Instructor of Outdoor Education

Bluedome; Ulverston; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor education organization is seeking an experienced outdoor educator to join their team at Lakeside in Ulverston. Applicants should possess at least 3 years of experience and hold a minimum of two National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications. Responsibilities include providing safe, high-quality instruction and leading schools’ programmes. The role offers opportunities for professional development and requires a commitment to flexible working, including evenings and weekends. Completed applications should be sent via email.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship and funded training

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in the Outdoor Education sector.
• Minimum of two NGB qualifications held for 2 years or longer.
• Commitment to gaining further awards.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality instruction and outdoor learning.
• Course directing schools’ programmes.
• Take responsibility for programme delivery.
• Join the Duty Team for safe residential stays.
• Assist in training and assessing instructor colleagues.

Skills

Outdoor education experience

Coaching skills

Teamwork

Resilience

Flexibility

Education

NGB qualifications (e.g., RYA Dinghy Instructor)

Outdoors based Diploma, Certificate or Degree

Job description

Salary and Benefits 37.5 hours per week Permanent Role
£25,116.00 per annum

Job Location

YMCA National Centre
Lakeside
Newby Bridge
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 8BD

Application

Date Posted: 15/12/2025

Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026 (by 9:00am)

For further information and to complete an application form for the above role, please visit https://ymca-fyldecoast.org/about-ymca-fylde-coast/careers/

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced outdoor educator with a range of National Governing Body (NGB) assessed awards. If you have at least 3 years’ experience with a minimum of two NGB qualifications held for 2 years or longer, with the potential to progress further, we welcome hearing from you. We would particularly welcome qualified dinghy sailors. In support of the management team, we require an outdoor practitioner who has the qualities to assist with coaching and assessing across a range of activities at Lakeside, which require training and evaluation via internal signing‑off processes.

We will provide opportunities and experience to continue your professional development, with individual personal progression plans, a specific experienced mentor, along with funded training and assessment opportunities to further enhance your qualifications and professional capability. You will join a like‑minded and adventurous team who play an important role in changing young people’s lives and be a part of creating inspirational pathways and opportunities, welcoming all to get involved and make a positive difference. Working for us means helping children and young people of all levels of ability and backgrounds to fulfil their potential through enjoyable and safe outdoor education programmes.

Desirable Qualifications

• Paddle Sport Leader
• Rock Climbing Instructor
• RYA Dinghy Instructor with Safety Boat
• A UKCA canyon award
• Summer Mountain Leader
• Level 1 Cave Leader
• Outdoors based Diploma, Certificate or Degree, PGCE, accredited with the IOL

Responsibilities

• Providing inspirational, safe, high‑quality instruction and outdoor learning
• Course directing schools’ programmes
• Take responsibility for specific aspects of programme delivery
• Joining the Duty Team to ensure safe and secure residential stays
• Take an increasing lead on assisting with training and assessing of instructor colleagues
• Doing all the many other small jobs which make our outdoor education courses so successful

This Job Is For You If…

• You are passionate about creating great experiences for children and young people in the outdoors
• You are friendly and hardworking
• You are a resilient and confident team worker who can also work unsupervised using your own initiative
• You can show a commitment to gaining further awards as listed above
• You have at least 3 years’ experience of working in the Outdoor Education sector
• You are able to work flexibly including some evenings and occasional weekends (by arrangement)
• You are able to start in late Feb / early March 2026.

Successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, which is paid for by the Centre.

Completed applicant forms should be returned to [e-mail]. REF: 83LAKE

For an informal chat about the role, please call the centre and ask to speak to Senior Operations Manager, Dr Martin Barry.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications we are currently receiving, we are only able to contact candidates who are successful in progressing to the next stage. If you have not been contacted within 5 working days of the closing date, then please presume that you have not been successful on this occasion.