Hire a Canoe Team Leader

Do you have a passion for outdoor adventure activities? We have a great opportunity for you to lead the day-to-day operations of Hire a Canoe! This is a permanent full-time position due to commence ASAP. Effective 1 April 2025, the salary will be £31,417 per annum, which equates to £16.11 per hour. We have excellent benefits – including 28 days leave + bank holidays, life assurance and a health cash plan.

Your new place of work is in a beautiful location, surrounded by nature on your break. Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature. We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so we provide great benefits to reward and support you while you work with us.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage the day-to-day operations of Hire a Canoe and its associated sites.
• Accompany and assist customers/groups on trips, demonstrating safety techniques and responding to the needs of the group.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to meet customers’ expectations and ensure re-booking targets are achieved.
• Manage bookings and event planning to maximize revenue.
• Ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our customers, as well as managing health and safety compliance.
• Maintain and organise canoes, kayaks, and outdoor equipment to the highest standards.
• Provide effective leadership, support, and guidance to casual summer workers and freelancers.

Please refer to the vacancy pack for full details of the responsibilities of the role.

Where you’ll be based

This role is predominantly located at the Montford Bridge Hire a Canoe site and our Preston Montford Field Studies Centre. Hire a Canoe covers a lengthy part of the River Severn in Shropshire. The most popular route is 12 miles from Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury.

Who We’re Looking For

You will have experience of leading outdoor adventurous activities and already have a BCU / BCAB paddle sport instructor qualification which includes water rescue certification.

In Addition To

• Business Management and/or Budget management experience.
• Experience of writing and undertaking risk assessments.
• Experience of Health & Safety monitoring and record keeping.
• First Aid qualification.
• Full valid Driving Licence with D1 & C1 entitlement.

You will be required to drive our minibuses and to tow canoe trailers. If you do not hold D1/C1 entitlement and have the appropriate driving experience/certification, you will be required to undertake the relevant training upon commencement of the role.

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health Cash Plan for routine health appointments.
• Access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases.
• Flexible working options where roles permit and appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Mike Etherington on 07579814272. Applications will be considered on arrival. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment. Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Preston Montford on a rolling basis. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We want to create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it. As an Investors in People charity, we realise that to achieve our vision we need diverse teams of staff who have a wide range of skills, a real passion for the work of the charity and pride in their role within it.