Head of Outdoor Education

The Knox School; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours during non‑teal

Onsite Community Café with barista‑to‑

Reformer Pilates and gym facilities

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite car parking

Job summary

The Knox School invites applications for Head of Outdoor Education, a role that will shape a broad program of camps, outdoor experiences and experiential learning. You will lead, develop and monitor safety-first initiatives across multiple programs while collaborating with staff, families and external providers.

We seek an experienced outdoor education professional with strong leadership, logistics and a commitment to student development and wellbeing within our values-driven school community.

Qualifications

• Holds current VIT Registration or a current Working with Children Check.
• Holds relevant qualifications in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Education, Environmental Science or a related field, and/or equivalent industry experience.
• Holds, or be willing to obtain, appropriate first aid qualifications, including Wilderness First Aid or Remote Area First Aid.
• Has extensive experience planning, leading and participating in outdoor programs for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of the School's Outdoor Education and Camps Program, including the coordination of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, pre-camp preparation sessions, Year 3/4 Toolangi Camp, Year 7-8 Camps Program, Year 8 KEEP Program, Year 9 Arnhem Land Experience, Snow Camp, Year 10 Camp Program and Year 10 Outdoor Education (Semester 2 Elective).
• Guide the strategic development of the Outdoor Education program, ensuring alignment with the School's values and educational philosophy.
• Maintain best-practice risk management, safety and compliance standards across all outdoor programs.
• Manage external providers, venues, industry partnerships, budgets, equipment, resources and operational planning.
• Lead and support staff involved in Outdoor Education while developing student leadership opportunities.
• Promote environmental stewardship, sustainability and responsible outdoor practices.
• Foster positive relationships and effective communication with students, families and staff.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness to inform future development and continuous improvement.

Education

Outdoor Education qualification

Job description

Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning

The Knox School is an independent, co-educational and non-denominational community from ELC to Year 12, where every student is known, valued and supported to grow. Achievement, Care, Empathy, Resilience, Responsibility and Respect are equally valued here, because education is not just about what students learn, but about creating individuals who are adaptable, thoughtful and ready to write their own stories.

Our teachers know their students deeply, creating personalised learning experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning. We celebrate individuality, courage and connection, preparing young people to contribute thoughtfully and confidently to the world around them.

We have again been recognised as an Employer of Choice and one of the 5-Star Best Schools 2026 by The Educator, a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where both students and staff feel valued, inspired and supported to thrive.

The Knox School is seeking an experienced and passionate leader to take on the role of Head of Outdoor Education, commencing in Term 1, 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a dynamic Outdoor Education program that inspires students to challenge themselves, build resilience, develop leadership skills and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the natural environment.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across the School’s camps, outdoor experiences and experiential learning programs. Working collaboratively with staff, students, families and external providers, the Head of Outdoor Education will ensure all programs are engaging, inclusive, well managed and underpinned by best-practice safety and risk management principles.

This position may be filled by either a registered teacher or an experienced Outdoor Education professional. Applicants with significant experience in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Pursuits, Outdoor Recreation, Experiential Learning or Camps programs, together with relevant qualifications and industry certifications, are encouraged to apply.

The role is suited to an experienced Outdoor Education professional who combines a passion for student development with strong organisational, logistical and leadership capabilities.

About the role:

• Lead the planning, delivery and continuous improvement of the School's Outdoor Education and Camps Program, including the coordination of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program, pre-camp preparation sessions, Year 3/4 Toolangi Camp, Year 7-8 Camps Program, Year 8 KEEP Program, Year 9 Arnhem Land Experience, Snow Camp, Year 10 Camp Program and Year 10 Outdoor Education (Semester 2 Elective).
• Guide the strategic development of the Outdoor Education program, ensuring alignment with the School's values and educational philosophy.
• Maintain best-practice risk management, safety and compliance standards across all outdoor programs.
• Manage external providers, venues, industry partnerships, budgets, equipment, resources and operational planning.
• Lead and support staff involved in Outdoor Education while developing student leadership opportunities.
• Promote environmental stewardship, sustainability and responsible outdoor practices.
• Foster positive relationships and effective communication with students, families and staff.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness to inform future development and continuous improvement.

Working at The Knox School offers:

• A warm, supportive and stimulating work and learning environment set amongst beautiful grounds.
• Flexible working hours during non-contact time.
• A Collaborative Professional Learning Program built into your timetable.
• Onsite Community Café with barista-quality coffee.
• Reformer Pilates and gym facilities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Onsite car parking.

The ideal candidate:

• Holds current VIT Registration or a current Working with Children Check.
• Holds relevant qualifications in Outdoor Education, Outdoor Recreation, Education, Environmental Science or a related field, and/or equivalent industry experience.
• Holds, or be willing to obtain, appropriate first aid qualifications, including Wilderness First Aid or Remote Area First Aid.
• Has extensive experience planning, leading and participating in outdoor programs for children and young people.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of risk management, safety, compliance and child safeguarding requirements in outdoor settings.
• Is highly organised, capable of managing complex logistics, multiple priorities and operational planning.
• Is a visible, collaborative and proactive leader who builds positive relationships with students, staff, families and external providers.
• Has contemporary knowledge of student wellbeing, pastoral care, adolescent development and student management practices.
• Supports the School’s vision and ethos and demonstrates the School Values of Achievement, Care, Empathy, Resilience, Responsibility and Respect.
• Has knowledge and understanding of the School’s obligations in respect of Ministerial Order No. 1359, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, mandatory reporting, record keeping in relation to student safety and wellbeing, the failure to disclose and failure to protect offences, and any other information-sharing and reporting obligations that may arise. Training will be provided.
• Has working knowledge of, and is able to adhere to, the School’s policies and student safety practices, including those detailed in the Student Safety at The Knox School Handbook, which can be accessed here.
• Satisfactorily completes a values-based interview that will assess suitability to work with children and young people and ensure their rights are respected.
• Displays a supportive and respectful attitude towards students and their families and builds positive connections with all members of the School community.
• Holds, or is prepared to obtain, a current Level 2 First Aid qualification, including CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Training. The School provides training annually.

Commitment to Student Safety:

The Knox School is committed to providing a student-safe and friendly environment where children and young people are safe, feel safe and can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse or reportable conduct and are committed to acting in our students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm.

The School regards its student protection responsibilities with the utmost importance and is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintain a student-safe culture.

Written applications close Monday 16 November 2026.

In line with our commitment to child safety, all appointments are subject to satisfactory reference checks, identity and police checks, and verification of current VIT registration. Written applications may be reviewed on receipt with interviews being held prior to the closure date.

This process is being managed directly by The Knox School. We encourage suitably qualified candidates to apply and kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact the School regarding this opportunity.