The Bay Area Instructor (I) carries out the mission of Outward Bound with students in the field. They supervise, teach, and facilitate meaningful experiences for students throughout course. Instructors in our San Francisco Bay Area program deliver a variety of engaging programs, ranging from one to five days in length. These programs and expeditions focus on leadership, service, and character development, and take students into new and challenging outdoor environments. Instructors work on a seasonal basis under the direct supervision of Lead Instructors or Course Directors.
Who We Are
Outward Bound California is part of a national network of experiential and outdoor education programs for youth and adults. We use the inherent challenge of the wilderness and urban outdoor spaces to teach people of all ages to be compassionate leaders, serve their communities, and build character to ultimately reveal the full potential within all of us.
With a 50 year history in the US, we provide extended, expeditionary style rock climbing, backpacking, mountaineering, urban, and service courses, serving ages 12 and up, including adult and veteran programs. As a non-profit, more than 2/3 of our students receive partial or full scholarships to go on a course with us in the High Sierra, Joshua Tree and in the Bay Area.
Who You Are
An Educator with Strong Interpersonal Skills
Experienced working with youth, ages 11-18, in an educational context
Understanding of institutional and systemic barriers in outdoor recreation and committed to expanding access to the outdoors for under-represented communities
Dedicated to program delivery that is culturally responsive and relevant to participants
Clear, assertive, and effective when communicating
Comfortable giving and receiving feedback, self-aware and growth-oriented
Easily builds rapport with students and colleagues
Meet different learning-style needs by varying teaching techniques
Able to frame, facilitate, and debrief meaningful course activities in alignment with the Outward Bound mission
Skilled in the Outdoors
Comfortable in outdoor settings and with general camping and backpacking skills to a level that allows for focus on student experience
Possess a baseline understanding of map-and-compass navigation
Familiar with belaying, rappelling, and rock climbing techniques
Practice proper self-care and energy management while working outdoors for multiple days at a time
Exercise sound judgment and decision-making, assessing and mitigating risk
Additional Qualifications
21 years of age or older
Able to pass a federal background check, Live Scan background check, and provide current negative TB test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
Hold, or are willing to obtain before start date, current Wilderness First Aid, CPR, California Epinephrine Auto-Injector, and California Food Handler certifications. Wilderness First Responder certification required for promotion to Lead Instructor
Physical & Mental Requirements
Sufficiently fit to participate in all site and 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 16 hours a day, possibly more in the case of an emergency
Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
Able to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under extended periods of stress
Bonus if you…
Have prior experience with overnight trips, including expeditionary travel (Outward Bound experience preferred)
Have prior experience in team building, facilitation, and debriefing in a group setting
Have prior experience leading outdoor education programs
Are able to verbalize rock climbing management concerns and boundaries of a safe zone
Speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese
Hold a current driver's license and have at least three years of driving experience, plus a clean Motor Vehicle Record
Responsibilities
Participate in New Instructor Training
Lead and facilitate the following activities: team building initiatives, service learning, rock climbing, urban expeditions, backpacking expeditions, and basecamping programs
Assist in the design and facilitation of programs in line with the Outward Bound mission and educational framework
Develop and deliver engaging curriculum appropriate for grade levels 6-12
Clearly establish limits and boundaries for student behavior and independence
Execute successful course planning, including development of educational and technical curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization/packing
Manage a student group in emergencies and adhere to all local operating procedures, safety policies and emergency procedures outlined in the staff manual
Provide clear, effective and timely communication with the Lead Instructor, Course Director, and other staff
Role mode inclusive behavior, building and upholding positive group culture
Design lessons and course structure that acknowledge and respond to students’ lived experiences to ensure opportunities for all students to succeed.
Benefits, Compesation and Location
Compensation & Schedule
This is a seasonal, exempt position
Starting Per Diem wage is between $94 - $130/day
Food provided while on contract
Subsidized staff housing available, with food staples provided
Training begins February 13th, 2020
Benefits
Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates
Professional development funds
Opportunity to enroll in supplemental, subsidized accident/injury insurance coverage
Highly energetic and supportive work environment in a mission-driven organization
Access to EAP (Employee Assistance Program), free of charge for staff and their family members
Location
This position is located at our Bay Area program base in the Presidio, a national park in San Francisco, California, just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. The basecamp consists of two buildings with offices, warehouse and kitchen.
Outward Bound California is an equal opportunity employer and works to include diversity among its staff. Outward Bound California values the inclusion and collaboration among employees of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Outward Bound California prohibits discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law. Outward Bound California also promotes respect for all people, and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.
Sign Up for Updates
Stay informed on upcoming courses, Outward Bound California news and special offers. Please fill out the form below to receive our email newsletter.