Outward Bound Adventures

We are hiring!

We have some bat-tastic news that’ll make you want to sprout into action!

We are looking for two full-time, Vegetation & Bat Inventory and Monitoring Interns through the Scientists-in-Parks (SIP) Program for February through June 2025!

Interns will work together with staff on both terrestrial vegetation and bat inventory and monitoring efforts that will help us understand the state and trajectory of the biological health of our parks.

This internship will be based out of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and will be shared with Channel Islands National Park and Cabrillo National Monument.

Position details:
-Start date: February 3, 2025
-Internship duration: 20 weeks
-Weekly stipend: $565.00
-Location: Thousand Oaks, California and Ventura, California
-Park housing will be available and provided at no cost to each intern.
-Applicant must have a valid driver's license to drive a government vehicle.
-A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.

To view all openings nationwide, including the one mentioned above, click here: https://ow.ly/orCR50RZ0kH.

Photo: NPS/Mark Mendelsohn

Image description: A Scientist-in-Parks intern (2024) sets up a bat monitoring station at a scenic overlook next to the Pacific Ocean at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C_2uE1QLa92e11zei3uhdtA5ZPBuGu_I/view?usp=sharing

✍🏾 For Black History Month, we would like to highlight one of the many legends from OBA, Leroy Criss. He was born on August 28, 1926. In his early years, he made and flew many model planes. In 1942, he volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force. Leroy was selected to be an air cadet in Tuskegee, Alabama, which means he was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were an all-black squadron during World War II. When the war ended, he was discharged and decided to come back to the 213 area and enroll in college. That is also where he met his wife, Helen Butler.

Leroy attended Los Angeles City College (LACC), where he obtained a football scholarship to the University of California, Santa Barbara. He earned bachelor’s degrees in physical education and secondary education. Later, he attended graduate school at the University of Southern California (USC). He was a flight instructor and machinist at North American Aviation before spending 37 years as a high school teacher. Leroy taught math, history, English as a second language, and special education. Leroy spent 30 years at OBA as the co-director. He taught environmental education and eco-literacy. He took cohorts out to climb Mt. Whitney, visit the California coast as well as Catalina Island, and backpacking throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Leroy was not only a teacher to diverse youth; he was a mentor and a leader to the communities he served. His legacy lives in the work that we do here at OBA and in the legendary van that is named after him. The van doesn’t only take kids out to the wilderness, but it holds generations of young people’s hopes and dreams. The van holds memories and timeless lessons that will carry on to the future leaders of tomorrow. Happy Black History Month from the OBA Family.

Highlighting Black History Month , Outward Bound Adventures proudly stands at the intersection of heritage and the great outdoors. Guiding youth to new heights, we weave stories of resilience and self-discovery in nature’s classroom. Together, we forge a legacy where every step echoes the strength of our journey.

Job Description: Program Coordinator

The Organization

Outward Bound Adventures (OBA) is a youth and human development organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in the outdoors and conservation sectors. OBA provides opportunities and support for youth and adults from underserved, overlooked and avoided populations to experience the outdoors, engage in challenging outdoor experiences, build leadership skills and self-confidence, and to make meaningful connections. We provide a continuum of opportunities – from first touches with nature and the outdoors for youth and adults who may never have been to the mountains or the ocean, to deep, longer-term wilderness opportunities. Our programs provide opportunities for youth and adults from all backgrounds to experience the joys of work and recreation outdoors, including formerly incarcerated youth and adults. We are dedicated to opening opportunities to all our participants, including offering a pipeline to outdoor and conservation careers for members of communities that have had few such opportunities.

The Position

Program Coordinators are responsible for the active and hands-on supervision of OBA programs for youth and adults. While it is expected that each Program Coordinator will take the lead on one or two program areas, all Program Coordinators will work together with one another and with Program Manager, Field Instructors and all OBA staff to ensure the highest quality programs and experiences for everyone we serve. Program Coordinators will all be cross trained to provide backup to and collaboration with each other and with Field Instructors as needed seasonally and situationally for all programs.
Program Coordinators collaborate with Program Managers and Field Instructors to continually improve OBA programs, including implementing systems of continual evaluation, feedback, and improvement.

