
Position Type	8 months, fixed term	Benefits Eligible	Yes

What does a Rations Assistant do?

A Rations Assistant plays a key role in the daily operations of the rations department. Responsibilities include:

• Receiving and organizing food deliveries
• Assisting in the planning and preparation of rations for courses
• Supporting instructors and students during the rationing process
• Packaging and organizing bulk food for expeditions
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary rations facility
• Helping supervise students, instructors, and staff in food preparation and rationing activities
• Occasionally facilitating informational meetings about rationing processes
• Managing small amounts of petty cash and assisting with supplier relationships
• Contributing to a positive, collaborative community environment
• Perform other tasks as assigned by NOLS Rations Manager

In your first 6 months, you will:

• Learn the NOLS Patagonia rationing system and processes
• Assist in receiving, organizing, and managing food inventory
• Support ration planning and packaging for multiple courses
• Gain experience working with instructors and students during the rationing process
• Develop knowledge of bulk food systems and field nutrition
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the rations facility
• Participating in supervision and guidance of students, interns and staff in ration-related tasks

What makes a great Rations Assistant 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.

A great Rations Assistant is:

• People-oriented and able to communicate effectively with diverse groups
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently
• A strong team player with a positive attitude
• Flexible and willing to work varied hours, including weekends and holidays
• Physically capable of handling the demands of the role (lifting and carrying up to 25 kg)
• Interested in outdoor education, field nutrition, and expedition logistics
• Comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment
• Proactive, reliable, and eager to learn
• Must speak and understand intermediate English
• Must have a Class B driver's license
• Handling of Macintosh, Word and Excel

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.

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. 

NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada; Chile; India; Mexico; New Zealand; the US, states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

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.