Outdoor Education Instructor

Job Purpose

To provide outstanding learning experiences through the medium of residential outdoor education. Consistently delivering for Centre users inspirational, safe and exciting opportunities for personal development, reflection and transfer of learning.
To approach each course with the attitude and motivation that all user groups feel valued and important and wherever possible seek to exceed customer expectations.
To positively contribute to the team dynamic of the Centre and the effective use and professional management of Centre facilities and equipment.

Person Specification

Knowledge
Essential that the post holder will:
1. understand the value of residential outdoor education and be a role model in positively developing people’s confidence, helping them to reflect on experiences, build trust, nurture self-esteem and develop skills for future work and life
2. have worked in the outdoor education industry and developed in depth professional practice in knowing how to provide quality reviewing of outdoor learning experiences, especially with young adults and students, with a view to effect transfer of learning

Desirable that the post holder will:
1. have knowledge of environmental issues and the ability to develop an appreciation of the world’s resources and their sustainable use to Centre user groups
2. have previously worked in a residential outdoor education centre

Skills
Essential that the post holder will:
1. have the ability to work effectively as a team player at the Raymond Priestley Centre, supporting others and consistently contributing across the range of activities that the Centre provides
2. be able to lead, motivate, show empathy, enthuse and inspire people, facilitating the personal development of group members as they participate in outdoor and adventurous activities
3. be independent and self-sufficient as an instructor when working away from the Centre
4. be able to teach and tutor students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Able to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. Inspiring confidence from those in their charge to engage in the Centre’s activities and contribute positively to the programme.
Skills
Desirable that the post holder will:
1. have skills to take a lead in the on-going maintenance of a set of Centre equipment eg kayaks, dinghies
2. be computer literate

Qualifications

• Essential that the post holder will hold 3 of the following National Governing Body Awards, with recognised evidence of current competence to instruct the activity. These are the minimum level of award that would be appropriate. In practice the post holder may have some higher awards:
  • British Canoeing Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport, or equivalent - canoe or kayak
  • Royal Yachting Association – Dinghy Instructor
  • Royal Yachting Association – Start Windsurfing Instructor
  • Mountain Training – Mountain Leader
  • Mountain Training – Single Pitch Award
• Full UK driving licence with no more than 3 points

Qualifications
Desirable that the post holder will:

• have Royal Yachting Association Safety Boat Award
• British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership Award, or equivalent
• have D1(E) entitlement on their driving licence
• have a degree, or professional qualification in outdoor education or sport
• have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education

Experience
Essential that the post holder will:

• have a breadth of experience from working with a variety of groups in the outdoors industry, such that the post holder has the ability to make timely and accurate assessments regarding issues of safety and group management and able to decide upon the best course of action during an emergency while working with a group
• have the experience and confidence to work with a degree of delegated responsibility, eg to liaise with group leaders and oversee the use of the Centre, or to co-ordinate a course and the programme content of it
• be able to decide on the suitability of group members to undertake, or to continue with a particular activity
• work in an enthusiastic and professional manner, be punctual, pay attention to detail and be willing to learn from mistakes

Experience
Desirable that the post holder will:

• have experience of working with multi-cultural groups
• have taught the content of NGB coaching/personal competence awards appropriate to the post holder’s qualifications