Application open until filled. Priority for applications received by November 20. No Cover Letter required. See our website to apply and read the full job description.

Position Description
Ever dreamed of a career in the outdoors? Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people? Break away from the conventional workday and kickstart your career in experiential education with our 12-week Challenge Course Apprenticeship. This program serves People of Color and members of communities not historically represented in the outdoor education field. 

We will teach you everything you need to know to become an experiential educator and ropes course facilitator at our Challenge Course in McLaren Park, San Francisco. Under the mentorship of our staff, you’ll learn how to tie knots, belay students, facilitate teamwork-building games, and safely run high and low ropes elements, all while making a positive impact on Bay Area youth. After successfully completing the Apprenticeship, you’ll have all the skills and experience you’ll need to be promoted to an Instructor. As a bonus, you’ll receive $80 to put toward a First Aid course.

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting hourly wage is $21/hr
• This is a 12-week, part-time, non-exempt, hourly position, typically 2.5-3 days a week (~20 hrs/week). There are opportunities to promote to Instructor directly after completion of the apprenticeship (dependent on developing required skills) and continue work throughout the season. 
• Paid Training: 8 hrs/day Mon-Fri, Jan 27 – Feb 7, 2025 
• Staff meet for a half day on Tuesdays. Student programs run Wednesday-Saturday, 8am-4pm.

Benefits

• $80 reimbursement for First Aid certification
• Paid Sick Time (72 hrs)
• 401K (with employer match) after 1-year of employment
• Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates) 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program  (free access to Mental Health Counseling,
• Legal/Financial Resources, Work/Life Resources, and Life Coaching)
• Access to professional development funds, youth development training, and recertification reimbursements

Location
Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Challenge Course in southeast San Francisco
 

Who We Are
At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, confidence, and compassion. At the Challenge Course, we offer 1-day experiences for students aged 12+, including adults. We serve a variety of participant groups including schools, community organizations, and companies. To learn more about our course elements, check out the video tour. 

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. Keep learning more about us here.

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.  

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Sufficiently fit to participate in all course activities while maintaining ample energy, strength, and focus to aid students and instructors
• Able to lift and transport 20-50 pounds of gear several times a day
• Can be on feet most days – sometimes for up to 8 hours a day
• Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
• Comfortable climbing to height 

Requirements (by Start Date)

• 19 years old or older
• Able to work Tuesdays and nontraditional hours (most programs run from 8am-4pm)
• 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)
• 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.