High Sierra Program Intern

Outward Bound California • Midpines, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The High Sierra Program Internship is a paid internship designed to increase access to outdoor-industry career pathways and lay the foundations for future work as a High Sierra Alpine Backpacking Instructor or Logistics Coordinator. Interns receive a hands-on introduction to Outward Bound California’s educational model and program operations, splitting their time between logistics support and instructional work. Approximately 1–3 weeks are spent supporting a Logistics Coordinator, and approximately 2–4 weeks are spent on backpacking and rock-climbing expeditions developing instructor skills. The internship runs approximately May 1 through August 15.

The position is based at Outward Bound California’s High Sierra program in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park. The basecamp is at approximately 2,500 feet, and summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F. The basecamp includes an office, program gear storage, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters. Trips generally take place in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

The internship includes paid training at $1,340 per month, with food and housing provided for the duration of the internship. Interns receive hands-on training in backpacking, student support, facilitation, and outdoor education program operations; access to the organization’s gear library and pro deals; a $225 travel stipend; one-on-one mentorship from a program administrator; direct program-facilitation experience under instructional staff mentorship; and access to an Employee Assistance Program for themselves and their family or household.

Requirements

• Passion for working with youth, especially teens and middle schoolers.
• Deep understanding of and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors.
• Lived experience or experience working with the organization’s target learners, including people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to model inclusive behavior, build a positive group culture, and maintain a learner’s mindset.
• Strong organization and attention to detail.
• Comfort camping and backpacking in mountain environments for extended periods.
• Ability to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment and decision-making, and assess and mitigate risk under stress.
• Ability to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, including hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing.
• Ability to lift and move at least 40 pounds and carry a pack weighing 25–35% of body weight.
• First Aid and CPR/AED certification by the start date.
• At least 21 years of age by the start date.
• Willingness to authorize a federal and Live Scan background check and provide current TB screening or test results.

Nice To Haves

• Valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license held for at least three years.
• One to two years of prior experience in educational settings, especially outdoor education programs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 2–3 weeks of training, including Expeditionary Training, Logistics Training, Student Management Training, an Equity Workshop, and All-Staff Orientation.
• Participate as a Program Intern on one or two courses, totaling 10–28 field days.
• Assist with lesson design and facilitation as determined by the instructional team.
• Assist with course technical activities, including rock climbing and backpacking, as determined by the instructional team.
• Support student health and wellbeing.
• Give and receive feedback openly.
• Work with a Logistics Coordinator to support one course, totaling 13–25 days.
• Co-facilitate course start and end processes with the Course Director, including gear and food issue, gear care, resupplies, and gear de-issue.
• Assist with vehicle maintenance and checks.
• Co-manage staff during food and gear packing in the warehouse.
• Assist with gear and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Foster community by creating and facilitating events at basecamp.
• Assist with basecamp improvements and maintenance.
• Support administrative filing and resource-management systems.
• Participate in staff-led professional development sessions on technical, education, and student-management skills.
• Follow local operating procedures, safety policies, and emergency procedures in the staff manual.
• Model sound judgment and risk management.
• Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and neglect.

Benefits

• Paid internship at $1,340 per month.
• Food and housing provided for the internship duration.
• Access to the gear library and pro deals for discounted outdoor gear purchases.
• $225 travel stipend.
• One-on-one mentorship and professional-development support.
• Employee Assistance Program for the intern and their family or household.
• Hands-on technical backpacking, student-support, facilitation, and outdoor-program skills development.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed