Woodrow offers a range of exciting, engaging outdoor learning activities on site including high ropes, mountain biking, bushcraft, archery, and various team activities. We are committed to providing outstanding outdoor learning and residential experiences to all our visitors, and this role plays an active part in achieving that aim.
As an Outdoor Instructor, you will facilitate a wide range of activities to support the growth, development and education of young people and adults who visit us. You have a passion for learning outside the classroom and are dedicated to delivering that experience. This role also involves other duties, including activity and grounds maintenance, across the site that contribute to the wider success of the Centre.
As an Outdoor Instructor at Woodrow, you will join a professional, enthusiastic, and passionate team; a team that believes in the potential of every young person who comes through the door and wants to make a difference for each of them through the experiences we offer. More widely, this role works across teams to support wider operational objectives, including Sales & Marketing, Leisure Operations, and Facilities. There is regular collaboration with the wider London Youth team, including our sister centre, Hindleap Warren.
Contract Type
Seasonal fixed term, Part-time, Variable hours available. Start time and duration flexible by mutual agreement
Hours of work
42 hours per week on average. Includes evenings, overnights, weekends and bank holidays.
Salary
£27,518 (Lvl 1) - £28,500 (Lvl 3). Based on experience & qualifications held.
About the role – what you will be doing
Instructional Work with Customers
- Deliver a range of activity sessions where trained and competent.
- Operate all activities in accordance with Woodrow’s operating procedures and appropriate National Governing Body guidelines.
- Support the development of existing sessions and ideas for new activities.
Activity Equipment & Site Maintenance
- Undertake ‘site work’ tasks across grounds that support safe activity operations.
- Perform and record regular safety checks of activity equipment.
Course Director Responsibilities
- Act as ‘Course Director’ looking after a group for the duration of their visit, being the main point of contract and ensuring their visit runs smoothly throughout.
Duty Instructor Responsibilities
- Supervise residential groups overnight, sleeping in the building.
- Maintain an onsite presence to provide first aid and act as a fire warden (training provided) and practical assistance as needed by groups in your care.
- Run evening activities and the retail tuck shop for residential groups.
Personal Development – Yourself and Others
- Assist with the mentoring and training of fellow instructors, (where your experience & qualifications allow), demonstrating good practice when out on session.
- Be an excellent role model, ensuring the messages of education and development we deliver to our clients are demonstrated personally and given honestly.
- Expand your project management skills by taking ownership of an area of development.
- Participate in relevant personal development opportunities including attendance at internal and/or external training courses.
Personal Development - Corporate Responsibilities
- Actively promote London Youth’s policy and procedures to value and respect diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your duties and working relationships.
- Manage resources to the highest standards and act as a custodian of best practice.
- You will be expected to play a proactive part in the implementation of the work and policy of London Youth as a whole, supporting the vision, mission and aims of the charity.
Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably requested by London Youth’s management that ensure the ongoing operational success of the charity and delivery of excellent customer experiences
About you – what you bring to the role
It is essential that you provide a short supporting statement to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and attributes noted below. Ensure you tell us why you’d like to work here, and what you would bring to the team. These responses will be developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Experience, Knowledge & Skills
- Over 1 years’ experience instructing a variety of outdoor activities at outdoor education centres.
- Experience of instructing to a range of customers, including young people and adults, with different backgrounds and various needs.
- Demonstrable understanding of health and safety issues pertaining to outdoor activities.
- Demonstrable skill delivery quality customer service and positive customer experiences.
- Demonstrable understanding of the value of outdoor learning and associated outcomes.
Qualifications
- A valid first aid qualification (essential)
- At least one of the following qualifications (essential):
o Archery GB Instructor Award
o ERCA, RCI, CWI, or other relevant ropes-based qualification
o MIAS / BC Mountain Bike Leaders / Instructor or other relevant cycling qualification
- A walking qualification, such as BEL / ML / HML / LL (Desirable)
- Level 2 Bushcraft Award or equivalent (Desirable)
- A valid first aid qualification (Desirable)
- National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification (Desirable)
Essential Personal Attributes
We are looking for good communicators, full of passion, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help develop and support young people through outdoor learning. You must possess the following:
- Passionate and demonstrably committed to improving the lives of children and young people.
- Customer centric mindset with exceptional customer service skills.
- Composed demeanor, able to keep calm under pressure and solve problems when they arise.
- Articulate communicator, able to confidently communicate to quickly establish a rapport and build effective relationships with a wide range of people.
- Collaborative team player with a willingness to work effectively with others.
- Able to work independently, demonstrating proactivity and initiative.
- Self-motivated with a positive attitude, growth mindset and keen willingness to develop.
- Impeccable work ethic with a practical, flexible, and dynamic approach to work.
- Absolute commitment to London Youth’s principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Ability to display tolerance and compromise on issues surrounding communal living.
- Demonstrate living our values of Being Ambitious, Being Collaborative, Being Inclusive, Being Accountable.
Job Benefits
- Level 1 Instructor pay based on Real Living Wage rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.
- Pay progression to Level 2 and Level 3 based on CPD qualifications and experience gained in role.
- Generous holiday allowance - 39 days annual leave including 8 bank holidays for FTE.
- On site accommodation available, charge in line with the Government's set NMW accommodation offset rate. Utility bills are paid for by London Youth.
- Continuous learning opportunities, with financial support towards relevant qualifications and ongoing professional development.
- Individual / team rewards recognising achievement and excellence.
- Free meals provided whilst on duty when the kitchen is serving young people in residence.
- Free tea and coffee available in "Tea & Coffee Bar".
- Free onsite parking.
- Branded quality uniform provided.
- Healthcare Cashback Plan to help cover your healthcare essentials.
- Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme.
- Free access to the 'Headspace' wellbeing application.
- Eyecare vouchers.
- Two days per year allowance for volunteering with London Youth or another charity.
- Magnificent location on a historic estate, surrounded by nature.
- You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth.
- An outstanding culture and ethos where staff and visitors enjoy, challenge, and achieve.
- Occasional supply of sweet - sometimes savoury - always yummy - treats are guaranteed.
- You will be making a difference to the lives of young people!
London Youth embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to the ongoing development of an organisation that values and represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and welcome applications that reflect this.