At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting outdoor activities and create unforgettable experiences for all abilities.
- Company: Calvert Kielder, a pioneer in accessible outdoor adventures.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £27,976, 28 days leave, and subsidised accommodation.
- Other info: Access to world-class trails and ongoing training for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while enjoying the stunning Northumberland outdoors.
- Qualifications: Outdoor qualifications in water sports or climbing preferred; passion for inclusion is key.
The predicted salary is between 27976 - 27976 £ per year.
Location: Kielder, Northumberland
Salary: From £27,976
Closes: 7/9/26
Outdoor Activity Staff (Permanent, Full-Time)
Location: Kielder Water, Northumberland (with easy access to Newcastle, Carlisle, & the Lakes)
Salary: From £27,976 per annum (Accredited Real Living Wage Employer)
Closing Date: 7th September 2026 | Start Date: October 2026 (Negotiable)
Change Lives through Adventure
Do you want to use your outdoor skills to make a real difference? At Calvert Kielder, we have spent over 40 years pioneering fully accessible outdoor experiences. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to experience the thrill of adventure. As a key part of our permanent activity team, you will deliver high-quality, life-changing land and water-based sessions on the stunning shores of Kielder Water. No two days here are ever the same. Plus, you will get to operate the Kielder Zipcoaster - the world's only fully accessible AvatarOne rollercoaster zipwire!
What We Are Looking For
We want confident, engaging outdoor professionals who love people. We specialise in working with people with disabilities, so experience in this area is a huge plus—but a passion for inclusion is what matters most. To join us, you must have a proven track record in the industry and at least one of the following qualification pathways:
- Water Sports: Dinghy Instructor and/or Paddlesport Leader (or equivalent).
- Ropes & Climbing: Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI), Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), or ERCA High Ropes Course Instructor.
Desirable: D1 driving entitlement.
Why Work with Calvert Kielder?
We are a genuinely people-led organisation. We invest heavily in our staff team and offer one of the best benefit packages in the outdoor industry:
- Great Pay: Starting at £27,976 (well above the government national minimum).
- Unbeatable Time Off: 28 days annual leave PLUS time off over Christmas and New Year.
- Living on Site: Subsidised on-site accommodation available (subject to availability) and subsidised meals.
- Your Development: Dedicated, ongoing training to expand your qualifications.
- Peace of Mind: Life cover (3x salary), accident & illness insurance, and healthcare access (WeCare, MyStrength, Toothfairy).
- Perks: Blue Light Card scheme, staff discounts for family, and access to discounted outdoor kit.
Your Natural Playground
Based in the heart of Kielder Water & Forest Park on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, your days off will be just as exciting as your workdays. You will have immediate access to world-class mountain bike trails, local climbing crags, the Cheviot Hills, the wild Northumberland coast, great river catchments (Tyne and Tweed), and the nearby Lake District.
Outdoor Activity Staff - Northumberland employer: Institute for Outdoor Learning
The Institute for Outdoor Learning is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around adventure and personal growth. Located in the picturesque town of Whitby, employees benefit from hands-on experience in outdoor education, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives through engaging activities. Join us to embark on a rewarding journey where your passion for the outdoors can flourish while contributing to unforgettable experiences for youth.
Contact Details:
Institute for Outdoor Learning Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Activity Staff - Northumberland
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Institute for Outdoor Learning. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Institute for Outdoor Learning. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Activity Staff - Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Institute for Outdoor Learning aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Outdoor Learning
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Institute for Outdoor Learning, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
