The Program Manager & Head Climber (PMHC) is integral to the High Sierra Management Team and overall day-to-day wilderness program management. The PMHC is a role model and mentor within the High Sierra community, providing daily leadership, administrative support, and management of the High Sierra basecamp and programming. Responsibilities include: course supervision; oversight of technical course activities; ensuring quality training, programming, and community building; and some business management. The PHMC reports to the High Sierra Program Director (PD) and works in collaboration with other High Sierra Program Managers. This opportunity is perfect for the individual looking to work at a mission-driven organization within a tight-knit team and community during peak program season!

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.  

Knowledge & Skills

• Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities.
• A strong leader with excellent organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and flexible with an innate sense of initiative, follow-through, and commitment.
• Works both independently and cooperatively as a team member, prioritizing and moving forward on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with an ability to give and receive both positive and constructive feedback.
• Holds a current WFR and CPR certification.
• Holds, or is willing to obtain, a minimum technical certification of AMGA SPI.
• Experienced in maintaining institutional rock sites.
• Proficient with Microsoft operating system (Word and Excel), Adobe, and G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar).
• Proficient in backpacking, mountaineering, and rock-climbing.
• Experienced in working with and mentoring staff around topics of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Education & Work Experience

• Experience with Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary programs (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent).
• Possesses a Bachelor’s degree and/or 4-6 years’ experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, or any similar combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

• Able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, including but not limited to running, backpacking, and mountaineering.
• Able to lift and move a minimum of 40 lbs, and able to carry pack weight of up to 60 lbs.
• Comfortable sitting or standing at a desk or computer 80% of time or greater

Bonus if You…

• Hold an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor or higher certification.

• Have direct familiarity with the Outward Bound Course Director role.
• Have previous management experience.

Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Collaborate as a member of the High Sierra Management Team to determine and fulfill program needs, goals, and strategy.
• Provide Course Director (CD) and Site Manager (SM) oversight and support. Supervise, mentor and develop CDs and SMs. Additional duties may include serving as a CD or SM for multiple courses or trainings per season.
• Directly oversee technical field trainings.
• In concert with the Associate Program Director, oversee Trainers Training and Course Director Training.
• Participate in the administration and delivery of all courses to ensure that course quality remains true to OBCA mission and educational outcomes.
• Assist APD in educational and technical training creation, curriculum, assessment and oversight.
• Directly oversee staff promotion and development in technical, educational, and interpersonal skills.
• Work with APD and Course Directors to track staff development and maintain clear structures for mentorship and professional growth.
• Create and role model professionalism at all times. 
• Uphold and follow all internal and partnering agency policies, and hold staff accountable for the same.
• In coordination with the APD, conduct both pre-season and end-of-season interviews with staff.

Safety

• Participate in the incident command and on-call system.
• Act as the local incident commander when necessary.
• Respond to field emergencies, as needed.
• Remain single point of accountability for clarification of climbing technical skill standards and the assessment/promotion process for Site Managers.
• Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for all courses.
• In coordination with the APD, create the content and delivery methods for course safety briefings and support the dissemination of quarterly safety reports and trends for all courses.
• Assess, inventory, and maintain all technical equipment, rock sites, and technical course resources.
• Track pertinent climbing industry standards and trends to inform local policy and best practices.

Site Support

• In coordination with the Management Team, support all facility needs, including basecamp opening and closing, management of students on-site, general maintenance, and community gatherings.

Business Management

• Coordinate the collection and proper filing and dissemination of all course paperwork. Ensure that course paperwork is completed with excellence.
• Update all field paperwork and assessment forms for accuracy and relevancy.
• Coordinate with local organizations on rock site use.
• Ensure proper recording of financial transactions.
• Track and disseminate petty cash, as needed

Compensation

• This is an exempt, seasonal, salaried position of approximately 6 months in length, tentatively scheduled April 6th – Oct 7th.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Room and board in a communal living situation on base provided while on contract.

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.

Benefits

• Position benefits include eligibility for Pro Deal, an opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at a discounted price; opportunity to apply for a $500 stipend of funds for professional development; enrollment in supplemental insurance coverage for accident or injury; and access to the EAP (Employee Assistance Program), free of charge for staff and their family members.