High Sierra Program Manager

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

Bring your love for the outdoors and community building to our High Sierra basecamp! As a Program Manager, you'll work alongside our tight-knit admin team to support the day-to-day program management of our wilderness backpack & rock climbing programs. The Program Manager is a role model and mentor within the High Sierra community, providing daily leadership, administrative support, and management of the High Sierra basecamp and programming. Responsibilities include overseeing programs and training, supervising and mentoring staff, facilitating community building, and some administrative duties. The Program Manager reports to the High Sierra Program Director and works in collaboration with other High Sierra Program Admin Staff. 

• This is an exempt, salaried position of approximately 6 months of full-time work (approximately April 1st - Sept 30th). There may be an option to work a shorter contract of 4.5 months, April 1st-August 15th.
• Monthly salary range is from $3900-$4200, depending on experience.

• 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.

• Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities.
• Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff in 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.
• Proficient computer user with experience in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Proficient in backpacking in alpine environments.

• Experience with Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary programs (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent).
• Have 3-5 years’ experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, a Bachelor’s degree and/or or any similar combination of education and experience.

• 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.
• Comfortable sitting or standing 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 periods of stress

• Wilderness First Responder, CPR and CA Epinephrine certifications.
• Have had a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least three years.
• 21 years of age or older.

• Because we work with youth, 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).

• In coordination with the High Sierra Program Team, support all facility needs, including basecamp opening and closing, general maintenance, and community gatherings.
• Be a mentor and role model of best practices in the community and workplace at all times.
• Oversee staff mentorship, promotion, and development in technical, educational, and interpersonal skills.

• Support in critical incident responses and on-call system, which may require after work hours and could happen during scheduled time off.
• Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for all courses.
• In coordination with the Program Team, create the content and delivery methods for safety briefings.
• 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.

• Coordinate the collection, completion, and filing of all course paperwork—update forms as needed. 
• Ensure proper recording of financial transactions, including gear store and petty cash.
• In coordination with the Program Team, fulfill program oversight duties throughout the season, such as maintenance and tracking of course materials.

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.