High Sierra Associate Program Director

Description

• Application closes January 15 
• Include a resume and cover letter in your application
• There will be one equity based short answer question in the application

The Associate Program Director is an integral part of the High Sierra management team and overall day-to-day wilderness program management. The Associate Program Director works to provide daily leadership, administrative support and management of the High Sierra basecamp, oversight of our 45+ expedition and logistical staff, and associated programming. Responsibilities include course supervision and ensuring quality training, programming, community building and some aspects of business management. The Associate Program Director reports to the High Sierra Program Director.

• This is an exempt, full-time, salaried position
• Salary range is $55700 - $57,500/year full time equivalent, depending on experience. The Associate Program Director is paid at a 75% FTE rate across the year (based on 100% work during the program season and 50% off-season)
• During the program season (April 1 - Sept 30th), this position works full-time. During our off season (Oct 1 - March 31), this position works approx. 2.5 days/week, remote with Wi-Fi
• The anticipated start date is March 1st.

• Rustic housing is provided with access to communal bathrooms and kitchen. Food is also provided during the program season.
• OBCA offers health insurance with employer contribution, up to 20 days PTO & 11 annual holidays, long-term disability and life insurance, Accident insurance, Health or Flexible Spending Account, and an Employee Assistance Plan, available after 30 days of full-time employment.
• 401(k) plan enrollment is available 1 year from start date.
• Required certifications (ex. WFR/First Aid Training) are eligible for recertification reimbursement and paid training time
• Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates).

This position is located at our High Sierra program in Midpines, California. The basecamp is in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park, at an elevation of about 2500’. 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 a variety of locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassionate communication. 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 65-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.

Requirements

Outward Bound California acknowledges BIPOC folks, trans and non-binary folks, and women may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet all of the qualifications listed in a job description. Your skills, experience, and education can come from personal interests, self-directed learning, community roles, and life experiences. We strongly encourage you to apply if you are interested in the position, even if you do not believe that you meet all of the qualifications.

• Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff on this topic.
• Lived experience or experience working with our target audience of learners, including individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our students and staff are of many different ages, racial groups, ethnic groups, socioeconomic classes, and include members of the LGBTQ+ community, to name a few.
• Excellent leadership, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible and self-motivated.
• Knowledge of Outward Bound programs, activities and skill requirements.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively as a team member and to give and receive affirming, developmental, and corrective feedback.
• Able to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Proficient computer user with experience in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Proficient in backpacking and rock-climbing.

• Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary experience (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent) is required.
• Previous management experience is required.
• Bachelor degree and/or 4-6 years’ experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field is required.
• Experience working at the High Sierra basecamp and course areas is preferred.

• Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity including but not limited to running and backpacking.
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 40 lbs, and able to carry pack weight of 25-35% of body weight.
• Standing or sitting at a desk or computer 80% of time or greater.
• Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress.

• Current WFR/CPR/CA Epi Auto-Injector certification. 
• Have had a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least 3 years.

• 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).

• Collaborate as a member of the High Sierra management team to determine and fulfill program needs, goals and strategies.
• In collaboration with the Program Director, supervise, mentor and develop Program Managers and Course Directors. Additional duties include mentorship, development, and implementation of staff training & course curriculum.
• Ensure that course quality remains true to OBCA mission and educational outcomes. 
• Coordinate and ensure follow-through of the feedback system and implementation of change between the expedition and logistical staff and program team.
• In coordination with the program team, plan community events and gatherings.
• Create and role model professionalism at all times. Uphold and follow all policies. Hold staff accountable for the same.
• Ensure that all Forest Service, National Park and other land management policies and procedures are known and followed by staff. In coordination with the program team, conduct and oversee staff development including both pre-season and end of season interviews with staff.
• Oversee and/or delegate some programmatic details including scheduling service projects and revising instructor resources and inventory.
• Support the Logistics Manager in ensuring program quality and safety in all program resources and vehicles, including scheduling charter vehicles, managing field technology, and scheduling horse packers.
• Additional duties as assigned.

• Support in critical incident responses & on-call system, which may require after work hours and happen during scheduled time off. There are times where the Associate Program Director will be the local Incident Commander in case of emergency.
• Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for courses.
• In coordination with the Program Director, create the content and delivery methods for course safety briefings.
• In conjunction with the Director of Programs and Safety, review and revise local policies and procedures and play an active role in developing Emergency Response protocols, revisions and drills.
• If the applicant has technical rock climbing skills and program needs dictate, they may take on oversight of our climbing programs.
• Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.
• Identify and report any workplace safety hazards and if qualified address promptly.
• Promote best practices related to workplace health and safety by encouraging staff only to perform work they are trained to do and to report hazards promptly.

• In coordination with the management team, support on site students when needed and oversee supervision and coordination of early departures.
• Coordinate student transports with the Logistics Manager & logistics department.
• Participate in basecamp set-up and take-down. Participate in daily community meetings and chores. Ensure that all facilities are kept at the highest possible condition.

• Coordinate the collection and proper filing and dissemination of course paperwork. Ensure that course paperwork is completed with excellence.
• Update all field paperwork and assessment forms for accuracy and relevancy.
• In conjunction with the other team members, manage all OBCA logo’d course materials.
• Conduct supervisory visits to field operation sites as needed.
• Document and update procedures and manuals to ensure effective delivery of OBCA mission and outcomes.
• Participate in other duties as assigned.

Outward Bound California recognizes that people holding certain identities often face barriers to access the training and skills in the job description. We encourage folks to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed above.

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.