We hire on a rolling basis and encourage candidates to submit their application sooner, rather than later. Our online application officially closes on January 1st.
When Can I Expect to Hear Back?
We will be sending interview invites once applications open through December. Our first round of offer, waitlist, and decline letters can be anticipated in early December. Second round of offer, waitlist, and decline letters can be anticipated by the end of January, when all our hiring is complete.
Application closed. Summer 2025 applications will open in October 2024. Please include a Technical Experience Log with your application.
Position Description
The High Sierra Program Internship is a hands-on introduction to the Outward Bound educational model through all lenses of the organization. Interns have two primary roles: Instructional Intern and Logistics Intern. Through these roles, Interns gain a comprehensive understanding of outdoor education programming and facilitation. Between 2-4 weeks of their time will be spent in the field in an observational and mentored capacity, working directly with students. Additionally, 1-3 weeks will be spent in the world of the Logistics Coordinator, orchestrating all logistical needs to support courses. The remainder of their contract will be spent building community, gaining professional development, and supporting program administrative needs. Interns are supervised by a High Sierra Program Administrator.
Compensation & Schedule
Monthly $1,240 stipend
Room and board provided
Internship tentatively starts early May through mid-August, with an expectation of ~22 work days/month
Benefits
Additional benefits include: Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates), access to our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and family members.
Location
Our High Sierra base in Midpines, California, 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park. High summer temperatures can reach 80-100+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, program gear sheds, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters (durable fabric structures).
Who We Are
Outward Bound California (OBCA) is a non-profit that uses challenging experiences in outdoor settings to create social-emotional learning opportunities for our students. We are a part of the Outward Bound USA network of outdoor education programs, with a 50-year history in the US, serving over 40,000 students annually.
We offer a wide range of programs, from 1-day experiences on our San Francisco Challenge Course to multi-day rock climbing and backpacking courses in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree. We work with students aged 12+ (including adults & veterans). OBCA is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We do this, in part, through our 40+ community partnerships and by offering partial or full scholarships to over 2/3 of our students.
Check out what our staff and students have to say about our High Sierra programs in this video.
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
Outward Bound California does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here, and we are committed to the professional development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to submit an application for consideration.
An Educator
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 a wide variety of age groups from middle schoolers to adults from racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds different from your own
Role models inclusive behavior and builds a positive group culture
Maintains a positive attitude
Highly organized, with a strong attention to detail
An Outdoor Enthusiast
Comfortable with general camping skills and camping in mountain environments
Practices proper self-care and energy management while in the backcountry for extended periods of time
Physical Requirements
Able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, including, but not limited to hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.
Able to lift and move a minimum of 40 pounds and carry a pack weight of up to 60 pounds
Required Current Licenses & Certifications (by Start Date)
First Aid & CPR/AED (must meet EMSA requirements for childcare providers [i.e. requires an in-person assessment])
Have had a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least three years
Additional Requirements (by Start Date)
21 years of age or older (or soon turning 21 by start date)
Able to pass a federal & Live Scan background check and a MVR check (cost paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
Current (within the last 4 years) TB screening or test results (cost paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
Bonus if you have…
Outward Bound or other multi-day program wilderness expeditionary experience
1-2 years prior field experience in outdoor education programs or similar educational settings
Comfort navigating with map and compass on- and off-trail, through a variety of terrain and environmental conditions
Familiarity with basic camp craft, including tarp set-up, Leave No Trace principles, and use of MSR Whisperlite stoves
A current Wilderness First Responder certification
Comfort driving large vehicles and/or trailers up to 12 feet in length
Responsibilities
Participate in Trainings
Backcountry Travel Training (4-5 days)
Attend Logistics Training (10 days)
Student Management Training, Diversity Training, and All-Staff Orientation (3 days)
Other training and learning opportunities as they arise
Instructing Support
Participate as a Program Intern on one or two courses (10-28 field days)
Assist with lesson design and facilitation, as determined by the instructional team
Assist with technical activities on course such as rock climbing and backpacking
Support student health and wellbeing
Openly give and receive feedback
Logistics Support
Act as Logistics Coordinator for one course (13-25 days)
Facilitate, along with Course Director, course start, gear and food issue, gear care, resupplies, and course end gear de-issue
Collaborate with Course Director to plan for and meet course support needs
Assist with vehicle maintenance and checks
Manage staff during food and gear packs in the warehouse
Assist in gear and equipment maintenance and repair
Administrative Support
Foster community through the creation and facilitation of events on base
Assist with basecamp improvements and maintenance
Support administrative filing and resource management systems
Participate in staff-led professional development sessions on technical, education, and student management skills
Safety Support
Adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures as outlined in the staff manual
Role model sound judgment and risk management
Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. 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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