Outdoor Learning Instructor - Academy in Dorking

This position has a starting salary of £25,052 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. The roles are offered as six-month, fixed-term contract opportunities commencing in April 2026. We are excited to be hiring six Outdoor Learning Instructors in an academy role, to join our dynamic Outdoor Learning team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD)!

Our centres are:

• Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH
• Thames Young Mariners, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX
• High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ

Our Outdoor Learning Instructors work across all of SOLD's provision with a primary base at one of our centres.

Our Offer to You:

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• 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 Outdoor Learning Instructor (Academy) 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.

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:

• 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

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

• Please tell us what motivates you to work with children and young people?
• Please tell us about what you can offer the groups you would be working with?
• What transferrable skills do you feel would benefit this role and why?
• Please tell us what do you do to remain resilient in the workplace, for example after a long week working in mixed weather conditions.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and to get an insight into working at Surrey. The job advert closes at 23:59 on 4th January 2026. We will be holding a recruitment day on Saturday 10th January (10am - 3.30pm) providing the opportunity to meet the team and find out more about the role. Interviews will be held on 22nd / 23rd January 2026.

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.