Activity Instructor - Southampton

Outdoor Learning; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity in Southampton is seeking an Activity Instructor to lead outdoor programs at YMCA Fairthorne Manor. The role involves engaging with diverse groups, maintaining activity safety, and ensuring customer care. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in outdoor education, along with relevant certifications. This position offers a fixed-term contract with benefits including pension contributions and holiday allowances.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution

Health Cash plan

25 days holiday FTE

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on nursery fees

Discounts for camps

Cycle to work scheme

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• At least 2 years experience working in outdoor education or similar environment.
• Minimum 8-hour First Aid Certificate.
• Certifications in High Ropes, Paddlesport, and Archery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a variety of outdoor activities including climbing, kayaking, and archery.
• Ensure customer care and communicate with groups effectively.
• Maintain and check equipment for activities.

Skills

Outdoor education experience

Excellent communication

Ability to engage children

Issue resolution

Initiative

Education

8-hour First Aid Certificate

ERCA High Ropes Instructor

BC Paddlesport Instructor

Archery GB Instructor

Job description

Activity Instructor at Fairthorne Manor

Fixed Term Contract - 23rd February 2026 to 30th November 2026

37.5 hours per week

Benefits to you:

• Employer pension contribution
• Health Cash plan
• 25 days holiday FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
• Option to purchase additional annual leave (up to 10 days per annum)
• Employee Assistance Program with Health Assured
• 50% discount on nursery fees
• Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
• Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunities for professional development

Job Purpose:

Based at YMCA Fairthorne Manor you will be a key member of the programme team and play a key role in the delivery of outdoor programmes. 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.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• To provide a high standard of activity leadership and customer care across a range of different outdoor activities for people from 2 years old to adult, with differing abilities, including those with special needs.
• To fulfil the ‘Hosting’ role, linking with groups on their arrival, ensuring everything is properly prepared and then ensuring their welfare for the duration of their visit. This involves staying at Fairthorne Manor outside normal working hours and this responsibility is allocated on a rota system.
• To assist with the maintenance, safety and development of activities within the department, including its equipment.
• To assist and complete equipment checks and support the process of robust records of these tasks
• To deliver evening entertainment activities and support duties in the dining room ensuring smooth delivery of the programme
• To act in the interests of your own safety & the safety of others at all times.
• To perform the role of duty manager on a rota basis.
• To follow YMCA Fairthorne Group’s Safeguarding, Child Protection and Safer Working practice policies at all times. Taking any concerns regarding a health or/and wellbeing to your line manager or senior management.

Personal attributes

• An outgoing and friendly personality
• Outstanding ability to communicate well and engage a wide range of people, including children, staff and group leaders
• An outstanding ability and willingness to relate positively to customers (many of whom are children) and staff
• An ability to deal with issues effectively and calmly as they arise
• An ability to use own initiative

Qualifications/Experience

• At least 2 years experience working in outdoor education or similar environment.
• Minimum 8-hour First Aid Certificate
• ERCA High Ropes Instructor
• BC Paddlesport Instructor
• Archery GB Instructor

Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.

Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.