At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor education programmes and inspire young people through adventure.
- Company: Join Essex Outdoors, a leader in outdoor education and residential experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying the great outdoors and developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for outdoor learning and relevant National Governing Body qualifications.
Join Essex Outdoors and help inspire the next generation through adventure, learning and the outdoors. Essex Outdoors is a leading provider of outdoor education and residential experiences for schools across the East of England. We are looking for experienced and enthusiastic Senior Instructors to join our teams in Harlow and East Mersea and play a key role in delivering outstanding outdoor education programmes.
Our Centres
- Mersea – 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.
- Harlow – A specialist climbing and paddle-sport centre, our Harlow site is also home to ‘The Lock’ – one of the largest indoor climbing walls in the Southeast.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Centre Manager and Assistant Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of high-quality outdoor education and National Governing Body (NGB) programmes. You will take a lead role in maintaining high standards of health and safety across all activity areas, ensuring equipment, facilities and resources are safe, compliant and well maintained. This is a varied and rewarding position where you will supervise and support young people and adults both on and off-site, contribute to the delivery of residential programmes, and act as a positive role model. You will also play an important role in the training, development and assessment of staff, helping to maintain the excellent standards of delivery for which Essex Outdoors is known.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of high-quality outdoor education programmes.
- Provide supervision, pastoral care and support for young people and adults participating in residential experiences.
- Lead and contribute to staff training, development and assessment activities.
- Coordinate health and safety across activity areas, ensuring compliance with Essex County Council requirements.
- Monitor and evaluate programme effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.
- Organise repairs, renewals and maintenance of activity equipment, buildings and grounds.
- Support the allocation of resources and development of programmes to meet customer needs.
- Deliver outdoor education programmes in the UK and overseas where required.
- Recruit to and deliver NGB courses for staff and customers (Harlow Centre).
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about outdoor learning and committed to creating safe, engaging and memorable experiences for participants. You will have:
- At least two National Governing Body qualifications at coach level (three preferred), such as:
- Paddle UK Core Coach / Paddle Leader
- Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)
- Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI)
- Mountain Leader (Summer)
- ERCA qualifications
- Significant experience delivering outdoor education and environmental programmes.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and engage both young people and adults.
- Experience of maintaining safe activity environments and promoting best practice.
- The ability to plan, develop, monitor and evaluate educational programmes.
- Evidence of continuing professional development within the outdoor education sector.
- A D1/D1E driving licence category is desirable.
Interviews
The selection process for this role will consist of two stages. Stage 1 will involve an interview with the Centre Managers, during which you will be required to deliver a prepared presentation. Stage 2 will include a tour of the centre, an opportunity to meet the team, and the delivery of a training session for the instructor team.
If you're an experienced outdoor professional looking to take the next step in your career and help shape exceptional outdoor learning experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
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.
Senior Instructor - Essex Outdoors Mersea and Essex Outdoors Harlow in Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
