Outdoor Staff

As a leading organization in the field of experiential education, our instructors are accomplished outdoor educators. They are experienced and trained in facilitation and technical skills. Outward Bound California offers programs in both urban and remote backcountry areas, demanding highly talented staff to work with individuals and groups in a variety of environments. Our goal is to employ a group of staff who are representative of the populations with whom we work. We are seeking people who are invested in the growth and development of individuals, groups and communities.

Our Challenge Course Instructors and Alpine Backpacking Instructors have extensive experience and training in interpersonal, technical, risk management, and educational skills. What we do is no less than life-changing for many of our students, and our instructional staff is the driving force behind this experience.

Our Logistics Team supports expeditions and programs from behind the scenes. Without Logistics Coordinators (LC's), our courses would not be possible. LC’s contribute to the student experience with strong operational, organizational, and communication skills.

Our  Challenge Course Apprentices and High Sierra Program Interns are excited and eager to contribute to OBCA’s mission. They receive training and development as they begin their careers in outdoor education. With hands-on experience, they gain the technical and facilitation skills to become an Instructor or Logistics Coordinator.

Check our Administrative Positions for additional opportunities!

What do I need to include in my application?

All applications require a resume. A cover letter is optional for most of our Outdoor & Program positions. You can expect some short answer questions instead! Please check each application for the specifics.

A Technical Experience Log is required for all High Sierra Instructor and Intern applications.

An ACCT Portfolio is required for all Challenge Course Lead Instructor & Site Manager applications.

What is does the hiring timeline look like?

BAY AREA

Hiring Season: Applications open in the Fall and close mid-November (or when positions are filled)

Training Begins: mid-January

 
HIGH SIERRA

Hiring Season: Applications open in the Fall and close early January (or when positions are filled)

Training Begins: first week of May

*Occasionally we will hire staff and offer training in other seasons as needed. Applications are accepted only for open positions.

Does OBCA consider international applicants?

Most years we have a limited number of J-1 visas for our Alpine Backpacking Instructor and/or Challenge Course Site Manager positions. The roles of Apprentices, Interns, Logistics Coordinators, and any full-time positions do not meet the requirements for the J-1 visa so unfortunately, we cannot consider international applicants for those positions. 

I'm having trouble accessing the application and/or have more questions!

Please email [email protected] with questions regarding the application or the hiring process.

 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.