Join our dedicated team, creating more resilient and compassionate world through outdoor education!

We're hiring for several seasonal roles including a Kitchen Manager, Logistics Coordinators, Interns and Backpacking Instructors. Apply for all open positions here!

At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use challenging outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassionate communication. Our programs encourage our participants to embrace challenges and reflect on how they want to contribute to their communities and the world. Check out what our staff and students have to say about our High Sierra programs in this video. 

These positions are located at our High Sierra program in Midpines, California. The basecamp is in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park, at an elevation of about 2500’. High summer temperatures are frequently 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, program gear storage sheds, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters (durable fabric structures). In these roles, you will support/lead backpacking and/or rock climbing courses with youth in the High Sierra. Our programs range from 5-30+ days and generally take place in a variety of locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Training begins in early May with work through mid to late September. Compensation varies depending on position, see application link for full job descriptions.

OBCA strives to create an equitable and inclusive culture where our staff feel respected for their identities and lived experiences. We are committed to increasing access for those who have been historically excluded from outdoor spaces and are looking for team members who can actively join us in the process of furthering our vision for equity and belonging.

The Kitchen Manager has the incredibly important and appreciated role of coordinating and preparing delicious food for our (very hungry) seasonal staff! In this role you’ll manage the food needs of a large seasonal staff at our Midpines basecamp. You will plan and prepare lunch and dinner and keep breakfast items and kitchen essentials stocked. The commercial kitchen will be yours to oversee, ensuring compliance with all local and national health & serving regulations.

Our Logistics Coordinators are crucial members of our team who manage the equipment, food, and transportation for our backpacking & rock-climbing expeditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Logistics Coordinator (LC) works closely with others on the Logistics team and reports to the Associate Logistics Manager. You can read more about the “day in the life” of a Logistics Coordinator here.

The High Sierra Program Internship was created to increase access to career pathways in the outdoor industry. This internship lays the foundations for a future as a High Sierra Alpine Backpacking Instructor or Logistics Coordinator. Interns have a hands-on introduction to the Outward Bound educational model through the programming lens of the organization.

Interns have two primary roles: Logistical Intern and Instructional Intern. 1-3 weeks will be spent in the world of the Logistics Coordinator, orchestrating the logistical needs to support courses. This will help set the foundation in understanding how our programs operate. Additionally, between 2-4 weeks of your time will be spent on our backpacking/rock climbing expeditions as you develop your Instructor skill set. The internship runs approximately May 1 through August 15.

Backpacking Instructors facilitate meaningful backpacking and/or rock-climbing experiences for students aged 12+ (including adults). Responsibilities include assisting in course planning (including development of educational curricula, route planning, food and equipment organization and packing), creation of lesson plans and curriculum to transfer responsibility safely and effectively to students, and teaching/coaching students with outdoors skills and social-emotional learning skills. Training begins in early May with work through mid to late September. Programs are also run in Joshua Tree from October through April. Compensation includes $145/day plus food and housing while on contract. A qualified applicant must be 21 years of age or older, certified in WFR + CPR/AED, and have a mix of interpersonal, technical, risk management, and educational skills. We are looking for candidates who bring lived or professional experience with BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other historically underrepresented communities in outdoor education, as well as a commitment to continued learning. Ideal candidates will also have at least 30 nights in the backcountry, climbing experience, and a passion for working with youth.

Apply for all open positions here!