Program Coordinators schedules will include weekends and holidays, because these are the days when most OBA programs are run.

OBA programs currently include:
- Family Programs:
o Teach me to Camp (TMTC) weekend campouts for first time campers, especially single parent/guardian families with children.
- Youth Programs. Environmental education and outdoor leadership programs for teens of diverse backgrounds, which are by far our largest programs. They include:
o Environmental Studies (ESE) activities and excursions for middle and high school aged groups from across Southern California. These include programs for middle school students as well as wilderness camping trips, backpacking adventures, and overnight stays in campgrounds and other settings for high school students.
o Youth Advisory Council (YAC) activities, work opportunities and excursions for High School students. This includes daily and weekly interactions with students at OBAs headquarters at John Muir High School in Pasadena; weekend and school vacation outdoor education and camping, and summer excursions including High Sierra backpacking trip, California and Oregon camping, river rafting and backpacking. These trips also incorporate conservation work, as well as other enrichment and education, e.g. college visits.
o Environmental Restoration Teams (ERT) for youth – short term outdoor employment/work experience opportunities for youth enrolled in YAC.
- Adult (over 18) programs including:
o Diverse Outdoor Leadership Institute (DOLI). This is OBAs signature training program for diverse adults interested in working as wilderness instructors. It is also our core training program for field instructors and entry level employees.
o Environmental Restoration Teams (ERT) outdoor work opportunities for adults (over age 18). These teams are generally composed of chronically underemployed individuals, including formerly incarcerated and members of otherwise overlooked and avoided populations.

While some OBA programs (e.g. Adult ERT; YAC lunchtime and after school activities) are primarily during regular business hours, others are evening or weekend programs, and many are 24/7 wilderness excursions on weekends and during school holidays and summer.

The OBA office is designed to be a comfortable, safe and inviting place for youth and adults. Along with all OBA staff, Program Coordinators will serve as a welcoming presence to all youth, adult crew members, alumni, friends, partners and stakeholders, and will ensure that all program staff do so as well.

Core Responsibilities:

Active, hands-on planning, scheduling, oversight, and supervision of all programs and activities, ensuring safe, rewarding and enriching programs for the participants, high quality completion of program objectives, contract obligations, curriculum, learning and other outcomes that are designed into each program. Mastering, presenting and ensuring engaging and effective delivery of the educational curriculum is a key component of this responsibility.

Participate in program and curriculum design, development, evaluation and continual improvement, in collaboration with OBA leadership and staff.

Proactive and ongoing management of program schedules, transportation, van utilization and program budgets and resource utilization to ensure highest quality programs and program-related operations. This includes active participation in initial planning, logistical planning and troubleshooting, scouting excursions through the program to post-program equipment management and maintenance to debrief and continual improvement in collaboration with Field Instructors, Program staff and as needed OBA leadership.

Be available to respond to any issues that may arise in the field or wilderness (e.g. equipment, vehicle or transportation issues; interpersonal conflict beyond the capacity of Field Instructors to manage; environmental conditions and other wilderness urgencies or emergencies).

Supervise Field Instructors (part time employees) ensuring that they;
- Have adequate, continual training and support, and for those interested, a clear pathway toward professional development promotion.
- are committed to the mission and to the philosophy of leaving no one behind, never giving up on anyone.
- Understand and comply with all policies, procedures, relevant standards and regulations relating to the outdoors/and or wilderness.
- Have the resources and knowledge they need to lead programs and trips to outdoor/wilderness locations.
- That they are an integral part of all processes, that their feedback is heard and their debriefs are adequate and that lessons learned are documented and brought forward to Program Manager

Duties:

