At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor education programmes and inspire young people through adventure.
- Company: Join Essex Outdoors, a leading provider of outdoor education in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent growth potential and community focus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying stunning coastal views and vibrant activities.
- Qualifications: Passion for outdoor learning and relevant coaching qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 31576 - 31576 £ per year.
Join Essex Outdoors and help inspire the next generation through adventure, learning and the outdoors. Essex Outdoors is a leading provider of outdoor education and residential experiences for schools across the East of England. We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Senior Instructor to join our team in Mersea and play a key role in delivering outstanding outdoor education programmes.
Our Centre Mersea is our largest Essex Outdoors centre, located on beautiful Mersea Island with spectacular views across the Blackwater Estuary. Set within over 60 acres of stunning coastal grounds, the centre offers an extensive programme of land and water-based activities, creating a vibrant, rewarding and adventure-filled environment for both visitors and staff alike.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Centre Manager and Assistant Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of high-quality outdoor education and National Governing Body (NGB) programmes. You will take a lead role in maintaining high standards of health and safety across all activity areas, ensuring equipment, facilities and resources are safe, compliant and well maintained. This is a varied and rewarding position where you will supervise and support young people and adults both on and off-site, contribute to the delivery of residential programmes, and act as a positive role model. You will also play an important role in the training, development and assessment of staff, helping to maintain the excellent standards of delivery for which Essex Outdoors is known.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of high-quality outdoor education programmes.
- Provide supervision, pastoral care and support for young people and adults participating in residential experiences.
- Lead and contribute to staff training, development and assessment activities.
- Coordinate health and safety across activity areas, ensuring compliance with Essex County Council requirements.
- Monitor and evaluate programme effectiveness to drive continuous improvement.
- Organise repairs, renewals and maintenance of activity equipment, buildings and grounds.
- Support the allocation of resources and development of programmes to meet customer needs.
- Deliver outdoor education programmes in the UK and overseas where required.
About You
We're looking for someone who is passionate about outdoor learning and committed to creating safe, engaging and memorable experiences for participants. You will have:
- At least two National Governing Body qualifications at coach level (three preferred), such as Paddle UK Core Coach / Paddle Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI), Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI), Mountain Leader (Summer), ERCA qualifications.
- Significant experience delivering outdoor education and environmental programmes.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and engage both young people and adults.
- Experience of maintaining safe activity environments and promoting best practice.
- The ability to plan, develop, monitor and evaluate educational programmes.
- Evidence of continuing professional development within the outdoor education sector.
- A D1/D1E driving licence category is desirable.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Instructor – Essex Outdoors Mersea in Colchester employer: Working for Essex
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to innovation and community service, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in Essex while enjoying benefits such as flexible working arrangements and a focus on personal development. The council's status as a Disability Confident Leader further underscores its dedication to inclusivity and support for all staff.
