At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor activities and inspire personal growth in children and young people.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Hudnall Park, surrounded by stunning nature.
- Benefits: Earn competitive pay, enjoy flexible hours, and access professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while having fun outdoors and developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a passion for outdoor education.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
The predicted salary is between 29644 - 31885 £ per year.
Sessional Outdoor Activities Instructor – variable contract, hourly rate £15.40‑£16.57 (part‑time pro‑rata). Salary progresses from £29,644 to £31,885 per annum. Hours up to 37 per week, with some evenings and weekends required. Location: Hudnall Park, Berkhamsted.
About The Team
Hudnall Park sits on 85 acres of grassland and woodland on the edge of the Chilterns AONB. The centre provides residential and day visits to groups and families, offering high‑quality outdoor learning experiences. We are an inclusive provider catering to a range of ages and abilities and are developing an ambitious strategy to utilise the site year‑round.
About The Role
The role is central to achieving that strategy. It involves delivering safe, high‑quality, engaging outdoor education and adventure activities for children, young people and families. Responsibilities include:
- Leading outcome‑based sessions that foster personal and social skill development.
- Assisting with equipment maintenance and resource development in collaboration with other staff.
- Planning and adapting activities to meet individual and group needs.
- Working with team members, children, young people, families, and county council staff.
Typical working hours are 08:30‑17:00 Monday to Friday; evenings and weekends may be required. Remote location – applicants must have access to their own transport. No instructor accommodation on site.
Essential Requirements
- Understanding of how outdoor education can develop children’s and young people’s personal and social skills.
- Recent experience in a similar role and working with children and young people.
- Full driving licence and regular access to a vehicle.
- Ability to plan, develop, and lead activities.
- Good team player with strong communication skills.
- Friendly, welcoming and positive attitude.
- Knowledge of health & safety and risk assessment.
- Flexible, adaptable approach and the ability to work on own initiative.
Desirable
- Experience in teaching or leading natural history and environmental activities.
Qualifications: Archery (GNAS/Archery GB), ERCA Low ropes, Mountain‑biking (MIAS/MBLA L1), Forest School Leader (L3), Woodland Activity Leader (L2), Bushcraft Instructor (L2), Navigation Leader, First Aid (or willingness to train).
Benefits & Working Conditions
The role offers varied and interesting duties, the chance to use your imagination and creativity, and opportunities for continued professional development through Hertfordshire County Council.
Legal & Equality
Applicants must have right to work in the UK; the role requires a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We are a Disability‑Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability, provided the application meets the minimum criteria. English fluency is essential for the post.
Sessional Outdoor Activities Instructors employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Outdoor Activities Instructors
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local outdoor education events or workshops to meet people in the industry. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience leading outdoor activities, consider creating a short video or portfolio showcasing your best sessions. This can really help you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and adaptable! The role requires a lot of creativity in planning activities, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully adapted sessions in the past during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you're keen and professional, which we love to see!
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Outdoor Activities Instructors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor activities shine through! We want to see how much you care about helping children and young people develop their skills in a fun and engaging way.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in outdoor education or working with children. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Outdoor Education
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of how outdoor education can develop personal and social skills in children and young people. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to lead engaging sessions.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
This role requires a flexible and adaptable approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully adapted activities to meet the needs of different groups. Think of instances where you had to think on your feet and adjust plans to ensure everyone had a great experience.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication
As a Sessional Outdoor Activities Instructor, you'll be working closely with team members and families. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others in previous roles. This will show that you're a strong team player who can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Health & Safety Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions around health and safety and risk assessment. Familiarise yourself with relevant protocols and be ready to discuss how you've ensured safety in past activities. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe environment for all participants.