Instructing OUTWARD BOUND Courses

Our field staff come from a vast array of backgrounds, talents and experiences. They are united by a commitment to increase access to the outdoors and in their own personal growth and development of others on an individual, group and larger societal level.

Outward Bound field staff are trained to assess and approach risk as a learning tool to be managed, but not eliminated, with the goal of providing students with the opportunity to gain insights and new perspectives.

New instructional staff all start as Instructors and receive mentorship and professional development from their peers and supervisors to become Lead Instructors.

If you’re ready to apply for a field position, including Apprenticeships and Internships, visit our Careers Page.

Instruction, Facilitation, Character
We need educators who are compassionate, articulate, and invested in actively creating an inclusive outdoor industry that can convert the Outward Bound experience into a life lesson. Communication skills including active listening, giving and receiving feedback and clearly conveying expectations are important skills for instructors. Passion, confidence and humor are vital to the success of our staff.

Leadership
We are seeking educators with leadership experience with youth at other outdoor organizations and/or working with youth. Qualities we are in search of include: character, integrity, compassion, interest in personal and professional development, and an understanding of and passion for equity and inclusion.

Physical and Emotional Stamina
Applicants must be sufficiently fit to participate in all the course activities and maintain energy, strength and focus to assist students and co-instructors with physical and emotional obstacles.

General Requirements for High Sierra Staff

• 21 years or older
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR upon hire
• Up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines

Outdoor Skills
As High Sierra programming includes backpacking and/or rock climbing programming through a variety of course areas, competence in one or more of these areas is required for an instructor position. A general comfort in the outdoors and remote areas is also required for all of our Instructors. Most importantly we are looking to build on a basic foundation in outdoor judgment: the ability to make safe decisions under challenging circumstances.

General Requirements for Bay Area Staff

• 20 years or older
• First Aid & CPR
• Up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines