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Challenge Course Site Manager (Full-Time)

Apply	Position open until filled
Position Description	The Challenge Course Site Manager position is a mid-level instructional position, providing familiarity with Outward Bound policies, procedures, and educational framework. This individual is responsible for maintaining consistency among Insight programs, risk management oversight at the challenge course site and upholding our high quality of programs. The ideal candidate will be competent in facilitation and working with a variety of group types and ages. Insight Programs are full-day leadership experiences designed for students in grades 6-12 and adults. The Insight Programs at Outward Bound California include ropes course, ground games, and initiatives to groups of participants (i.e., schools, community organizations, companies, etc.) The Challenge Course Site Manager reports to the Insight Program Manager.
Who We Are	Outward Bound California (OBCA) is part of a national network of experiential and outdoor education programs, with a 50 year history in the US, serving over 40,000 students annually. OBCA uses unique experiences in natural settings to create social-emotional learning opportunities for our students to tap into their inherent potential as compassionate leaders and active participants in their communities. We work with students on a range of programs, from 1-day experiences on our San Francisco Challenge Course to multi-day rock climbing, backpacking and mountaineering courses ranging from 7 to 65 days long. We work with students aged 12+, including adults, educators and veterans. OBCA is deeply committed to opening up access for students and schools that have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces and programs and we do this through over 40 effective community partnerships. As a non-profit, more than 2/3 of our students receive partial or full scholarships to go on a course with us in the High Sierra, Southern California and in the Bay Area. Equity and Inclusion Statement: We believe that all people should have safe access to the outdoors and culturally relevant and responsive educational programming. OBCA is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and honored for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture where we are always learning and improving toward a vision for equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are also committed to reflecting the diverse communities with whom we work and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
Who You Are	An Educator Have prior experience in experiential, outdoor, or environmental education programs Passionate about working with youth, especially teens and middle schoolers Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors Experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds including age, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic class and members of the LGBTQ community while providing trauma informed care Understanding of institutional and systemic barriers in outdoor recreation and committed to expanding access to the outdoors for under-represented communities Comfortable giving and receiving feedback, self-aware and growth-oriented Experienced in Challenge Course Facilitation Have a minimum of 500 documented hours facilitation on challenge course programs or equivalent Experience managing a team of instructors and serving as single point of accountability Skilled in Experiential Facilitation Uses sound judgement while making decisions regarding safe and effective use of the challenge course Able to frame, facilitate, and debrief course activities in alignment with the Outward Bound mission Familiar with belaying and spotting low and high ropes course activities Additional Qualifications 21 years of age or older Able to work weekends and nontraditional hours (earlier than 9am and later than 5pm) Able to pass a federal background check, Live Scan background check and current negative TB test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA) Hold, or are willing to obtain before start date, current Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR certifications OBCA requires all field and program staff who have direct contact with our students to be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. Physical Requirements Sufficiently fit to participate in all site and course activities while maintaining ample energy, strength, and focus to aid students and instructors Able to lift and transport 20-50 pounds of gear several times a day Can be on feet most days - sometimes for up to 10 hours a day, possibly more in the case of an emergency Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season Comfortable climbing to height and efficiently moving own body to perform rescue and repair
Bonus if you…	Lived experience or experience working with communities often underrepresented in the outdoors Speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese Hold an ACCT Level II or equivalent experience
Responsibilities	Ropes Course Operation Oversee planning and facilitation of one day programs, with an eye to the big picture and safety of the program Manage a team of Instructors on course and ensure safety procedures are being followed Assess risk and make decisions in the interest of safety of staff and students Facilitate effective & thorough belay school for student belayers, and coach for a safe and effective experience Effectively supervise and monitor student and group belay, taking reasonable steps to determine if the student or group is able to perform the role safely. Responsible for ensuring daily course inspections occur, are documented, and discrepancies are elevated. Responsible for completing all course paperwork and logs are completed. Program and Educational Design Assess and mentor Instructors to support growth and development Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and an ongoing desire to work with students from diverse backgrounds in the outdoors Assess students to ensure all activities are appropriate for demonstrated experience level, desired group outcomes and social/cultural needs and sequence/adapt activities appropriately as such. Show respect and compassion for others and create an emotionally safe environment for students and staff Consistently strive to give and receive feedback with co-workers and supervisor to cultivate a reflective learning community Role models inclusive behavior and builds a positive group culture, while building rapport with students and colleagues Safety & Risk Management Adhere to all operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the staff handbook Clearly establish limits and boundaries for student behavior and independence Respond to or manage a student group in emergencies as needed and as appropriate Able to safely and efficiently perform high angle rescue in training and as needed Manage big picture and delegate responsibilities in the event of an emergency and utilize organizational communication systems Practice proper self-care and energy management while working outdoors
Benefits, Compensation and Location	Compensation & Schedule This is a full-time, hourly position, Tuesday-Saturday schedule, Mid January through early November annually Starting hourly wage is $24.91 per hour A $1500 commitment bonus will be awarded after 400hrs worked Benefits All required trainings are paid Competitive benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance with generous employer contribution, long-term disability, life insurance, and Employee Assistance Plan. Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off (PTO)( Accrue 1 hour for every 13 hrs worked), unpaid Time Off (UTO) (Accrue 1 hour for every 13 hrs worked) and paid designated holidays. Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates Highly energetic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization Access to professional development funds and recertification reimbursements Location This position is located at our Ropes Course in John McLaren Park in San Francisco. Administrative offices are located in the Presidio, a national park in San Francisco, California, just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Ropes Course.
Outward Bound California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Outward Bound California also promotes respect for all people, and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.