Position 

Description

Are you passionate about working with youth? Open to learning how to facilitate a challenge course program? 

Apprentices gain a comprehensive, entry-level understanding of outdoor education instruction and how to teach utilizing our Challenge Course. The program serves people of color and members of communities not historically represented in the outdoor education field. For 12 weeks, you will have hands-on training working directly with students (with supervision) on our Challenge Course. Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Program, you will be prepared to promote to an Instructor level position (upon proficiency of required skills) and will receive $350 to put toward a Wilderness First Aid course. 

Who We Are

Outward Bound California (OBCA) is part of the Outward Bound USA network of outdoor education programs. OBCA uses challenging experiences in outdoor settings to create social-emotional learning opportunities for our students. 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. OBCA is deeply committed to increasing access for students and schools that have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We do this through our 40+ community partnerships and offer partial or full scholarships to over 2/3 of our students. 

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

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
• Interest in continuing to work the Challenge Course as an Instructor through the end of the season (Nov 3, 2023)
• Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
• Able to work weekends and nontraditional hours (earlier than 9am)

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 

Current Certifications & Licenses (Required by Start Date)

• First Aid & CPR/AED (must meet EMSA requirements for childcare providers [i.e. requires an in-person assessment]; please consult this list to find examples of acceptable providers or check compliance with [email protected])

Additional Requirements (Upon Hire)

• 19 years old by Jan 20, 2023
• Able to pass a federal background & Live Scan check, MVR check (if you have a driver’s license), and provide current (within the last 4 years) negative TB screen or test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
• Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination status as defined by the CDC

Bonus if you…

• 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. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority

Benefits, Compensation 

& Location

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting hourly wage is $20/hr, with opportunities to promote to Instructor directly after completion (dependent on developing required skills)
• This is a 12-week part-time program.
• This position works 2.5 days a week (~20 hours/week)
• Program operates Tuesday-Saturday, January 20, 2023 through November 3, 2023
• Paid training week begins January 20 – Feb 3, 2023 (8hrs/day)

Benefits

• $350 to put toward Wilderness First Aid certification course
• Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates
• Access to free EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Access to professional development funds and recertification reimbursements
• Access to free youth development training 

Location

Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Challenge Course in southeast San Francisco

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.