Challenge Course Apprenticeship

1 week ago

San Francisco, United States Outward Bound California Full time

Application open until filled. Priority for applications received by November 20. No Cover Letter required.

Position Description

Ever dreamed of a career in the outdoors? Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people? Break away from the conventional workday and kickstart your career in experiential education with our 12-week Challenge Course Apprenticeship. This program serves People of Color and members of communities not historically represented in the outdoor education field.

We will teach you everything you need to know to become an experiential educator and ropes course facilitator at our Challenge Course in McLaren Park, San Francisco. Under the mentorship of our staff, you'll learn how to tie knots, belay students, facilitate teamwork-building games, and safely run high and low ropes elements, all while making a positive impact on Bay Area youth. After successfully completing the Apprenticeship, you'll have all the skills and experience you'll need to be promoted to an Instructor. As a bonus, you'll receive $80 to put toward a First Aid course.

Compensation & Schedule

  • Starting hourly wage is $21/hr
  • This is a 12-week, part-time, non-exempt, hourly position, typically 2.5-3 days a week (~20 hrs/week). There are opportunities to promote to Instructor directly after completion of the apprenticeship (dependent on developing required skills) and continue work throughout the season.
  • Paid Training: 8 hrs/day Mon-Fri, Jan 27 - Feb 7, 2025
  • Program Season: Monday-Sat, Feb 11 - Nov 7 2025
  • Staff meet for a half day on Monday. Student programs run Tuesday-Friday (with occasional Saturday), 8am-4pm.
  • ** If promoted to Instructor: There is an unpaid summer break of programs from June 9-13 & July 28-August 1, 2025.
  • Availability of work is dependent on the number of booked programs.
Benefits
  • $80 reimbursement for First Aid certification
  • Paid Sick Time (72 hrs)
  • 401K (with employer match) after 1-year of employment
  • Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (free access to Mental Health Counseling, Legal/Financial Resources, Work/Life Resources, and Life Coaching)
  • Access to professional development funds, youth development training, and recertification reimbursements
Location
  • Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Challenge Course in southeast San Francisco
Who We Are

At Outward Bound California (OBCA) we use outdoor experiences to teach social-emotional skills like teamwork, leadership, confidence, and compassion. At the Challenge Course, we offer 1-day experiences for students aged 12+, including adults. We serve a variety of participant groups including schools, community organizations, and companies. To learn more about our course elements, check out the video tour .

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 apply.

Qualifications
  • Passionate about working with youth, especially teens and middle schoolers
  • Have a deep understanding and personal commitment to equity and inclusion in the outdoors
  • Lived experience or experience working with communities often underrepresented in the outdoors
  • Interested in learning how to facilitate social-emotional learning
  • An effective communicator willing to give and receive feedback
  • Able to commit to 20 hours/week over 12 weeks
  • Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
Physical & Mental Requirements
  • Sufficiently fit to participate in all 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 8 hours a day
  • Comfortable working outdoors, regardless of weather or season
  • Comfortable climbing to height
Other Requirements (by Start Date)
  • 19 years old or older
  • Able to work Mondays and nontraditional hours (most programs run from 8am-4pm)
  • Willing to authorize a federal & Live Scan background check, MVR check, and provide current TB screen/test results upon hire (cost of all screening paid for or reimbursed by OBCA)
Bonus if you...
  • Are interested in continuing to work the Challenge Course as an Instructor through the end of the season
  • Have Saturday availability
  • Have prior experience with experiential, outdoor, environmental education or youth development
  • Speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese
  • Have held a valid US or Canadian driver's license for at least 3 years
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with Site Manager and Instructors to plan 1-Day challenge course program activities
  • Assist in facilitating program activities
  • Learn basics of ropes course operation: personal safety equipment, belaying participants, spotting low elements
  • Create a safe and fun experience for all students
  • Role model inclusive behavior and build rapport with students and colleagues
  • Gain knowledge around program safety and Outward Bound policies and procedures
  • Other duties and responsibilities may be added to meet Apprentice's professional goals
  • Uphold Outward Bound's zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority

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.

Salary Description

$21/hr

  • Associate Dean of Apprenticeship and Special Programs

    1 month ago

    San Jose, California, United States San Jose City College Full time

    Job SummaryThe Associate Dean of Apprenticeship and Special Programs at San Jose City College is responsible for providing overall supervision and administrative oversight for selected instructional apprenticeship programs and employment training services. This includes managing use of funds, monitoring programs for effectiveness, and ensuring adherence to...

  • Wilderness Programs Director

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States The New Orleans Jewish Community Center Full time

    Job Title: Assistant Director, Wilderness ProgramsJob Summary:The Assistant Director, Wilderness Programs is a key member of our program team, responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of our Wilderness Programs. This includes our backpacking trips, Teva (nature) or naturalist programs, Farm and Garden programs, Challenge Course (including high...

  • AI Consultant

    2 weeks ago

    San Francisco, United States Fullstack Academy Full time

    About Simplilearn:Simplilearn is the world’s #1 live online training company focused on digital skills. Founded in 2010, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Bangalore, India, and backed by the Blackstone Group, we drive talent transformation for over 500 global organizations, including Amazon, Bosch, Dell, and EY.We are disrupting the talent...

  • Transit Vehicle Mechanic

    1 month ago

    San Francisco, California, United States BARTCA Full time

    Job SummaryBARTCA is seeking a skilled Transit Vehicle Mechanic to join our team. As a key member of our Rolling Stock & Shops department, you will be responsible for performing skilled preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, primary and component repair, and modification to mechanical, electro-mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment and components...