- Lead, manage and supervise OBA programs so that they deliver rich experiences for all participants and deliver intended outcomes, including building community and trust among and between participants and instructors, build practical skills and catalyze and support personal growth, and deliver rich experiences in OBA’s seven areas of focus.
- Ensure that established field (outdoor/wilderness) and course policies, protocols and procedures are fully and effectively executed and delivered in every OBA program.
- Collaborate effectively with one another and with all OBA staff and ensure appropriate distribution of responsibilities and duties among program coordinators and all program staff.
- Lead a variety Youth and family including day hikes, daytime service learning projects, overnight car camping trips, short backpacking trips and at least one longer trip each summer such as our 9-day High Sierra wilderness backpacking expeditions.
- Participate collaboratively in implementing OBA calendar and schedule to ensure alignment of programs with available resources.
- Produce and manage programs within established budgets and schedules, utilizing available resources.
- Maintain files, budgets, documentation, photographs, etc., learning and using OBA systems to ensure easy access by authorized staff to all data and information, while maintaining the privacy of participants and staff.
- Participate in OBA outreach and participant recruitment.
- Participate in and be available to assist with resource development.
- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Personal Qualities:

Experienced outdoorsperson, camper and/or youth/human development professional with specific interest, passion and skills in some area(s) of outdoors/environmental knowledge (e.g. backpacker, loves plants, rock-climbing, camping gear utilization, birder, orienteer, and/or any aspect of nature and the outdoors)

Committed to youth – and adult - development and to working with youth and adults from underserved, overlooked and avoided populations.

Proven experience and success working with diverse populations with varying backgrounds, ages, needs, expectations and wants.

Demonstrated commitment to listening, continual growth and ongoing learning in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Belonging

Excellent interpersonal skills. Articulate, effective communicator and listener in English (proficiency in another language is a plus)

Proactive, mission directed person who commits without hesitation to the well-being and growth of OBA participants.

Team-oriented, willing and able to take on tasks, duties and responsibilities as needed, or requested or assigned by supervisor.

Well organized and detail oriented when it counts for the work.

Willing and able successfully to complete required training for OBA staff and supervisors.

Holding and/or able and willing to complete, successfully, OBA provided and/or funded national certifications within 6 months including:
- OBA Diverse Outdoor Leadership Institute (DOLI)
- Wilderness First Responder
- Wilderness travel certification
- Leave No Trace Instructor
- (And/or NOLS certification)

Continual expansion of relevant skills in areas of interest that are applicable to OBA responsibilities, with the support of OBA as approved by ED.

Computer literate and able to learn and operate OBA software systems (OBA uses Google Suite, QuickBooks online, Neon-1) competently within 3 months.

Valid driver’s license, and willingness and ability to obtain a California Class B license within 6 months.

Salary
The salary for this position is $50,000 to $55,000 per year depending upon experience. This is a full time, FSLA non-exempt salaried position. Send cover letter and resume to:
[email protected] In the subject line put Program Coordinator.

Anza Borrego Springs adventure with the incredible youth from Torres Martinez Tribe! 🏜️✨ Camping under the desert stars, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and bonding around the campfire—special moments created by our amazing instructors Brandon, Lark, Fio, and Jahs’tus. Huge thanks to everyone who made our last trip of the year unforgettable! Swipe left for a glimpse of the scout, the journey, and the awe-inspiring views that stole our hearts. 🌌🔥

Embracing the great outdoors and the lessons it has to offer! 🌿📚 Muir High’s AEM Academy teamed up with OBA instructors Tia, Brandon, and Wendell for an unforgettable outdoor education experience at Wind Wolves Preserve. From exploring aquatic ecosystems at Pyramid Lake to hiking the stunning mountains, we learned, laughed, and danced under the full moon. Swipe to see our start to Spooky Season!

Our Environmental Restoration Team (ERT) members are on the frontline of fire resilience! They're training hard and learning to use Mighty Firebreaker, a groundbreaking tool in fire prevention. Keeping our community and environment safe is our top priority, and that means staying up-to-date with the latest techniques. The ERT team is setting the example for climate resilience and fire prevention🔥🌿

🔥 Join us for the Bruce Saito Wildfire Resilience Career Fair at the LA River Center on Thursday, October 19th! OBA is excited to be part of this event alongside numerous community partners. Explore career opportunities, network, and learn how we can collectively build a more resilient future. See you there! 🤝

Honoring Tongva heritage: Our OBA team, led by Executive Director Charles, joined forces with volunteers Max Yasuda, Sharon Sand, Chase Guzman, and Derek Yost, along with Levi Brewster from Arlington Gardens, to move this stunning canoe crafted by the talented L Frank Manriquez, a Tongva elder. Saturday, it ventured into the deep blue, and now it finds a peaceful resting place on Tongva land in Altadena. 🌿 Let's cherish and respect the rich traditions of our indigenous communities, and work towards encouraging Land Back of ancestral lands. 🙏

