High Sierra Associate Program Director

Outward Bound California•Midpines, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Program Director is an integral member of the High Sierra management team, providing day-to-day wilderness program management, leadership, and administrative support at the High Sierra basecamp. The role oversees more than 45 expedition and logistical staff and supports programming, course quality, staff training, community building, safety, 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 paid at a 75% FTE rate across the year, based on full-time work during the program season and approximately 50% work during the off-season. From April 1 through September 30, the position works full-time. From October 1 through March 31, it works approximately 2.5 days per week remotely with Wi-Fi. The anticipated start date is March 1. The stated salary range is $55,700–$57,500 per year at 100% FTE, depending on experience. The position is based at Outward Bound California’s High Sierra program in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The basecamp includes an office, program gear storage, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters. Rustic housing with communal bathrooms and a kitchen is provided, and food is provided during the program season. Trips take place in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park. Outward Bound California is a nonprofit outdoor education organization that uses challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills. It is committed to increasing access to outdoor spaces, advancing equity and belonging, and creating an inclusive culture. The organization offers programs to participants ages 12 and older, including adults and veterans.

Requirements

Deep understanding of and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors, with the ability to mentor staff on the topic.
Lived experience or experience working with the organization’s target audience, including learners from diverse backgrounds.
Excellent leadership and organizational skills and attention to detail.
Flexible and self-motivated.
Knowledge of Outward Bound programs, activities, and skill requirements.
Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a team member and to give and receive affirming, developmental, and corrective feedback.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency with computers, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.
Proficiency in backpacking and rock climbing.
Outward Bound or equivalent wilderness expedition experience, such as an NOLS multi-day course.
Previous management experience.
Bachelor’s degree and/or 4–6 years of experience in outdoor education or experiential learning.
Current WFR, CPR, and California Epi Auto-Injector certifications.
Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license held for at least three years.
Ability to participate in vigorous to moderate physical activity, including running and backpacking.
Ability to lift and move at least 40 pounds and carry a pack weighing 25–35% of body weight.
Ability to stand or sit at a desk or computer for 80% or more of the time.
Ability to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment, make decisions, and assess and mitigate risk during extended periods of stress.
Willingness to authorize federal and Live Scan background checks and an MVR check, and to provide current (within the last four years) negative TB screening or test results upon hire.
Willingness to support critical incident response and on-call duties that may occur after work hours or during scheduled time off.

Nice To Haves

Experience working at the High Sierra basecamp and course areas.
Technical rock-climbing skills, if program needs require oversight of climbing programs.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the High Sierra management team to determine and fulfill program needs, goals, and strategies.
Work with the Program Director to supervise, mentor, and develop Program Managers and Course Directors.
Mentor staff and support the development and delivery of staff training and course curriculum.
Ensure course quality aligns with Outward Bound California’s mission and educational outcomes.
Coordinate the feedback system and follow-through on changes between expedition and logistical staff and the program team.
Plan community events and gatherings with the program team.
Model professionalism, uphold organizational policies, and hold staff accountable for following them.
Ensure staff know and follow Forest Service, National Park, and other land-management policies and procedures.
Conduct and oversee staff development, including pre-season and end-of-season staff interviews.
Oversee or delegate program details, including service-project scheduling and revisions to instructor resources and inventory.
Support the Logistics Manager in maintaining program quality and safety for resources and vehicles, including coordinating charter vehicles, field technology, and horse packers.
Support critical incident responses and the on-call system, which may involve after-hours work or scheduled time off; serve as local Incident Commander when needed.
Ensure course incident reports are accurate and complete.
Develop course safety briefing content and delivery methods with the Program Director.
Work with the Director of Programs and Safety to review and revise local policies and procedures and develop emergency response protocols, revisions, and drills.
If technical rock-climbing skills and program needs support it, oversee climbing programs.
Uphold the zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and neglect and protect minor students from abuse and neglect.
Identify workplace safety hazards and address them promptly when qualified; promote safe work practices and prompt hazard reporting.
Support students on site when needed and oversee early departures.
Coordinate student transportation with the Logistics Manager and logistics department.
Participate in basecamp setup and takedown, daily community meetings, and chores.
Ensure facilities are maintained in the best possible condition.
Coordinate the collection, filing, and dissemination of course paperwork and ensure it is completed to a high standard.
Update field paperwork and assessment forms for accuracy and relevance.
Manage OBCA-branded course materials with other team members.
Conduct supervisory visits to field operation sites as needed.
Document and update procedures and manuals to support effective delivery of the organization’s mission and outcomes.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

Rustic housing with access to communal bathrooms and a kitchen.
Food provided during the program season.
Health insurance with an employer contribution.
Up to 20 days of paid time off.
11 annual holidays.
Long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Accident insurance.
Health or Flexible Spending Account.
Employee Assistance Plan, available after 30 days of full-time employment.
401(k) plan enrollment available one year after the start date.
Recertification reimbursement and paid training time for required certifications such as WFR and first aid training.
Pro Deals offering discounted outdoor gear.