Outdoor Education Instructor

London Youth; Southampton; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading outdoor education provider seeks an Outdoor Education Instructor in Southampton. The role involves delivering outdoor activities, ensuring safety, and providing excellent customer service. Candidates should have relevant outdoor qualifications and experience working with young people. This position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Healthcare cash plan

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience instructing outdoor activities.
• Experience working with diverse customer backgrounds.
• Demonstrable understanding of health and safety for outdoor delivery.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a range of activity sessions.
• Conduct safety checks on activity equipment.
• Supervise residential groups during their overnight stay.

Skills

Health and safety understanding

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Team player

Passion for outdoor learning

Education

Archery GB Instructor Award

ERCA, RCI, CWI, or relevant ropes-based qualifications

MIAS Level 1 or higher or equivalent cycling qualification

Job description

Join to apply for the Outdoor Education Instructor role at London Youth.

Woodrow offers a range of exciting, engaging outdoor learning activities on site including high ropes, mountain biking, bushcraft, archery, and various team activities. We commit to providing outstanding outdoor learning and residential experiences to all visitors, and this role is part of that aim. As an Outdoor Instructor you will facilitate a wide range of activities to support the growth, development and education of young people and adults who visit us. You have a passion for learning outside the classroom and are dedicated to delivering that experience. This role also includes other duties across the site that contribute to the wider success of the Centre: activity and grounds maintenance, marketing and events support, and support in our on‑site Leisure Centre.

Department

Operations (OLC)

Location

Woodrow High House

Compensation

£27,518 - £28,500 / year

What you will be doing

• Instructional Work with Customers
  • Deliver a range of activity sessions where trained and competent.
  • Operate all activities in accordance with Woodrow's operating procedures and appropriate National Governing Body guidelines.
  • Support the development of existing sessions and ideas for new activities.
• Activity Equipment & Site Maintenance
  • Undertake 'site work' tasks across grounds that support safe activity operations.
  • Perform and record regular safety checks of activity equipment.
• Course Director Responsibilities
  • Act as 'Course Director' looking after a group for the duration of their visit, being the main point of contact and ensuring their visit runs smoothly throughout.
• Duty Instructor Responsibilities
  • Supervise residential groups overnight, sleeping in the building.
  • Maintain an onsite presence to provide first aid and act as a fire warden (training provided) and practical assistance as needed by groups in your care.
  • Run evening activities and the retail tuck shop for residential groups.
• Support Leisure Centre Operations
  • Deliver lifeguard duties in the Leisure Centre as required.
  • Support leisure operations, including reception, administration, cleaning duties, as relevant.
• Personal Development – Yourself and Others
  • Assist with the mentoring and training of fellow instructors (where your experience & qualifications allow), demonstrating good practice when out on session.
  • Be an excellent role model, ensuring the messages of education and development we deliver to our clients are demonstrated personally.
  • Expand your project management skills by taking ownership of an area of development.
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by London Youth's management that ensure the ongoing operational success of the charity and delivery of excellent customer experiences.

What you bring to the role

Essential Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• A minimum of at least one full year’s experience instructing a variety of outdoor activities at outdoor education centres.
• Experience instructing to a range of customers, including young people and adults, with different backgrounds and various needs.
• Demonstrable understanding of health and safety pertaining to outdoor delivery.
• Demonstrable skill delivering quality customer service and positive customer experiences.
• Demonstrable understanding of the value of outdoor learning and associated outcomes.

Qualifications

• Hold at least one of the following qualifications (Essential)
  • Archery GB Instructor Award
  • ERCA, RCI, CWI, or other relevant ropes‑based qualification
  • MIAS Level 1, or higher, or equivalent cycling qualification
• A walking qualification, such as BEL / ML / HML / LL (Desirable)
• Level 2 Bushcraft Award or equivalent (Desirable)
• National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification (Desirable)
• A valid first aid qualification (Desirable)

We may consider candidates with relevant experience where qualifications may be lacking.

Attributes and Behaviours

We are looking for good communicators, full of passion, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help develop and support young people through outdoor learning. You must possess the following:

• Passionate and demonstrably committed to improving the lives of children and young people.
• Customer‑centric mindset with exceptional customer service skills.
• Composed demeanour, able to keep calm under pressure and solve problems when they arise.
• Articulate communicator, able to confidently communicate with a wide range of people.
• Able to quickly establish a rapport and build effective relationships with a wide range of people.
• Collaborative team player with a willingness to work effectively with others.
• Able to work independently, demonstrating proactivity and initiative.
• Self‑motivated with a positive attitude, growth mindset and keen willingness to develop.
• Impeccable work ethic with a practical, flexible and dynamic approach to work.
• Absolute commitment to London Youth's principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to display tolerance and compromise on issues surrounding communal living.

You will be able to demonstrate our values of being:

• Ambitious
• Collaborative
• Inclusive
• Accountable

Why work at Woodrow High House

• Generous holiday allowance - 39 days per annum (31 days A/L plus 8 bank holidays).
• Entry level salary is based on Real Living Wage, set by the living wage foundation.
• We will continue to support you in working towards industry qualifications and your ongoing professional development.
• Catered meals provided while working when the kitchen is serving young people in residence.
• Access to a Healthcare Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous maternity / paternity / adoptive / shared parental leave.
• Accommodation is available onsite at a charge, variable in line with the Government's set NMW accommodation offset rate. Rooms are single occupancy with shared living spaces.
• Individual / team rewards recognising achievement and excellence.
• Tea and coffee available in 'Tea & Coffee Bar'.
• Free onsite parking.
• Branded quality uniform provided.
• Two days per year allowance for volunteering with London Youth or another charity.
• Magnificent location on a historic estate, surrounded by nature.
• You’ll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth.
• An outstanding culture and ethos where staff and visitors enjoy, challenge, and achieve.
• Occasional supply of sweet – sometimes savoury – always yummy – treats are guaranteed.
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people!

About Woodrow High House

Located in the Chilterns, Woodrow High House is a 26‑acre site made up of a Grade II listed manor house dating back to the mid‑1600s. Our Outdoor Learning & Residential Centre has 136 beds, and our Leisure Centre comprises a swimming pool, sports hall, artificial grass pitch and off‑road cycle circuit. London Youth has owned and operated Woodrow since 1945, delivering memorable experiences for over 8,000 children and young people each year. The leisure facilities are used by house guests and the local community. The pool is used by private hire local groups, house guests, and hundreds of children who attend our swim school each week.