High Sierra Program Internship

Position Description 

The High Sierra Program Internship was created to increase access to career pathways in the outdoor industry, especially for those not historically represented in this line of work. This internship lays the foundations for a future as a High Sierra Alpine Backpacking Instructor or Logistics Coordinator. Interns have a hands-on introduction to the Outward Bound educational model through the programming lens of the organization. 

Interns have two primary roles: Logistical Intern and Instructional Intern. 1-3 weeks will be spent in the world of the Logistics Coordinator, orchestrating the logistical needs to support courses. This will help set the foundation in understanding how our programs operate. Additionally, between  2-4 weeks of your time will be spent on our backpacking/rock climbing expeditions as you develop your Instructor skill set. The internship runs from May 5 through August 15.

What the Internship Offers

• Paid Training: This is a paid internship with a rate of $1,340/month (approx 22 work days/month).
• Room and board: Food and housing is provided for the duration of the internship (May 5 through August 15)
• Hands-On Technical Skill Development: You’ll gain technical backpacking & rock climbing skills, student support & facilitation skills, and a comprehensive understanding of running outdoor education programs through both a logistical and administrative capacity.
• Gear Support: Interns will have full access to our gear library
• Travel Support: We provide a $225 stipend to offset the travel cost
• One-on-one Mentorship: Interns are paired with a program administrator who will support their career aspirations, assist with skill development, and professional development. Under the mentorship of our instructional staff, you will also gain direct experience facilitating programs with students.

Benefits

• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Eligible to enroll in 401k after 1 year from your start date
• Access to our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family/household

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). Trips generally take place in off-the-beaten-path locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

 Who We Are

At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassion. We offer a wide range of programs, including high/low ropes activities at our San Francisco Challenge Course and multi-day rock climbing/backpacking trips in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree. Our programs encourage our participants (ages 12+, including adults and veterans) to embrace challenges and reflect on how they want to contribute to their communities and the world. Check out what our staff and students have to say about our High Sierra programs in this video.

We are a part of the  Outward Bound USA network with a 60-year history in the US as a leading provider of outdoor education. OBCA is a non-profit and is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We work towards this goal with our 40 community partners and by offering scholarships to more than half of our students. 

OBCA strives to create an equitable and inclusive culture where our staff feel respected for their identities and lived experiences. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in the process of furthering our vision for equity and belonging. We recognize that the outdoor industry has historically excluded those with non-dominant identities and know that has led to underrepresentation in this line of work. We strongly encourage those who more significantly face the impacts of systemic barriers to apply.

Who You Are

Outward Bound California does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here. If you have 75% of the following qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

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
• 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
• Role models inclusive behavior, builds a positive group culture, and maintains a learner’s mindset
• Highly organized, with a strong attention to detail

An Outdoor Enthusiast

• Comfortable with camping & backpacking in mountain environments 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
• 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
• Because we work with you, 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)

Bonus if you have…

• Outward Bound or other multi-day program wilderness expeditionary experience
• 1-2 years prior 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

Responsibilities

Participate in Trainings 

• Backcountry Travel Training (4-6 days) & Logistics Training (6 days)
• Student Management Training, Equity Workshop, and All-Staff Orientation
• 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,  as determined by the instructional team
• 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 as 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.