The High Sierra Program Internship lays the foundations for a future as an Instructor or Logistics Coordinator. Interns have a hands-on introduction to the Outward Bound educational model through the programming lens of the organization. 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. 

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. Under the mentorship of our instructional staff, you will gain direct experience facilitating programs with students. The remainder of your contract will be spent building community, gaining professional development, and supporting program administrative needs. Interns are paired with a Program Administrator who will offer mentorship and help you to align your development within the internship framework.

Compensation & Schedule

• $1,240/month
• Room and board provided 
• Internship tentatively starts early May through mid-August, with an expectation of about 22 work days/month

Benefits

• Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
• Eligible to enroll in 401k after 1 year from your start date
• Professional Development: can apply for professional development funds
• 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

 Outward Bound California (OBCA) is a non-profit that uses challenging experiences in outdoor settings to create social-emotional learning opportunities for our students. We are a part of the Outward Bound USA network of outdoor education programs, with a 50-year history in the US, serving over 40,000 students annually. 

We offer a wide range of programs, from 1-day experiences on our San Francisco Challenge Course to multi-day rock climbing and backpacking courses in the High Sierra and Joshua Tree. We work with students aged 12+ (including adults & veterans). OBCA is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We do this, in part, through our 40+ community partnerships and by offering partial or full scholarships to over 2/3 of our students.

Check out what our staff and students have to say about our High Sierra programs in this video.

Equity and Inclusion Statement

OBCA strives to create an equitable and inclusive culture where all staff members feel respected for their identities and lived experiences. We work to build a culture where we are always learning and growing toward a vision for equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities with whom we work and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women 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)
• Current (within the last 4 years) TB screening or test results (cost paid for 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
• A current Wilderness First Responder certification
• Comfort driving large vehicles and/or trailers up to 12 feet in length

ResponsibilitiesParticipate in Trainings 

• Backcountry Travel Training (4-5 days)
• Attend Logistics Training (10 days)
• Student Management Training, Equity Workshop, and All-Staff Orientation (3 days)
• 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.