The High Sierra Instructor (I) carries out the mission of Outward Bound with students in the field. Instructors work on a seasonal basis under the direct supervision of Lead Instructors or Course Directors. They supervise, teach, and facilitate meaningful experiences for students in the field throughout the course. High Sierra courses include backpacking, rock climbing, and/or mountaineering activities. Instructors in the High Sierra program deliver a variety of engaging programs, ranging from 5-65 days. These programs and expeditions focus on leadership, service, and character development, and take students into new and challenging outdoor environments.

Who You Are…

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 individuals from diverse backgrounds including age, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic class and members of the LGBTQ community 
• Role models inclusive behavior and build a positive group culture, while building rapport with students and colleagues
• Able to frame, facilitate, and debrief course activities in alignment with the Outward Bound mission
• Able to create lesson plans and curriculum to safely and effectively transfer responsibility to students

A Backpacker

• Experience on extended backcountry trips minimum of 50-100 nights which can be a combination of personal and professional
• Comfortable navigating with map and compass on- and off-trail, while leading a group through a variety of alpine terrain and environmental conditions
• Familiar with basic campcraft, including tarp set-up, Leave No Trace principles, and use of MSR Whisperlite stoves
• Practice proper self-care and energy management while in the backcountry for extended periods of time

A Rock Climber

• Experience with rock climbing, comfort instructing harness, helmets, knots 
• Able to instruct and demonstrate belaying and rappelling techniques
• Willingness to work towards rock site manager level in second year of employment through OBCA sponsored trainings and mentorship 

Physical & Mental 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 carry pack weights of up to 60-70 pounds
• In the case of an emergency able to move over terrain at a speed of 3+ miles an hour 
• Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress

Also…

• 21 years of age or older
• Hold current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications 
• Willing to authorize a federal background check, Live Scan background check, and provide current negative TB test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
• Epinephrine Auto-Injector, and California Food Handler certifications upon hire

 
Bonus if you…
Preferred but not required rock climbing skills:

• Are an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)
• Able to place protection and build multi-directional anchors using artificial and natural protection
• Lead climb placing traditional protection at a 5.6 grade level or higher 
• Have additional technical mountaineering skills: You can assess hazards and choose appropriate route option on 4th class terrain, you can assess and determine appropriate site for fixed line use, and you are familiar with basic snow travel, self-arrest, and group management on steep snow

Responsibilities    

• Assist in course planning, including development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization and packing
• Assist in the design and facilitation of programming in line with the Outward Bound mission
• Manage student group in emergencies, or in the Lead Instructor’s absence, and adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures outlined in the staff manual
• Consistently strive to give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor
• Use appropriate language and behavior while acting as a role model for students
• Locate and use communication systems in the event of an emergency
• Participate in all required trainings

Compensation & Schedule

• This is a Seasonal, Exempt position
• Starting Per Diem wage is $120/day
• Room and board provided while on contract
• Training begins during the second week of May. Work availability through mid to late August, with potential to extend into September

Benefits

• All required trainings are paid
• Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates
• Professional development funds
• Opportunity to enroll in supplemental, subsidized accident/injury insurance coverage
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free of charge for staff and family members
• Highly energetic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization

Location

This position is located at our High Sierra program base in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park
The basecamp has a main building with office, warehouse, and commercial kitchen.  Other buildings throughout include administrative and field staff housing and communal areas