Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor learning sessions and create positive experiences for participants.
- Company: Join Surrey County Council's dynamic Outdoor Learning team.
- Benefits: Earn £13.35 per hour plus generous leave and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience with groups and a passion for the outdoors is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours, comprehensive training, and a friendly team await you.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
This role has a starting hourly rate of £13.35 per hour, plus £2.00 per hour annual leave allowance. We are excited to be hiring bank Outdoor Learning Instructors to join our dynamic Outdoor Learning team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). We are offering flexible bank contracts, various hours available (usually a minimum of seven hours per shift), with work opportunities over seven days per week.
Our Centres are:
- High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ
- Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH
- Thames Young Mariners, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX
- Angel Blue, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
- Various Surrey locations with the Outreach team
Our Offer to You
- Generous annual leave allowance
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Carers leave and volunteering days dependant on agreed working hours
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- A fantastic entry level role into the world of outdoor learning
- A comprehensive training package and ongoing support
- Being part of a friendly, dynamic team, working with a range of customers and projects
- Working in the outdoors in beautiful locations
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About The Role
At Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD), we offer our visitors carefully facilitated, bespoke programmes in the outdoors, creating positive learning outcomes and experiences. Our bank Outdoor Learning Instructor role is perfect for people either new to the outdoor learning industry or those who have some experience, holding one or two national governing body qualifications. We are looking for individuals who have excellent communication skills, are able to build rapport, empathise with others and be confident to lead groups in an outdoor setting. In return we will provide an excellent training package and support, which will grow and develop skills, knowledge and tools for the role.
We are particularly interested to hear from individuals who have national governing body qualifications / experience in paddling or climbing, and those that have some experience in delivering outdoor learning. We are also keen to hear from individuals interested in delivering our World War 2 Living History days! Individuals without qualifications, but with transferrable skills, are very welcome to apply.
A typical day might look like:
- Beginning with a team brief, preparing and setting up for the day’s programmes
- Seeing in, meeting and greeting our customers, settling the groups and liaising with the Leaders to understand their learning outcomes and needs
- Building relationships quickly, we deliver a range of outdoor learning sessions ensuring that, through review and reflection, participants gain valuable lifelong personal and social skills
- At the end of the day, we will see our customers out, or to their accommodation, and settle them in for an exciting night
- Coming together to debrief, share experiences, learn and discuss progress of individuals or groups in preparation for their next session
This is a rewarding role that can have a really positive impact; improving and enriching personal and social development, raising achievement, success and aspirations in our customers lives.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Previous group work experience in an outdoor or other setting, and working with children or young people
- An interest or passion for the outdoors
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- An understanding of good practice and high quality relating to health and safety
Questions to answer in your application
- Please tell us about what has drawn you to apply for this role
- Please tell us about your experience of working with groups
- What transferrable skills do you have that you feel would benefit this role, and why?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Ellie Rose by e‑mail at Eleanor.rose@surreycc.gov.uk.
This is a rolling advert and we will review applications on a regular basis. We are holding a recruitment day on Saturday 10th January (10am - 3.30pm). This is a chance to come along, find out more and meet the team. Interviews will be held on this day, or at a mutually convenient time.
An enhanced DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children’s Barred List checks will be required for this role.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Outdoor Learning Instructor in Dorking employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Outdoor Learning Instructor in Dorking
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development. Understand their values, mission, and the types of programmes they offer. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Think about common interview questions related to outdoor learning and group work. Prepare some examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and how you can contribute to the role. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the outdoors! Whether it's through personal experiences or qualifications, let your enthusiasm shine during the interview. Talk about what draws you to outdoor learning and how you can inspire others to appreciate it too.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role or the team. This shows that you're engaged and keen to learn more about how you can fit into the dynamic environment at SOLD.
We think you need these skills to ace Outdoor Learning Instructor in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When you're writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! Share any personal experiences or adventures that have inspired you to apply for this role. We want to see that enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any group work experience you've had, especially if it's in an outdoor setting or with children and young people. We’re looking for those transferable skills that will help you thrive as an Outdoor Learning Instructor.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: Take your time to answer the application questions. Reflect on what draws you to this role and how your skills align with our needs. This is your chance to show us why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get you into the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Outdoor Learning Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of outdoor learning principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the types of activities you might be leading, like paddling or climbing, and think about how you can engage different age groups in these experiences.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working with children and young people, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated with a group or built rapport quickly.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific situations, like managing a group of kids during an outdoor activity. Prepare some scenarios in advance and think through your responses, focusing on safety, engagement, and fun!
✨Express Your Passion for the Outdoors
Let your enthusiasm for outdoor learning shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your love for nature and how it has shaped your desire to work in this field. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
