We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities with whom we work and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
Position Description
Ever dreamed of a career in the outdoors? Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people? Break away from the conventional workday and kickstart your career in experiential education with our 12-week Challenge Course Apprenticeship. This program serves People of Color and members of communities not historically represented in the outdoor education field.
We will teach you everything you need to know to become an experiential educator and ropes course facilitator at our Challenge Course in McLaren Park, San Francisco. Under the mentorship of our staff, you’ll learn how to tie knots, belay students, facilitate teamwork-building games, and safely run high and low ropes elements, all while making a positive impact on Bay Area youth. After successfully completing the Apprenticeship, you’ll have all the skills and experience you'll need to be promoted to an Instructor. As a bonus, you’ll receive $80 to put toward a First Aid course.
Compensation & Schedule
Starting hourly wage is $21/hr
This is a 12-week, part-time, non-exempt, hourly position, typically 2.5-3 days a week (~20 hrs/week). There are opportunities to promote to Instructor directly after completion of the apprenticeship (dependent on developing required skills) and continue work throughout the season.
Paid Training: 8 hrs/day Mon-Fri, Jan 27 - Feb 7, 2025
Program Season: Monday-Friday, Feb 11 - Nov 7 2025
Staff meet for a half day on Monday. Student programs run Tuesday-Friday (with occasional Saturday program), 8am-4pm.
** If promoted to Instructor: There is an unpaid summer break of programs from June 9-13 & July 28-August 1, 2025.
Availability of work is dependent on the number of booked programs.
Benefits
$80 reimbursement for First Aid certification
Paid Sick Time (72 hrs)
401K (with employer match) after 1-year of employment
Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
Access to Employee Assistance Program (free access to Mental Health Counseling, Legal/Financial Resources, Work/Life Resources, and Life Coaching)
Access to professional development funds, youth development training, and recertification reimbursements
Location
Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Challenge Course in southeast San Francisco
Who We Are
At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, confidence, and compassion. At the Challenge Course, we offer 1-day experiences for students aged 12+, including adults. We serve a variety of participant groups including schools, community organizations, and companies. To learn more about our course elements, check out the video tour.
We are a part of the Outward Bound USA network with a 60-year history in the US as a leading provider of outdoor education. OBCA is a non-profit and is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We work towards this goal with our 40 community partners and by offering scholarships to more than half of our students. Keep learning more about us here.
Equity and Inclusion Statement
OBCA strives to create an equitable and inclusive culture where all staff members feel respected for their identities and lived experiences. We work to build a culture where we are always learning and growing 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 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
Outward Bound California does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here. If you have 75% of the following qualifications, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications
Passionate about working with youth, especially teens and middle schoolers
Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors
Lived experience or experience working with communities often underrepresented in the outdoors
Interested in learning how to facilitate social-emotional learning
An effective communicator willing to give and receive feedback
Able to commit to 20 hours/week over 12 weeks
Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
Physical & Mental Requirements
Sufficiently fit to participate in all 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 8 hours a day
Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
Comfortable climbing to height
Other Requirements (by Start Date)
19 years old or older
Able to work Monday (half day) and nontraditional hours (most programs run from 8am-4pm)
Willing to authorize a federal & Live Scan background check, MVR check, and provide current TB screen/test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
Bonus if you…
Are interested in continuing to work the Challenge Course as an Instructor through the end of the season
Have Saturday availability
Have prior experience with experiential, outdoor, environmental education or youth development
Speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese
Have held a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least 3 years
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Site Manager and Instructors to plan 1-Day challenge course program activities
Assist in facilitating program activities
Learn basics of ropes course operation: personal safety equipment, belaying participants, spotting low elements
Create a safe and fun experience for all students
Role model inclusive behavior and build rapport with students and colleagues
Gain knowledge around program safety and Outward Bound policies and procedures
Other duties and responsibilities may be added to meet Apprentice’s professional goals
Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect as protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority
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.
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