Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructor

Essex County Council; Gilston; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government agency in the UK is seeking Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors to deliver exciting outdoor programs for children. This role involves supervising activities, ensuring safety compliance, and maintaining activity equipment. Applicants should possess NGB qualifications and communication skills to inspire young participants. Training will be provided, with opportunities for career development in a supportive environment. Flexible working hours may include weekends, and you may work across multiple locations.

Benefits

Subsidised meals

Staff accommodation

Professional training and development

Qualifications

• Local Qualification NGB Certification e.g. BCU 1,2- or 3-star BEL in Climbing, MTB, etc.
• Knowledge of outdoor and residential education.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate youth work effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Implement outdoor programmes effectively.
• Supervise and provide pastoral care for participants.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety requirements.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to motivate and encourage

Knowledge of outdoor education

Education

NGB Certification

B.E.L NVQ Level 2

D1 Category driving licence

Job description

Overview

We're recruiting Instructors to run exhilarating activities for small groups of children and sometimes adults too! We provide full training. As a Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors with Essex Outdoors, you'll run a wide variety of outdoor activities for our diverse range of customers with a focus on school aged children.

Key Benefits

• Summer seasonal role, with 3-6 month contracts available
• National Governing Body qualifications in outdoor activities, particularly sailing and paddle sports, are desirable but in-house training is provided to all staff.
• Training includes land-based activity delivery, first aid, manual handling, safeguarding and disability awareness.
• Subsidised meals are available at our residential centres.
• Staff accommodation packages at Bradwell and Mersea sites.
• Usual hours 8.30am to 5.30pm, 37 hours a week.
• Some flexibility in working hours including weekend days will be required.
• Time off in lieu will be provided for any extra hours worked.
• You will be expected to help out where needed e.g. inspection and maintenance of activity equipment, care of sites and some domestic duties.
• You'll be based at one centre, but may be asked to support with large bookings at other locations.
• Branded uniform will be provided and must be worn.
• You’ll need to provide your own sensible footwear.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our instructors have to say – Essex Outdoors Activity Instructors – Making adventure a way of life. Year‑on‑year we have summer staff return to work for another season with us, and opportunities for longer contracts do become available. Some staff may have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and effective implementation of the outdoor programmes.
• Contribute to the supervision and pastoral care of young people (and adults where necessary) in residence in the centre and to act as a positive role model.
• Carry out repairs and renewals to activity equipment and practical maintenance to Centre buildings and grounds to ensure a safe environment.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety requirements of Essex County Council.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

Qualifications & Experience

• Local Qualification NGB Certification e.g. BCU 1,2- or 3-star BEL in Climbing, MTB, High Ropes, Orienteering, Problem Solving, Assault course, Low Ropes, sailing RYA Instructor.
• B.E.L NVQ Level 2 Multiple Local Qualification, NGB Certification e.g. BCU 1,2- or 3-star SPA/ WGL training and a D1 Category driving licence are desirable.
• Knowledge of outdoor and residential education with ability to develop skills within role.
• Clear and effective communication skills with the ability to motivate, encourage and relate well to young people and adults.
• Ability to organise and plan ahead and develop relevant outdoor youth work programmes in response to assessed educational needs.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the youth work curriculum that has been delivered.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining a safe environment for the specific activity.

Application

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a selection day – an opportunity to meet staff from the centres and to showcase some of your skills! If then selected you’ll complete our core and centre‑based training programme including activity delivery, first aid, manual handling, safeguarding and disability awareness.