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a8a06842099009e7

Program Director - Pasadena, CA 91103 - Indeed.com Outward Bound Adventures

🌿 Welcoming Manuel to the OBA Family! 🌿

Meet Manuel, our new Maintenance and Facilities Manager who joins us from our Environmental Restoration Team (ERT). Manuel brings his passion for environmental stewardship and a wealth of experience to help us maintain and nurture the spaces where we learn, work, and grow. Let's give him a warm welcome as he steps into this exciting new role!

Take me back 😩 Beautiful views, pristine lakes, camping under the summer stars, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We miss summer already! Huge shoutout to our amazing instructors for their tireless efforts in getting youth outside and embracing the great outdoors all summer long!

New Date Coming Soon!

The 2023 OBA Alumni and Friends Picnic is getting a new date! Get ready for a fantastic gathering with old and new friends. Stay tuned for the updated date – we can't wait to see you all there!❤️

OBA family: come hang out with other OBA fam and instructors. Tuesday, May 16th, 6pm -8pm. We will have a Jamaican food truck on site with plates for purchase (vegan and veggie options available). BYOB. Please bring a picnic blanket or camp chairs. RSVP REQUIRED (link in bio).

🌿With OBA, participants explore wild places and build personal relationships with the land. Transformational Experiential Environmental Education (TEEE) empowers young people through immersive experiences that connect them with nature, develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the world around them.🌿

🌿By removing barriers and providing access to outdoor spaces, OBA is helping to diversify the outdoors and build a more equitable society. Join our community and be part of a movement that empowers the next generation to be the change they want to see in the world.🌿

📢 We're hiring! 🌲🌻 Are you passionate about changing lives through outdoor learning experiences? Outward Bound Adventures is seeking a Program Manager to coordinate our Environmental Studies Expeditions and Teach Me To Camp trips, oversee the Youth Advisory Council, and support the Diverse Outdoor Leaders Institute. If you have experience working with underserved youth and adults of color, are detail-oriented, and have strong communication skills, we want to hear from you! Click on the link below to view the full job description and apply now or share with you networks!

https://linktr.ee/outwardboundadventures

Adventuring with DOLI 23 at Oak Glen Preserve was an unforgettable experience! They learned the ins and outs of car camping, strengthened community building skills, and delved into the importance of Leave No Trace principles. But most importantly, they bonded as a group and had fun doing it! This trip was a true celebration of Black and Brown leadership in outdoor education, and we can't wait for their next DOLI campout. 🌲🌞🏕️

✨Work Opportunity ✨Come out to the Alkebu-Lan Cultural Center in Pasadena. Saturday, March 25th. 9am. Interview with OBA to join our Environmental Restoration Team!

Look at these happy faces! The 2023 DOLI cohort just wrapped up their second session, where they learned how to lead community builders and explored the history of OBA and its programs. These future DOLI instructors will all become certified in all kinds of cool stuff like Wilderness First Aid, Trauma Informed Behavioral Management, and Risk Management. They each bring unique skills and experiences to the table, making them an awesome team of future instructors. Best of all, they're all passionate about supporting BIPOC youth and sharing the joys of nature with them. Can't wait to see what adventures they have in store!

We are thrilled to announce that Jorge Cortez-Solis, our esteemed Director of Operations, has been promoted to the role of Deputy Director at OBA! Jorge has been an integral part of our organization for the last four years, and we are incredibly proud of all that he has accomplished in his time as Director of Operations.

Jorge's hard work and dedication to the OBA mission have been unparalleled. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to improving our programs and expanding our impact, and his leadership has been a driving force behind many of our successes. We are so grateful for everything he has done for OBA and our community.

In his new role as Deputy Director, Jorge will oversee the operations of the agency including human resources, development, finances, marketing, program evaluation, and strategic planning. We are excited to see the amazing things he will accomplish in this new capacity, and we are confident that he will continue to bring his expertise and passion to the organization. Please join us in congratulating Jorge on this well-deserved promotion, and in wishing him all the best in his new role. community.