Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors, Colchester

Essex Outdoors' Centres are taking applications for Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors for 2026. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated people to join our team of Instructors.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to a selection day, where you will meet our staff and show us what you can do. If you are successful, you will complete our core and centre-based training programme and start your adventure with us.

As a Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructor with Essex Outdoors, you will run a wide variety of outdoor activities for our diverse range of customers, focusing on school-aged children. Full training and the chance to meet your new teammates is provided before the season starts.

Why work for Essex Outdoors?

• Summer seasonal role, with 3-6 month contracts available.
• National Governing Body qualifications in outdoor activities, particularly sailing and paddle sports, are desirable but in-house training is provided to all staff.
• You will need to be available around Easter 2026 to undertake full training prior to starting the role.
• Training includes land-based activity delivery, first aid, manual handling, safeguarding, and disability awareness.
• Subsidised meals are available at our residential centres.
• Staff accommodation packages at Bradwell and Mersea sites.
• Usual hours 8.30am to 5.30pm, 37 hours a week.
• Some flexibility in working hours including weekend days will be required.
• Time off in lieu will be provided for any extra hours worked.
• You will be expected to help out where needed, e.g., inspection and maintenance of activity equipment, care of sites, and some domestic duties.
• You will be based at one centre but may be asked to support with large bookings at other locations.
• Branded uniform will be provided and must be worn.
• You will need to provide your own sensible footwear.

Year-on-year we have summer staff return to work for another season with us, and opportunities for longer contracts do become available. Some staff may have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications.

About Our Centre:

Mersea is a large centre in a wonderful coastal setting with views across the Blackwater Estuary. Mersea offers a vast selection of both land and water-based activities. Due to the rural location of our Mersea centre, public transport is limited. Please ensure you are happy and able to travel to the centre in your own transport on a daily basis.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a selection day - an opportunity to meet staff from the centres and to showcase some of your skills. If then selected, you will complete our core and centre-based training programme including activity delivery, first aid, manual handling, safeguarding, and disability awareness.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and effective implementation of the outdoor programmes.
• Contribute to the supervision and pastoral care of young people (and adults where necessary) in residence in the centre and act as a positive role model.
• Carry out repairs and renewals to activity equipment and practical maintenance to Centre buildings and grounds to ensure a safe environment.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety requirements of Essex County Council.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

The Experience You Will Bring:

• Local Qualification NGB Certification e.g., BCU 1,2- or 3-star BEL in Climbing, MTB, High Ropes, Orienteering, Problem Solving, Assault course, Low Ropes, sailing RYA Instructor.
• B.E.L NVQ Level 2 Multiple Local Qualification, NGB Certification e.g., BCU 1,2- or 3-star SPA/WGL training and a D1 Category driving licence are desirable.
• Knowledge of outdoor and residential education with the ability to develop skills within the role.
• Clear and effective communication skills with the ability to motivate, encourage, and relate well to young people and adults.
• Ability to organise and plan ahead and develop relevant outdoor youth work programmes in response to assessed educational needs.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the youth work curriculum that has been delivered.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining a safe environment for the specific activity.

How to apply?

If you would like to apply for this position, you will need an up-to-date CV and a personal statement explaining your interest in the role, including the following information:

• Availability - What is your earliest start date after 1st April 2025?
• Commitments - Please provide the dates of any commitments that mean you are not available to work between April and September 2025, for example, booked holiday, university, exams, etc.

Essex Outdoors is part of Essex County Council (ECC). As part of your employment with ECC, a DBS check is required and must be registered with the DBS update service. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you are a successful candidate, your personal data will be shared with other systems at Essex County Council in order to progress your application.