Overview
Position Description
Come join our close-knit community of passionate outdoor educators as a challenge Course Instructor. You will facilitate day programs at our Challenge Course in McLaren Park, San Francisco with Bay Area youth (grades 6-12) and community members. You’ll plan the flow of the day, set up and break down the challenge course, and safely facilitate students through high & low ropes elements, ground games, and team-building activities. We’ll teach you how to deliver programs that instill courage, teamwork, confidence, and self-awareness in our participants. Make a difference in the Bay Area as we get folks outside and build community together!
Compensation & Schedule (Part-Time)
Starting wage is $23.11/hr with opportunities to promote to lead positions
This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly position, typically 2.5-3 days a week (~20 hrs/week)
Position dates are Jan 27 – November 7, 2025 with opportunities to return for the next year’s season
Paid Training: 8 hrs/day Mon-Fri, Jan 27 – Feb 7, 2025
Program Season: Monday-Friday, Feb 11 – Nov 7 2025. Staff meet for a half day on Mondays. Student programs run Tuesday-Friday (with occasional Saturday program), 8am-4pm.
There is also 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 (Part-Time)
Paid Time Off – Accrue 1 hour for every 13 hrs worked
Unpaid Time Off – Employees can accrue up to 80 hours of unpaid time off each year
OBCA contributes to San Francisco’s City Option Medical Reimbursement. This is a benefit within the SF City Option program. Funds in an SF MRA can be used to reimburse you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependents for eligible health care expenses.
401K (with 3% employer match) after 1-year of employment
Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates)
Free youth development training, professional development funds, and recertification reimbursements
Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP), free of charge for staff and family members
All required training is paid
Location
Most program days take place at the McLaren Park Ropes Course in southeast San Francisco
Required Skills:
Required Current Certifications & Licenses (by Start Date)
Adult/Pediatric First Aid & CPR/AED
Other Requirements (by Start Date)
20 years of age or older
Able to work Monday (half day) and nontraditional hours (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)
About Outward Bound California
Outward Bound California uses challenging outdoor experiences to 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 of outdoor education programs, 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.
