Alpine Backpacking Instructor

Position Description 

Bring your love for community building and adventure to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As an Alpine Backpacking Instructor, you will facilitate transformative backpacking and/or rock climbing courses with students (ages 12+) both on and off trail. Instructors work on a seasonal basis under the mentorship of Lead Instructors or Course Directors. Instructors in this program deliver a variety of courses, ranging from 5-30 days. Our programs take students into new and challenging outdoor environments while focusing on leadership, community, and personal growth. 

Compensation & Schedule 

• This is a seasonal, exempt position with a starting per diem wage of $138/day. All required training is paid at $132/day.
• Required training begins early May. New staff are expected to work until mid/late August. We have a smaller percentage of work through the end of September, which may be available for interested staff. Most new staff can expect to work 60-80 days per season (including training).
• Room and board 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. High summer temperatures are frequently 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, program gear storage sheds, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters (durable fabric structures). Trips generally take place in off-the-beaten-path locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Requirements

• Wilderness First Responder & CPR/AED
• CA Epinephrine Auto-Injector
• 21 years of age or older
• Because we work with youth, staff must be willing to authorize a federal & Live Scan background check and provide current TB screen/test results (cost paid or reimbursed by OBCA)
• Able to participate in all course activities while maintaining energy, strength, and focus to aid students and instructors

Qualifications

• 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, environmental stewardship, and backcountry cooking
• Lived experience or experience working with our target audience of learners, including individuals from diverse backgrounds including age, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic class, and members of the LGBTQ+ community