  • Senior Producer, Programming, Computer Science, and Technology

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Brilliant Worldwide, Inc. Full time

    About BrilliantWe are a company that aims to make a world of great problem solvers. Our focus is on adults learning quantitative skills, especially in math, data, and computer science/artificial intelligence. We deliver a best-in-class interactive learning experience across web and apps.Our courses teach you what you need to know, while skipping the stuff...

  • Hardware Engineering Co-Op

    1 week ago

    San Francisco, United States Cisco Systems, Inc. Full time

    Hardware Engineering Co-Op - Wireless Product (Meraki)Co-Op term is full-time and runs from May to October of 2025Applications accepted until further notice.As the leader in cloud-managed IT, Cisco Meraki connects passionate people to their mission by simplifying the digital workplace. Our impact is driven by the innovative, purposeful, and vibrant people...

  • Gynecologic Oncologist Opportunity in Coastal Florida

    1 month ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Med Career Center, Inc Full time

    About the Position:The Regional Healthcare System is seeking a Gynecologic Oncologist to join their affiliated group. This opportunity offers a mix of inpatient and outpatient duties, with multiple office spaces available. The hospital campuses provide a strong system with more options and improved access to healthcare for the community.About the...

  • Hardware Engineering Co-Op

    2 weeks ago

    San Francisco, United States Cisco Systems Full time

    Co-Op term is full-time and runs from May to October of 2025Applications accepted until further notice.As the leader in cloud-managed IT, Cisco Meraki connects passionate people to their mission by simplifying the digital workplace. Our impact is driven by the innovative, purposeful, and vibrant people who make up our inclusive community. When technology is...

  • Hardware Engineering Co-Op

    2 weeks ago

    San Francisco, United States Cisco Systems, Inc. Full time

    Co-Op term is full-time and runs from May to October of 2025Applications accepted until further notice.As the leader in cloud-managed IT, Cisco Meraki connects passionate people to their mission by simplifying the digital workplace. Our impact is driven by the innovative, purposeful, and vibrant people who make up our inclusive community. When technology is...

  • Research Assistant

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States University of California , San Francisco Full time

    Research Assistant - Data Collection SpecialistJob SummaryThis Research Assistant - Data Collection Specialist will support a randomized controlled trial about the provision of guaranteed income and additional financial supports for low-income Black young adults in San Francisco and Oakland. The goal of this trial is to evaluate the impacts of guaranteed...

  • Perioperative Nurse Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States SCA Health Full time

    OverviewAt SCA Health, we're dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care and supporting physician specialists in their holistic approach to patient care. Our team of talented professionals works together to create value in specialty care by aligning physicians, health plans, and health systems around a common goal: delivering on the quadruple aim of...

  • Chiropractor - West Valley City, UT

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States The Joint Chiropractic Full time

    The Opportunity:As a Chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic, you will have the opportunity to deliver quality chiropractic care to patients in a supportive and dynamic environment. Our unique operating model allows you to focus on what you do best - looking after your patients - while we handle the business administration and marketing. We are committed to...

  • Sales Coordinator

    1 month ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Boldyn Networks Full time

    Unlock Your Potential in SalesAt Boldyn Networks, we're seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Sales Coordinator to join our Commercial Operations team. As a Sales Coordinator, you will play a crucial role in supporting our sales initiatives and market research efforts. Your primary responsibilities will include lead generation, data analysis, and...

  • Hardware Engineering Co-Op

    2 days ago

    San Francisco, United States Cisco Full time

    Co-Op term is full-time and runs from May to October of 2025Applications accepted until further notice.As the leader in cloud-managed IT, Cisco Meraki connects passionate people to their mission by simplifying the digital workplace. Our impact is driven by the innovative, purposeful, and vibrant people who make up our inclusive community. When technology is...

  • Insurance Customer Service Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Brown & Brown Full time

    At Brown & Brown, we're seeking a talented Agency Support Representative to join our team. This is a remote opportunity that offers a competitive hourly rate between $25.00 and $26.00.As a key member of our team, you'll be responsible for providing exceptional customer service, working with various online processing systems, and training customers on our...

  • Travel Nurse RN Operating Room

    1 month ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Supplemental Health Care Full time

    Job Title: Operating Room RNSupplemental Health Care is seeking a skilled Operating Room Registered Nurse for a 13-week travel nursing assignment in San Francisco, California.Job Description:We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Operating Room RN to provide high-quality patient care in a fast-paced hospital setting. The ideal candidate will have a...

  • Hospitalist Physician Opportunity in North Carolina

    1 month ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Med Career Center, Inc Full time

    Excellent Opportunity for a Hospitalist PhysicianWe are seeking a highly skilled Hospitalist Physician to join our established hospitalist program in North Carolina. Our hospitalist program offers a collaborative and supportive environment, with a focus on providing excellent patient care and a great work-life balance.About the Opportunity⁠ ⁠12 hour...

  • Full Stack Engineer

    7 days ago

    San Francisco, United States Storm2 Full time

    QualificationsOver 5 years of professional software engineering experience, preferably in a startup environmentProficiency in React, React Query, Typescript, and UI component developmentExperience working with a Product Designer, utilizing design systems and global componentsProficiency in NodeJS/Express, MongoDB, and AWSThrives in a fast-paced and...

  • Electromechanical Technician Apprentice

    4 weeks ago

    San Diego, California, United States San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Full time

    Electromechanical Technician ApprenticeAre you looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the transportation industry? San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers a 4-year apprenticeship program for Electromechanical Technician Apprentices. As an apprentice, you will work on the light rail system, performing preventative maintenance and safety...

  • Human Resources Director

    4 weeks ago

    San Francisco, California, United States Highgate Hotels Full time

    Job Title: Human Resources DirectorHighgate Hotels is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Human Resources Director to join our team. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing HR strategies that align with our company's goals and objectives.Key Responsibilities:Develop and implement HR policies and...