Senior Instructor, Barcaple in Castle Douglas

Full time, permanent contract, live-in (where required)

Location: Abernethy Barcaple, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7 2AP

Start Date: Immediate

Who we are

Founded in 1971, Abernethy is a ministry that combines outdoor activity, residential experience and Christian team witness. Adventure is at the heart of Abernethy and we love seeing people gain confidence and grow through being in the outdoors. The team at Abernethy are all Christians. We are passionate about the outdoors, community, hospitality and witness. We are motivated by our belief in a good and generous God who created an incredible natural world which, through its very existence, shouts His praise. We believe that every person is unique, valuable and deeply loved by the creator God.

Who should apply?

We are looking for a committed Christian who is able to lead people in the outdoors. You will be working alongside our Chief Instructor to give our guests a safe, exciting and meaningful adventure programme. You will have worked in the outdoor adventure sector previously and will be passionate about the connection between outdoor learning and the journey of the Christian faith.

Key roles:

• To assist the Chief Instructor and deputise in their absence.
• To instruct resident groups.
• To assist the Chief Instructor in administrative tasks essential for the running of the department.
• To be involved in the development of new and existing activities.
• To contribute to the development of various programmes offered by the Centre, including the John Muir Award and Duke of Edinburgh programmes.
• To ensure that continuity of the Centre’s spiritual programme is maintained while a group is taking part in activity programmes.
• To ensure that proper and safe procedures are operating in the activity programmes offered.
• To assist in providing in-house training as required and make recommendations to the Chief Instructor for training to be included in the Centre training plan.
• To ensure that evidence of current experience and competence in outdoor activities is recorded in an up to date logbook and will oversee the keeping of logbooks by other instructors.
• To supervise and assist with the maintenance of outdoor education equipment and inventory.
• To recommend appropriate outdoor activity purchases or replacements and, once recommendations are approved by the Chief Instructor, place orders within the agreed budget.
• To keep up to date with current developments in outdoor education and liaise with professional bodies.

Qualifications:

• RCI, ML(Summer), PSL, MTB Trail Leader Award, RYA Dinghy Instructor, Archery GB Instructor. You do not need to have all of these, but a combination of several will be expected.
• Qualification: RCDI, MTBL L3, Paddlesports coach in a Moderate Water environment, RYA Dinghy SI, Duke of Edinburgh Assessor.
• D1 qualification on your driving license.

Good to know:

• It is a genuine occupational requirement that the holder of this post is a practising Christian whose lifestyle is consistent with the values and doctrine of the Christian faith.
• As part of our commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Scheme and the appointment will be subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme Disclosure.
• We cannot accept overseas applications for this role unless you have the right to work in the UK.
• If you would like to volunteer with us via the Temporary Worker – Charity worker visa route then please complete the International Volunteer application form.

What we can offer you:

• Monthly salary.
• Full-board single accommodation provided, if required.
• Paid annual leave (30 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays).
• Use of Centre facilities including outdoor equipment.
• Opportunities to take an active role within the life of our local church and Christian youth work.
• Living as part of a vibrant Christian community in a beautiful part of Scotland.
• Opportunity for personal training and development.
• Weekly Team Fellowship on a Wednesday evening.
• Very favourable rates for family on most Abernethy holidays and camps.
• Participation in our annual 3 day Team Gathering.
• Living and serving in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, with fabulous mountain bike trails nearby and easy access to the magnificent beaches of the Solway Coast.

Interested? Please prayerfully consider whether this role may be right for you. For an informal chat about the role please contact the Centre Director on 0 1557 820261 during office hours. If you feel you are the person we are looking for, please complete the on-line application form.