Looking for a Outdoor Activity Instructors

Somerset, United Kingdom

From GBP£16,380 To £20,020 / Per Year

Job Description

Outdoor Activity Instructor 
Job Purpose

· To work as part of the Team assisting with, and working towards the delivery of Outdoor and Environmental Education courses and activities to all visiting groups, whilst learning valuable teaching strategies and the skills required in the general running of a busy outdoor centre.

Main Responsibilities and Duties

· To supervise, demonstrate and instruct groups in a wide variety of outdoor activities both on and off site

· Conduct dynamic risk assessments on the activities, location and environment around these activities, within the guidelines laid down by the centre.

· Provide alternative activities should the arranged programme need to be varied.

· To assist with the community programme of activities for local children and those on holiday in the area.

· To assist with the special interest activities run for all ages.

· To assist with the day to day running of the centre, setting up and putting away of equipment and supervision of the groups. Assisting with the maintenance of the outdoor equipment and grounds including safety checks and record keeping. To undertake domestic duties such as setting up for drinks breaks, evening meal service, washing up and the cleaning of the centre accommodation.

· Ensure facilities are fit for purpose, safe, clean, tidy and take the appropriate action when any problems are identified

· To carry out the legal responsibility of being in loco parentis when working with course participants

Additional information

Centre Purpose

Our Outdoor Centre, set in 4 acres of grounds, provides a wide range of activities for clients from 6yrs – adult. You will be expected to regularly lead and assist with learning opportunities for young people mainly in the 7 – 13yrs age range. These activities are taught by qualified and experienced staff in an exciting and challenging environment. Each programme is tailored to meet group requirements and the individual needs and abilities within the group. The centre actively supports the delivery of the curriculum and assists all groups with their programme of personal and social development and delivery of the citizenship agenda. We encourage students to learn through the outdoor experience to discover more about themselves their peers and adults working with them.

Activities include: mountain biking, climbing wall, tree climb, gladiator challenge, zip

line, assault course, archery, group development through problem solving , mountain boarding, grass sledging, map work, compass and orienteering, stream scramble, circus workshop & slack line, climbing traverse & boulder, up and over team challenge wall, camp craft skills including shelter building, woodland survival games and camouflage and Indian Tracker, using steels , cooking on an open fire, river study, guided walks and environmental activities.

You will need to show problem solving skills, creativity, decision making abilities

· Negotiate alternative options to the planned programme in light of poor weather conditions

· Coach and encourage children and adults reluctant to try new activities and those with additional needs

· Identify the need for new teaching resources and suggest possibilities

· Decide if an activity is no longer safe or suitable for an individual or group e.g. in bad weather conditions

· Contact a senior member of staff when a situation may require more experienced support

· In emergencies take action to ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors, participants and staff

Working conditions

· Work an extended day typically leading or assisting with 5 sessions (1 ½ - 2hrs each) a day for which time off in lieu will be given.

· Leading or assisting with 2 evening sessions a week (7pm – 9pm)

· Many activities require physical exertion e.g. off site hill walking, mountain biking

· The post holder must have a commitment to outdoor education and be prepared to operate a flexible working arrangement, which requires some unsocial hours

Knowledge, Experience and Training

You will be expected to be punctual, well organised, smart and customer focused at all times

You will hold current qualifications in activities offered by the centre

You must hold a CWA/RCI qualification as a minimum.

You must have a keen interest in working with young people in the 7 – 13yrs age range to deliver outdoor and environmental education

It would be beneficial to have studied a related subject and be working towards National Governing Body qualifications

Willingness to undertake appropriate training and keep clear records of work undertaken

Work place experience is desirable

An understanding of development needs of young people

First Aid qualification is desirable but qualification/training will be offered

A professional manner when working with groups and dealing with queries and problems that arise on site.

Training to be provided

Work based training will be provided either in house or where NGB awards are available through those schemes.

We  operate a qualifications credit scheme, by which for each month of full service the post holder will be entitled to £20 worth of training budget. The post holder must demonstrate a personal interest in their desired area of training and keep a log of the personal experience before approaching management with a desire to enlist upon a course.

Important Other Information

An essential part of working in the outdoor and active leisure industries is taking your own skills development seriously. This means that successful candidates are usually those who can show a clear commitment to improving their personal skill in activities and working towards coaching awards.

A job in the outdoor and active leisure industry is an exciting and rewarding one, but you need to be ready to get totally involved. This will mean being flexible over hours - we often work evenings or weekends - and flexible over roles - we’re as likely to be on the end of a brush or mop as we are on the end of a rope!

Supplementary Questions

Do you have your own transport to get to and from the centre?

Are you prepared to work evenings and weekends if required?

Are you available to start work from 31st May?

Successful applicants should note we are required to undertake a check into the criminal background of any persons to posts having substantial access to children.

Contract length: 5 months

Expected start date: 31/05/2021

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Salary: £16,380.00-£20,020.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Discounted or free food
  • On-site parking

Schedule:

  • 10 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Education:

  • A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

  • instructing: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

  • CWA or RCI qualification (preferred)
  • driving Licence (preferred)

Work remotely:

  • No

COVID-19 precaution(s):

  • Remote interview process
  • Temperature screenings
  • Social distancing guidelines in place
  • Sanitisation, disinfection or cleaning procedures in place

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Salary and Benefits

From GBP£16,380 To £20,020 / Per Year

Accommodation Included :No

Job: Temporary or Seasonal

Apply Now

Contact: Louise Flagg, Centre Manager