Instructor - East Sussex

Institute for Outdoor Learning; Mayfield; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation available

Meals provided when working

£500 training budget

Pension scheme

Cycle to work

Team training events

Job summary

Bowles is one of the UK’s top outdoor education centres near Tunbridge Wells. We seek enthusiastic, motivated instructors passionate about outdoor learning to join our team for the Summer 2026 period (with potential permanent roles for qualified skiing staff).

Accommodation, meals, and staff training are provided. Expect to deliver outdoor learning sessions across activities like dry ski slopes, rock climbing, archery, and water-based activities to residential clients.

Qualifications

• First aid and driving licence required.
• Two NGB instructor qualifications from listed disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality outdoor learning sessions across a full range of activities.
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Skills

First aid

Driving licence

Strong interpersonal skills

Professional approach

Passion for outdoor learning

Ability to swim 400m

Education

Rock climbing qualification (RCI/CWI/Southern Sandstone)

Paddlesports instructor/coach/leader/PSRC

Snowsports qualification

High Ropes/ERCA

Walking award (Lowland/Mountain Leader)

Archery UK

Job description

Contract type Full or Part Time / Permanent or Fixed Term

Closing date 14 Oct 2026 03:00 PM

Location: Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex

Salary: £26k to £27.5k ODE + quals (pr for seasonal) + benefits

Contract Type: Seasonal contract (permanent may be available if skiing qualified). Live-in & live-out options available (terms apply). Next year’s contracts (2027) are normally offered first to current staff.

Permanent Contract dates: Starting ASAP for those with a skiing qualification

Seasonal Contract dates: Summer 2026 to end of Nov 2026

Accommodation is normally available for seasonal and permanent members of staff.

Join our fantastic team at one of the UK’s top outdoor education centres based near Tunbridge Wells. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and experienced instructors who are passionate about outdoor learning and who will add quality to our excellent team.

Excellent instructors are key to Bowles delivering high quality outdoor learning sessions across our full range of activities, to a variety of predominantly residential clients.

Bowles is an independent charitable trust located at the stunning Bowles Rocks in Southeast England. A leader in outdoor learning for schools and colleges, the work is diverse. We also deliver Learning & Development for businesses, recreational activities for families and developmental experiences for disadvantaged young people.

Bowles has first class facilities including:

• 2 dry ski slopes
• Sandstone crag with 200+ routes
• Indoor heated pool with fleet of Jackson kayaks
• High ropes, Low Ropes, Trapeze, Jacob’s ladder
• Archery range
• Offsite activities include Orienteering, Kayak/Canoe, Scrambling at nearby crags
• Accommodation for some live in roles; with lounge and newly fitted kitchen.
• Meals provided when working.
• Regular training events for all staff (e.g. in-house training, 2 day first aid, NRASTC pool rescue, plus others TBC)
• £500 individual training budget to spend on relevant training/NGBs.
• Team building events: e.g. canoe/kayak days, BBQs + socials.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Pension Scheme.
• Access to facilities including pool, ski slopes & rocks; free access to local bouldering wall.

Hours

• 29 days paid holiday (pro rata) and 9 days off per month
• 40 hours per week (average)

Qualifications & Requirements

• First aid and driving licence
• A minimum of two NGB instructor qualifications from:
• Rock climbing (RCI, CWI or Southern Sandstone award)
• Paddlesports instructor/coach/leader/PSRC
• Snowsports qualification
• High Ropes/ERCA
• Walking award such as Lowland Leader/Mountain Leader
• Archery UK
• Experience teaching a range of outdoor activities
• Personal outdoor activity competence
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A professional approach
• A passion for outdoor learning
• Ability to swim 400m without stopping

To apply

Please send your CV with a covering letter telling us:

Closing date: applications will be considered as they arrive.