Outdoor Learning Specialist

Hampshire County Council; Fareham; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Hampshire County Council is seeking an Outdoor Learning Specialist to help vulnerable children and young people build confidence and resilience through outdoor learning. You will design and deliver engaging experiences that support wellbeing, personal development and positive outcomes, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive beyond the classroom.

Working as part of our Outdoor Participation team, you'll deliver therapeutic and adventurous outdoor learning programmes across

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children and young people, including those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating bespoke outdoor learning programmes and leading outdoor adventurous activities safely and effectively.
• Strong understanding of risk management, safeguarding, child protection and health and safety when working with children and young people outdoors.
• A caring, patient and person-centred approach, with the ability to build trusting relationships, inspire young people and respond positively to individual needs.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for young people and a strong belief in the value of outdoor learning, alongside resilience and adaptability to support those facing complex challenges.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver and evaluate high-quality outdoor learning programmes for children and young people with diverse needs.
• Lead engaging outdoor education sessions, including one-to-one support, small group programmes and adventurous activities.
• Support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to build confidence, resilience, wellbeing and engagement.
• Enable young people to achieve recognised awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and John Muir Award.
• Maintain safe, inclusive and effective practice through robust planning, risk management, safeguarding and record-keeping.

Skills

Outdoor education

Child protection

Risk management

Relationship-building

Adaptability

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Job Reference:HCC624936
Salary Range: £34,273 - £37,570 per annum
Work Location: X-Perience Youth Centre, Fareham
Hours per week: 37 (term-time only contracts can be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 October 2026
Interview Date: 16 October 2026

The Role:

As an Outdoor Learning Specialist, you'll help some of Hampshire's most vulnerable children and young people build confidence, develop resilience and discover what they're capable of through the power of outdoor learning. You'll design and deliver engaging experiences that support wellbeing, personal development and positive outcomes, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive beyond the classroom.

Working as part of our Outdoor Participation team, you'll deliver a range of therapeutic and adventurous outdoor learning programmes across Hampshire, including within specialist and secure settings. You'll also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative initiatives, including our growing therapeutic equine-based programme, helping to expand the life-changing experiences available to young people across the county. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference while being part of a supportive team committed to inclusion, innovation and high-quality practice.

What you’ll do:

• Design, deliver and evaluate high-quality outdoor learning programmes for children and young people with diverse needs.
• Lead engaging outdoor education sessions, including one-to-one support, small group programmes and adventurous activities.
• Support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to build confidence, resilience, wellbeing and engagement.
• Enable young people to achieve recognised awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and John Muir Award.
• Maintain safe, inclusive and effective practice through robust planning, risk management, safeguarding and record-keeping.

What we’re looking for:

• Experience supporting children and young people, including those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
• Experience designing, delivering and evaluating bespoke outdoor learning programmes and leading outdoor adventurous activities safely and effectively.
• A strong understanding of risk management, safeguarding, child protection and health and safety when working with children and young people outdoors.
• A caring, patient and person-centred approach, with the ability to build trusting relationships, inspire young people and respond positively to individual needs.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for young people and a strong belief in the value of outdoor learning, alongside the resilience and adaptability to support those facing complex challenges.

Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Outdoor Learning Specialist role, team and our values.The ‘About you’ section explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK.

Other job titles you may be searching for may include: Outdoor Education Instructor, Outdoor Learning Practitioner, Outdoor Education Specialist, Outdoor Activities Instructor, Adventure Learning Instructor, Forest School Practitioner, Outdoor Programme Coordinator, Youth Development Worker.

Travel Requirements:

You willbe requiredto drive a Council vehicle and must hold a current full drivers’ licence.

The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.