Outdoor Mentors Active Support Staff

Tradewind Recruitment; Penwortham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An educational staffing agency is seeking Outdoor Mentors and Active Support Staff in the Preston and Walton-le-Dale area. This role is perfect for individuals with backgrounds in outdoor activities, such as climbing instructors, sports coaches, or forest school leaders, who wish to lead and mentor students in a school setting. The position offers full flexibility with day-to-day supply or long-term roles available. Ideal candidates will engage students who struggle in traditional environments, leveraging their outdoor experience to foster motivation and learning.

Benefits

Ultimate Flexibility

No Seasonal Layoffs

Local Work Opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading or coaching young people in outdoor or active environments.
• Proactive and reliable attitude.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Mentor students 1:1 who struggle in a traditional classroom.
• Use personality to engage hard-to-reach learners.
• Identify triggers and apply de-escalation techniques.
• Lead classes when teachers are absent.

Skills

Leadership in outdoor settings

Engagement with students

Problem solving

Youth coaching

Job description

Outdoor Mentors & Active Support Staff

Location: Preston, Walton-le-Dale, and surrounding areas

Contract: Flexible Day-to-Day Supply & Long-term roles available

Ideal for: Outdoor Instructors, Fitness Coaches, DofE Leaders, and Ex-Services

The Role

Bring the "Great Outdoors" Energy to the Classroom

Are you someone who thrives in active environments but is looking for a more stable career path? Do you have experience leading groups in challenging settings and want to use those skills to support the next generation?

Tradewind Recruitment is looking for resilient, energetic individuals to work in Secondary Schools and Alternative Provisions across Preston and Walton-le-Dale.

We have found that candidates with "outdoor" backgrounds whether that's climbing instructors, sports coaches, or forest school leaders possess exactly the kind of presence and leadership that students in Preston need.

How Your Skills Transfer

• You’re used to managing safety and engagement in high-energy environments.
• You can handle the "indoor weather." If you can lead a group through a rainy hike, you can navigate a busy school corridor.
• You are a natural problem solver who can pivot a session when things don't go to plan.
• You understand that students learn best through action, movement, and mutual respect.

What We Offer

• Ultimate Flexibility: Work on a Day-to-Day basis to suit your lifestyle, or let us find you a Long-term role in a single school for more stability.
• No Seasonal Layoffs: Schools run all year (term-time), providing more consistency than many outdoor roles.
• Local Work: Roles available right now in Preston City Centre, Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge, and Leyland.

Your Responsibilities

• Student Mentoring: Working 1:1 with students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.
• Engagement: Using your personality to keep "hard-to-reach" learners focused and motivated.
• Behaviour Support: Spotting "triggers" and using your de-escalation skills to keep the environment calm.
• Cover Support: Stepping in to lead a class or an activity session when a teacher is absent.

What We Need From You

• Experience: Some history of leading or coaching young people (coaching, youth work, or outdoor centres).
• The Right Attitude: You must be proactive, reliable, and willing to get stuck in.
• Clearance: An Enhanced DBS check is essential (we can help you apply for one if you don't have it).
• Location: Ideally based in or near Preston or Walton-le-Dale.

Apply Now

Ready to take your skills into a new arena?

To Apply: Send your CV to (url removed) or call our Preston desk on (phone number removed) to discuss how we can get you started in a local school this week (click apply).

Tradewind Recruitment is a Sunday Times Top 100 employer. We believe in your transferable skills and provide the training to help you succeed in education.