Jobs Title:
Outward Bound California Alpine Backpack Instructor

Post Date
10/21/2025

Expiration Date
1/1/2026

Details:
Position Description:
Bring your love for community building and adventure to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As an Alpine Backpacking Instructor, you will facilitate transformative backpacking and/or rock climbing courses with students (ages 12+) both on and off trail. Instructors work on a seasonal basis under the mentorship of Lead Instructors or Course Directors. Instructors in this program deliver a variety of courses, ranging from 5-30 days. Our programs take students into new and challenging outdoor environments while focusing on leadership, community, and personal growth.

Compensation & Schedule:
This is a seasonal, exempt position with a starting per diem wage of $142/day. All required training is paid at our training rate ($136/day).
Required training begins May 5th. New staff are expected to work until mid September. Most new staff can expect to work 60-80 days per season (including training). Interested staff may also opt into work at our Joshua Tree location (late Oct - early April).Our pay scale is based on skills and experience. Consideration for a higher position or attending an alternative training can be taken into account on a case by case basis depending on the criteria that you meet. We can discuss this more during the interview and hiring process.

Benefits:
Room and board provided while on contract
Pro deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
Professional development funds
Eligible to enroll in 401k after 1 year from your start date
Access to our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family/household
56 hours (7 days) of paid sick time upon hire or at the beginning of each calendar year

Location:
This position is located at our High Sierra program base in Midpines, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills 30 miles east of Yosemite National Park. 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). Trips generally take place in off-the-beaten-path locations within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.

Qualifications:
Wilderness First Responder & CPR/AED
CA Epinephrine Auto-Injector
21 years of age or older
Experience on extended backcountry trips, for a total of at least 50-100 nights, which can be a combination of personal and professional
Comfortable navigating with map and compass on- and off-trail, while leading a group through a variety of alpine terrain and environmental conditions
Familiar with basic campcraft, including tarp set-up, environmental stewardship, and backcountry cooking
Experience with rock climbing and belaying, including instructing harness, helmets, and knot safety checks

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Employer:
Outward Bound California
Contact:
Han Bourne

Address:
548 Market St PMB 68876

Email:
staffing@outwardboundcalifornia.org

Website:
https://www.outwardboundcalifornia.org/connect/careers/alpine-backpacking-instructor/