High Sierra Program Manager

Position Description

Bring your love for the outdoors and community building to our High Sierra basecamp! As a Program Manager, you’ll work alongside our tight-knit admin team to support the day-to-day program management of our wilderness backpack & rock climbing programs. The Program Manager is a role model and mentor within the High Sierra community, providing daily leadership, administrative support, and management of the High Sierra basecamp and programming. Responsibilities include overseeing programs and training, supervising and mentoring staff, facilitating community building, and some administrative duties. The Program Manager reports to the High Sierra Program Director and works in collaboration with other High Sierra Program Admin Staff. 

Compensation & Schedule

• This is an exempt, seasonal salaried position of approximately 6 months of full-time work, tentatively scheduled April 1st – October 5th, 2025
• Monthly salary range starting from $3,500 – $3,900, depending on experience

Benefits

• Rustic housing is provided with access to communal bathrooms and kitchen. Food is also provided during the season.
• OBCA offers health insurance with employer contribution, PTO, long-term disability and life insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Plan, and 401(k) plan enrollment (with 3% employer match) after 1 year from start date.
• Pro Deal, the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates.

Location

Our High Sierra base in Midpines, California, 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park. High summer temperatures can reach 80-100+ degrees Fahrenheit. The basecamp has a main building with an office, program gear sheds, a commercial kitchen, and weatherport living quarters (durable fabric structures). Trips generally take place in off-the-beaten-path locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Who We Are

We are Outward Bound California (OBCA). Through challenging outdoor experiences, we teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, confidence, and compassion. We offer a wide range of programs, including high/low ropes activities at our San Francisco Challenge Course and multi-day rock climbing/backpacking trips in the High Sierra or Joshua Tree. Our programs help our participants (ages 12+, including adults and veterans) embrace challenges and reflect on how they want to contribute to their communities and the world. 

We are a part of the Outward Bound USA network with a 60-year history in the US as a leading provider of outdoor education. OBCA is a non-profit and is committed to increasing access for those who have traditionally been excluded from outdoor spaces. We work towards this goal with our 40 community partners and by offering scholarships to more than half of our students. Keep learning more about us here. 

Equity and Inclusion Statement

OBCA strives to create an equitable and inclusive culture where all staff members feel respected for their identities and lived experiences. We work to build a culture where we are always learning and growing toward a vision for equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities with whom we work and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

Who You Are

Outward Bound California does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here. If you have 75% of the following qualifications, we encourage you to submit an application.  

Knowledge & Skills

• Passionate about Outward Bound’s mission, programs, and course activities.
• Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors and can mentor staff in this topic.
• Proficient with computer systems, primarily G Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar).
• Proficient in backpacking in alpine environments.

Education & Work Experience

• Experience with Outward Bound or other wilderness expeditionary programs (NOLS multi-day course or equivalent).
• Have 3-5 years’ experience in the outdoor education/experiential learning field, a Bachelor’s degree and/or or any similar combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

• Able to participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity, including but not limited to backpacking, including lifting  a minimum of 40 lbs, and able to carry pack weight of up to 60 lbs.
• Comfortable sitting or standing at a desk or computer 80% of time or greater.

Required Current Licenses & Certifications (by Start Date)

• Wilderness First Responder, CPR and CA Epinephrine certifications.
• Have had a valid US or Canadian driver’s license for at least five years

Onboarding Requirements (by Start Date)

• Because we work with youth, staff must be willing to authorize a federal & Live Scan background check, MVR check, and provide current (within the last 4 years) negative TB screen or test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA).

Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• In coordination with the High Sierra Program Team, support all facility needs, including basecamp opening and closing, general maintenance, and community gatherings.
• Be a mentor and role model of best practices in the community and workplace at all times.
• Oversee staff mentorship, promotion, and development in technical, educational, and interpersonal skills.

Safety & Risk Management

• Support in critical incident responses and on-call system, which may require after work hours and could happen during scheduled time off.
• Ensure accurate and complete incident reporting for all courses.
• In coordination with the Program Team, create the content and delivery methods for safety briefings.
• Uphold Outward Bound’s zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect as protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority

Administrative Duties

• Coordinate the collection, completion, and filing of all course paperwork—update forms as needed.
• Ensure proper recording of financial transactions, including gear store and petty cash.
• In coordination with the Program Team, fulfill program oversight duties throughout the season, such as maintenance and tracking of course materials

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.