At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young minds through exciting outdoor activities like archery and fire building.
- Company: Join the Active Learning Centres team dedicated to youth development and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Earn up to £124.32 per day with flexible hours and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Pathway to gain qualifications and career progression in outdoor education.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, but experience with children is a plus.
Location: near Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
Salary: up to £123.32 pd
Closing Date: 20/3/26
Outdoor Instructor at Cuffley Active Learning Centre
From woods to coast to mountains, Active Learning Centres are dedicated to helping young people develop essential skills and character, and to promote wellbeing through outdoor learning. Cuffley Active Learning Centre (ALC) is set in 96 acres of outstanding natural beauty in south-east Hertfordshire, just 15 minutes from the M25. The predominantly woodland site offers a blend of multi-activity and environmentally-focused residential and day courses, which are designed to promote the development of Essential Skills, Character and Wellbeing.
Cuffley ALC provides outdoor learning experiences for children aged 4 – 18, with a wide range of bespoke educational and hands-on school trips. We work closely with schools prior to their travel to ensure that each itinerary meets the needs of the visiting students and teachers.
As an Outdoor Instructor at Cuffley ALC you will be inspiring young minds in their adventure, taking them through activities such as target sports, orienteering, fire building, problem solving and more. Successful candidates will undertake a comprehensive training programme to enable them to deliver these activities, and more, in a safe and fun way.
About the Role
- Varied zero hours contracts available between April-October 2026
- Predominantly Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work
- Opportunity to earn up to £124.32 for a standard 8-hour day
- Must be available to attend a training course starting in April 2026
No qualifications are required for this role, however, previous experience of working with children would be desirable. All applicants will complete a comprehensive training programme in conjunction with our mentoring scheme before working on one of our centres. You will be responsible for delivering high quality multi-activity and environment programmes (both day groups and residentials). You will ensure that a high level of pastoral care is maintained, and that Health & Safety and Safeguarding are at the forefront of every single session you prepare and deliver.
Our multi-activities include archery, axe throwing, orienteering, laser tag, and much more. We incorporate target sports such as Archery and Tomahawks into our programme and bring the magic of the woodland to life through traditional bushcraft skills like fire lighting, shelter building and storytelling. This role requires enthusiasm, passion, energy, and a desire to lead by example. You will be a role model for our young people, ensuring they leave camp with positive memories that will last them a lifetime.
Responsibilities
- Leading/instructing multi-activities for ages ranging from 4–18 years old
- Briefing participants in matters of safety
- Set Up and Pack Down of Activities & Activity Areas
- Activity Maintenance and Safety Checks
- Provide high levels of customer service
- Complying with the company culture of Health & Safety
- Implement our Safeguarding and well-being protocols
- Maintaining guest accommodation and it is ready for use prior to arrivals
- Maintenance of Centre
- Working and communicating within your team
- Ensuring the group’s welfare while onsite and liaising with visiting staff members to ensure that their visit is successful
- Carry out mealtime and night duties
But that’s just the start of your ALC career journey – with our stunning portfolio of woodland – coastal – mountain Active Learning Centres, we aim to give successful staff a pathway to gain National Governing Body Awards and the opportunity to build a career that offers immense satisfaction and achievement. Training courses in water-based activities, mountain activities, facilitation and other facets of outdoor education will enable you to progress your career in the outdoors either at Cuffley ALC as a Senior Outdoor Instructor or at one of our amazing centres in Wales.
Training and Development
- Progression plan informed using customer and observation KPI’s with CPD sessions to help you achieve
- Enhanced Safeguarding Training
- Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Qualification
- External First Aid Qualification
- Access to Online Training Modules
- Full induction and training plan
- Potential to earn qualifications while with ALC, these may be: Archery GB and others
- Progression opportunities across multi-discipline centres
Package
Opportunity to earn up to £124.32 for a standard 8-hour day.
The Active Learning Group and its brands are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and an expectation of this role is to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory reference.
We reserve the right to conduct online searches where relevant. At The Active Learning Group, we believe in providing an environment which recognises the values people’s differences/individuality, and benefits from the unique strengths that these differences bring to our organisation. This commitment promotes respect and equal treatment for all persons regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, marital or civil partnership, nationality, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We insist that this respect is applied in every aspect of our business and in how we conduct ourselves, under the Equality Act 2010.
Outdoor Instructor - Hertfordshire in Potters Bar employer: Institute for Outdoor Learning
Cuffley Active Learning Centre is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture focused on personal growth and development. With opportunities for comprehensive training, career progression, and the chance to inspire young minds in a stunning natural setting, employees can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding experience while making a positive impact on the lives of children. The supportive environment encourages teamwork and creativity, ensuring that every instructor leaves a lasting legacy of adventure and learning.
Contact Details:
Institute for Outdoor Learning Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Instructor - Hertfordshire in Potters Bar
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Instructor - Hertfordshire in Potters Bar
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.
