Instructor - Bangholm Outdoor Centre

Outdoor Learning & Adventure Education Instructor - Fixed term until 29/6/2027 at Bangholm Outdoor Centre.

Salary: £34,452 - £40,501

Hours: 36 per week

The City of Edinburgh Council is committed to safe, impactful outdoor learning and adventure education (OL&AE). The OL&AE Team operates 4 centres, including 3 outdoor centres and the Risk Factory. The Team has wide-ranging responsibilities across safety and quality from onsite activity to residential provision.

We have an exciting opportunity for an instructor to join our Edinburgh-based Bangholm team from September 2026 to June 2027. The post involves three core areas of targeted delivery with an emphasis on supporting young people with additional support needs (ASN), plus Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) ‘disadvantaged’ learners. Training will be ongoing; providing the opportunity for the successful applicant to develop their personal skills and experiences in delivering targeted OL&AE. A project plan for each core area will ensure effective induction, training and support. The successful applicant will operate within the Bangholm safety management framework, led by the Bangholm Operations Manager.

• Core Area 1: 0.2 FTE, delivering OL&AE for a primary special school in Edinburgh. School staff will support each session. Specialist ASN training will be provided via the school, plus wider advice and support via the Bangholm Operations Manager and existing targeted support OL&AE instructor. This is a new programme and offers the opportunity to be innovative in partnership with school staff.
• Core Area 2: 0.4 FTE, delivering DofE Bronze sections to small groups from four secondary/special schools. This is part of our DofE Action Zone initiative aimed at boosting bronze ‘disadvantaged’ learner achievement. Pilot work has shown carefully targeted resources, and support can raise achievement significantly. Delivery of overnight expeditions is integral to this post, plus Council staff will support sessions. Support and guidance will be provided via our OL&AE Team Development Officer (Achievement Awards), including DofE award training if required.
• Core Area 3: 0.2 FTE, delivering trial OL&AE programmes to up to two secondary school groups. This is part of our development of a new accredited OL&AE qualification via Qualifications Scotland. Support and guidance will be provided via our OL&AE Team Development Officer (Qualifications).

The post includes 0.2 FTE non-contact time, which allows the successful applicant to prepare sessions, complete evaluations and undertake ongoing training. The role is primarily working outdoors in and around Edinburgh for long periods of the day, throughout the year in different environmental conditions; sometimes in remote and potentially hazardous locations. Work will be land and water-based, plus some activity at height. Suitable and sufficient PPE, induction and support are provided. The allocated work office is Bangholm Outdoor Centre, Edinburgh. The successful applicant will be able to work occasional weekends, evenings and overnight, plus occasional working across Scotland. Annual leave will be planned via the Bangholm Operations Manager and will generally be during school holidays. Some in-term holidays may be approved subject to programme design.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. This check will be required before an unconditional offer of employment can be made and commencement in the post.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience. Disabled and care-experienced applicants who meet the minimum job criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

For further information and queries, please contact Andrew Bagnall (Bangholm Acting Operations Manager) or Andrew Bradshaw (OL&AE Team Manager). Please note; copy both staff in your enquiry.