Instructor of Outdoor Education - Cumbria

Outdoor Learning; Ulverston; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor education provider in Ulverston seeks an Instructor of Outdoor Education. The role involves providing high-quality instruction and leading outdoor learning experiences for children. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years in the sector and at least two National Governing Body qualifications. The position offers opportunities for professional development and is part of a dedicated team. Flexible working is required, with some evenings and weekends expected. Applications close on January 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Funded training and assessment opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in the Outdoor Education sector.
• Minimum of two NGB qualifications held for 2 years or longer.
• Potential for further progression.

Responsibilities

• Providing inspirational, safe, high-quality instruction and outdoor learning.
• Course directing schools’ programmes.
• Joining the Duty Team to ensure safe and secure residential stays.

Skills

Rock Climbing Instructor

RYA Dinghy Instructor with Safety Boat

Summer Mountain Leader

Level 1 Cave Leader

Outdoor based Diploma, Certificate or Degree

Education

PGCE

Job description

Contract type Full time / Permanent

Closing date 05 Jan 2026 09:00 AM

Location: YMCA Lakeside, Ulverston, Cumbria
Salary: £25,116
Closes:5/1/26

Instructor of Outdoor Education at YMCA Lakeside

37.5 hours per week | Permanent Role |£25,116.00 per annum

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 the 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.

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

The role

• 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.

For an informal chat about the role, please call the centre and ask to speak to Senior Operations Manager, Dr Martin Barry. Closing date for the role is Monday 5th January 2026 by 9:00am. Applications submitted and/or received after this time will not be considered.

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.