Resident Rock Site Manager

Position Description 

The Resident Rock Site Manager is a per diem position for the Outward Bound California (OBCA) High Sierra program during the summer season. The Resident Rock Site Manager works with the admin team to provide daily leadership, support and management of the technical based programming. Responsibilities include course supervision and ensuring quality training, programming, staff development, gear and equipment maintenance and development of OBCAs climbing elements. The Resident Rock Site Manager reports to the High Sierra Program Director.

Compensation & Schedule

• Per diem rate is $162-222, depending on experience. Training rate is $136/day.
• Schedule will be set in advance of the season with approximately 16-22 days of work/month
• Site Manage/Facilitate Climbing Training: May 3-25
• Program Site Management: approx 14 days per month
• (For qualified candidates) On-Call/Admin Support: approx 3-6 days per month
• Staff Professional Development facilitation: approx 2 days per month
• This is an exempt, seasonal position, approximately 3.5 months. (tentatively scheduled April 24 – August 10) with option to return for Joshua Tree season (mid October – early April)

Benefits

• Room and board provided while on contract
• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Professional development funds
• 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
• 56 hours (7 days) of paid sick time upon hire or at the beginning of each calendar year

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.

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 exclusion and oppression 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.

Outdoor Experience

• Minimum of 3 years professional climbing experience (guiding and/or outdoor education education) in addition to personal climbing experience
• Experienced in alpine backpacking, off-trail navigation with map/compass, and managing 4th and 5th class terrain
• Preferred prior experience with Outward Bound, NOLS, or other multi-day wilderness/backcountry climbing/backpacking program

Required Certifications

• Minimum technical certification of AMGA SPI. More advanced qualification preferred.
• Current WFR, CPR, CA Epi certification
• Have held a current United States Driver License for at least three years & maintain driving record in accordance with OBCA Driver Criteria

Leadership

• Able to accurately assess staff in climbing technical skills and teach to a variety of learners
• Able to deliver high quality verbal and written feedback
• Excellent leadership, organizational skills and attention to detail
• 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

Risk Management

• Evaluate sites appropriately and manage risk to self, staff, students
• Anticipates and manages the hazards of a climbing site in both familiar and novel conditions

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to running, backpacking and climbing
• Ability to lift, move, and carry a minimum of 40 lbs.
• Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment, and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under periods of stress.

Onboarding Requirements 

• Because we work with you, staff must be willing to authorize a federal & Live Scan background check, MVR check, 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)

Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Deliver climbing instructional days on course as the Site Manager (approx. 14 days per month)
• Implement professional development opportunities for staff interested in being checked off as a Belay Monitor or Site Manager (2 days per month)
• Assess all OBCA technical climbing gear for safety, identify when gear should be retired, and coordinate gear purchases with the Program Director as necessary.
• Inspect all staff members’ personal gear for safety, and communicate to staff what personal gear they may/may not bring.
• If qualified, share on-call responsibilities and incident command with the management team, which may occur during after work hours (approx. 3-6 days per month)
• Oversee gear inspection procedures, retirement guidelines, and appropriate use throughout the season
• Monitor incident reporting for climbing programs & provide relevant recommendations for Safety Briefs
• Assist in coordination of & provide driving support for early departures as needed
• Uphold and follow Outward Bound California policies and procedures, including 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
• Provide support in additional tasks as needed

Site Management Responsibilities

• Aware of all pertinent policies and procedures, and will reiterate those to belay monitors, instructors, and students as necessary

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.