The NOLS Patagonia Office Assistant aims to ensure the agile, organized, and friendly functioning of NOLS Patagonia's administrative operations. This role efficiently integrates accounting-financial support with admissions management and student and instructor services. Having a high level of English, both spoken and written, is essential. This position is key to guaranteeing clear processes, reliable information, and a positive experience for those who interact with NOLS, contributing directly to service quality and operational continuity.

The position is part of the administrative department, providing support related to finance, admissions, and operations. From this area, essential processes are coordinated, such as the issuance and control of accounting documents, payment tracking, student guidance, and course logistics. The person in this role acts as a point of connection between teams, supporting internal efficiency and strengthening the experience of students, instructors, and collaborators in a dynamic, collaborative, and international environment.

Key Information

What does a Office Assistant do?

The Office Assistant plays a key role in the administrative operations of NOLS Patagonia, with a strong focus on accounting and financial support, alongside admissions management and student services.

1. Accounting and Financial Support

• • Billing & Invoicing: Issue and record invoices and receipts (facturas y boletas), ensuring clear and organized information control.
  • Payment Processing: Assist in the payment and collection process for staff and instructors for services rendered, maintaining precise records.
  • Finance Support: Directly assist the Finance Supervisor with administrative tasks and department requirements.
  • Inventory & Documentation: Manage and update administrative inventories and supporting documentation associated with courses and general operations.

2. Admissions Management and Student Services

• • Inbox Management: Manage the Patagonia admissions email inbox, ensuring timely responses, proper routing of requests, and follow-up on pending cases.
  • Student Communication: Respond to inquiries from prospective and enrolled students via email, phone, voicemail, and platforms like WhatsApp—providing clear and comprehensive information about NOLS Patagonia courses and guiding interested parties toward the most suitable program.
  • Applicant Support: Accompany applicants throughout their entire admissions process, resolving doubts and facilitating their enrollment.
  • Course Admissions: Manage admissions for Spanish-language courses (CMT, CKC, CEC, CAC, NDRC) and Wilderness Medicine programs.
  • Scholarship Support: Provide administrative support to scholarship students enrolled in English-language courses and semesters.
  • Course Monitoring: Monitor course availability, manage waitlists, and propose alternatives to foster student participation and engagement.
  • Quality Assurance: Conduct constant communication follow-ups to ensure a smooth, high-quality experience.
  • Roster Management: Manage Leave No Trace (No Deje Rastro) Monitor registries.

3. General Administrative and Operational Support

• • Visa Processing: Manage administrative procedures such as work visas for international instructors.
  • Office Supplies: Purchase office supplies and keep the inventory updated.
  • Field Course Prep: Prepare documentation folders for field courses and log paperwork into archiving systems.
  • Certificates: Print diplomas upon course completion.
  • Logistical Coordination: Coordinate logistical reservations (hotels, transfers, medical appointments) for instructors and students when necessary.
  • Staff Support: Assist instructors and the team with administrative requests (printing, materials, inquiries).
  • Events: Organize internal celebrations and campus events.
  • Collaboration: Maintain effective and collaborative communication with different teams and departments.
  • Other Duties: Execute other related tasks based on departmental needs and supervisory guidelines.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Financial Processes: Familiarize oneself with basic accounting processes: issuing invoices/receipts (facturas/boletas), bookkeeping, and document control.
• Payment Tracking: Assist in recording and tracking payments to instructors and staff, ensuring order and clarity of information.
• Admissions & Communication: Learn to manage the admissions email, office phone, and WhatsApp, answering simple inquiries and routing cases as appropriate.
• Course Knowledge: Gain in-depth knowledge of the course offerings to properly guide prospective students.
• Admissions Support: Assist in managing applications and following up on students enrolled in NOLS Patagonia Spanish-language courses during the admissions process.
• Inventory & Records: Update administrative inventories and organize supporting documentation for courses and operations.
• Office Supplies: Inventory and update all office materials and supplies.
• Visa Assistance: Assist instructors with temporary work visa procedures.
• Team Support: Provide basic administrative support to the team (minor purchases, printing materials, preparing folders).
• Logistics Coordination: Coordinate simple logistical tasks (reservations, materials, diplomas) and actively collaborate with different teams.

What makes a great Office 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.

• Education: We are seeking someone with a mid-level or higher technical degree in fields such as Tourism, Administration (accounting and financial), Logistics, Secretarial Studies, Public Administration, or other related disciplines.
• Language Skills: An upper-intermediate level of English, both spoken and written, is essential to effectively interact with students, instructors, and our international team.
• Technical & Admin Skills: The candidate must possess solid knowledge of accounting and administrative processes, along with a high level of organization and attention to detail. Additionally, an upper-intermediate proficiency in computer tools is expected, particularly Excel, Word, and Microsoft 365.
• Interpersonal Skills: Beyond technical skills, we deeply value personal competencies. We are looking for someone responsible, punctual, respectful, and open to working with people of various ages, nationalities, and cultures, promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Flexibility: The role requires flexibility and a willingness to perform varied tasks, ranging from administrative duties to practical support—such as organizing and maintaining workspace areas—as well as directly assisting students and instructors.
• Proactivity: We expect a proactive attitude, with the initiative to identify needs, autonomously manage daily tasks, and propose improvements, new projects, and challenges within the role.
• Availability: Finally, it is important to have the availability to work a 30-hour week, with variable schedules that may include holidays and weekends, adapting to the operational needs of the season, with flexibility for coordinating days off.

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 [email protected].

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. 

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected] with your request.