Outdoor Activity Instructor

YMCA Fairthorne Group; Southampton; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave pro rata

Accommodation onsite

Health & wellbeing programmes

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts on YMCA activities

Job summary

YMCA Fairthorne Group is seeking an Outdoor Activity Instructor to deliver exciting, safe outdoor programmes for children, young people and adults. Lead activities from climbing to kayaking, ensuring high standards of safety, customer care and inclusion across Hampshire's unique outdoor setting.

You will support hosting groups, maintain equipment, deliver evening activities, and contribute to safeguarding, with a focus on creating outstanding experiences and lasting memories for participants.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience working in outdoor education or a similar environment
• 8-hour First Aid Certificate
• Strong understanding of health and safety responsibilities
• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people, ERCA High Ropes Instructor
• Climbing Wall Award including Abseil Module
• BC Paddlesport Instructor
• Archery GB Instructor
• 16-hour Outdoor First Aid Certificate

Responsibilities

• Deliver high standards of activity leadership and customer care
• Work with participants of all ages and abilities, including those with additional needs
• Fulfil the hosting role for visiting groups, supporting them throughout their stay
• Assist with the maintenance, safety and development of activities and equipment
• Complete equipment inspections and maintain accurate safety records
• Deliver evening entertainment activities as part of residential programmes
• Support dining room duties to ensure smooth programme delivery
• Perform Duty Manager responsibilities on a rota basis
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety and safeguarding
• Contribute to the ongoing development of outdoor programmes and activities

Skills

Outdoor education

First Aid

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

Customer care

Tools

ERCA High Ropes Instructor

Climbing Wall Award

BC Paddlesport Instructor

Archery GB Instructor

Outdoor First Aid

First Aid Certificate

Job description

As an Outdoor Activity Instructor at YMCA Fairthorne Group, you'll play a key role in delivering exciting, safe and engaging outdoor programmes for children, young people and adults. From climbing and kayaking to woodland activities and adventure challenges, you'll help people discover new strengths, build confidence and create lasting memories in one of Hampshire's most unique outdoor environments. As an Outdoor Activity Instructor No two days are the same. You will be responsible for leading on a variety of outdoor activities on site, these activities include; Abseiling, Aerial runway, Archery, Axe throwing, Climbing, Crate Challenge, Jacobs Ladder, Vertical Assault, Kayaking, Canoeing, Challenge and Woodland activities and any new activities added to the programme of delivery. A Role Full of Adventure You'll:

• Deliver high standards of activity leadership and customer care
• Work with participants of all ages and abilities, including those with additional needs
• Fulfil the hosting role for visiting groups, supporting them throughout their stay
• Assist with the maintenance, safety and development of activities and equipment
• Complete equipment inspections and maintain accurate safety records
• Deliver evening entertainment activities as part of residential programmes
• Support dining room duties to ensure smooth programme delivery
• Perform Duty Manager responsibilities on a rota basis
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety and safeguarding
• Contribute to the ongoing development of outdoor programmes and activities

This isn't just about leading activities. It's about helping people achieve things they never thought possible. Helping People Discover What They're Capable Of Whether it's a child conquering their fear of heights or a young person developing confidence through outdoor adventure, you'll be helping people step outside their comfort zones every day. You'll create an environment where participants feel safe to try something new, challenge themselves and celebrate their achievements. The impact of a great instructor can last far beyond the activity itself. Creating Outstanding Experiences A successful visit to Fairthorne Manor is about far more than activities. It's about making people feel welcomed, supported and valued throughout their time with us. As part of the programme team, you'll build positive relationships with children, young people, adults, schools, group leaders and colleagues, ensuring every experience exceeds expectations. We're looking for someone who can bring energy, professionalism and enthusiasm to everything they do. Because memorable experiences are created by exceptional people.

Requirements

The Person We're Looking For You'll be passionate about outdoor learning, adventure and helping others grow in confidence., Set within 95 acres of beautiful countryside, the site includes mature woodland, expansive grounds, a lake and access to the upper reaches of the River Hamble. It is home to a wide range of activities and programmes including:

• Outdoor education and residential visits
• Adventure activities
• Daycamps
• Community programmes
• Family camping
• Nursery provision
• School and group experiences

Every day brings new opportunities to help people connect with nature, challenge themselves and develop new skills. Part of Something Bigger YMCA Fairthorne Group is a community-based charity supporting children, young people and families across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Through our Nurseries, Youth services, Daycamps, Community activities and Outdoor programmes, we help people to: BELONG CONTRIBUTE THRIVE As an Outdoor Activity Instructor, your impact reaches far beyond a single activity session. The child who gains confidence. The group that learns to work together. The young person who discovers a new passion. The memory that lasts a lifetime. Those things matter.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Safeguarding YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to complete appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion YMCA Fairthorne Group is committed to creating an inclusive organisation where everyone is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience working in outdoor education or a similar environment
• 8-hour First Aid Certificate
• Strong understanding of health and safety responsibilities
• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people, ERCA High Ropes Instructor
• Climbing Wall Award including Abseil Module
• BC Paddlesport Instructor
• Archery GB Instructor
• 16-hour Outdoor First Aid Certificate

More Importantly, We’re Looking for Someone Who Is:

• Friendly and approachable
• Outgoing and enthusiastic
• An excellent communicator
• Able to engage people of all ages and abilities
• Calm and professional under pressure
• Comfortable dealing with unexpected situations
• Self-motivated and able to use their own initiative
• Passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences
• Committed to teamwork and supporting colleagues
• Dedicated to creating safe and inclusive environments

Benefits That Make a Difference

• More Time Away From Work - 25 days annual leave Pro rata plus Bank Holidays.
• Health & Wellbeing - Fixed rota published four weeks in advance, Dedicated 1-1's with line manager, onsite wellbeing champions, Access to our Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family Support - Enhanced family leave provisions.
• Everyday Benefits - Blue Light Card eligibility, Cycle to Work scheme and discounts on YMCA Fairthorne Group activities, camping and experiences.
• Career Development - Professional training and development opportunities, with the chance to gain additional outdoor qualifications and progress your career within YMCA Fairthorne Group.
• Being Part of Something Bigger - Work for a values-led charity making a genuine difference across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
• Accommodation available onsite