Seasonal Outdoor Instructor

About the role

Are you passionate about outdoor learning and developing people? Do you want to work in a rewarding environment? Join our team to deliver inspiring outdoor learning experiences that enable people to thrive.

We have a variety of contracts available, full time seasonal, part time and relief (freelance).

Our seasonal contracts are from March 2025 until the end of September 2025. We often offer the opportunity for seasonal staff to extend through October, November and occasionally the whole winter dependent on bookings.

We also have a variety of shorter contracts and 0-hour contracts that can work around other commitments to suit you.

Our instructors are responsible for providing high quality outdoor learning experiences to our customers, whilst ensuring the safety of all participants. This will involve delivering a range of land and water-based activities, as well as ensuring all parts of the customer visit run smoothly. You may also be required to be on-call overnight on occasions.

What will you be doing?

Job Purpose

To ensure the development and safe delivery of quality programmes of Outdoor Adventurous Education to groups and individuals that visit Grafham Water Centre.

Principle Accountabilities

1) Programme (10%)

• To ensure the safe delivery of quality programmes of Outdoor Adventurous Education in a friendly manner, suitable to the needs of the group.
• To ensure that the highest standards of quality in instruction are maintained.
• To assist in the preparation of sessions and help develop activity programmes.
• Supporting Managers and other members of the team in welcoming groups and individuals during their stay.

2) Instruction (80%)

• To deliver quality programmes of outdoor education as required.

3) Maintenance (10%)

• To assist in the maintenance of activity equipment and bases.

4) On Call

• To be on call as required within a rota and to assist with retailing.

5) Health and Safety

• To understand and implement the health and safety policies of Grafham Water Centre and Cambridgeshire County Council.
• To perform other tasks as requested by the Chief Instructor/Head of Centre.

About you

We are looking for dedicated and motivated individuals who are committed to developing themselves and others. They must be focussed on delivering the best service to our customers – a smile and a sense of humour are a must!

We will be looking for the following in our ideal candidate:

• A passion for outdoor learning.
• At least one of the following Instructor qualifications: RYA Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor, PaddleUK Paddlesport Instructor or Paddlesport Leader, Single Pitch Award/Rock Climbing Instructor or Climbing Wall Award/Instructor, Archery GB, MIAS, ERCA Traditional instructor (or equivalent awards from previous schemes).
• Valid First Aid qualification.
• The ability to provide safe, purposeful and fun sessions that meet the needs of our clients.
• Able and confident to communicate well with both adults and children.

Our benefits

We value our colleagues in Cambridgeshire County Council and have developed a number of benefits in addition to the basics like annual leave, sick pay, pension and mileage…

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to cover all aspects of wellbeing, both in and out of work, which can also be accessed by your family
• Buy up to 4 weeks additional annual leave (pro-rata) through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to development opportunities, apprenticeships and qualified coaches to support your personal and professional growth
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
• Access to Peer Support Groups through our IDEAL staff equality, diversity and inclusion network
• Opportunities to nominate and receive Employee Recognition Awards
• An Our Cambs Rewards account, giving you access to in-store and online discounts as well as our Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes

Take a look at our Employment Benefits Brochure attached to this advert to find out more.

Benefits specifically for Grafham Water Centre staff:

• 37-hour annualised hours contract. Some evening and weekend work will be required. We also have a range of part time and sessional contracts available to suit your availability.
• Additional payments for on-call duties.
• Subsidised on-site food and accommodation available.
• 25 days paid annual leave pro rota.
• Regular staff training sessions during the season.
• Free access to Centre courses (subject to availability)
• We will provide the opportunities and experience to support your professional development, with individual personal progression plans, a specific mentor, along with funded training and assessment opportunities to gain further qualifications.
• Training/shadowing on activities to help reach NGB standards.
• Free use of Centre facilities and equipment in your own time.
• Reduced price access to Centre activities and courses for your family.

Other information

The closing date for this position is 31st December 2025.

Please ensure that you add your National Governing Body qualifications to the education section of the application form.

Successful applicants will be subject to Enhanced DBS (CRB) Check and Medical clearance before employment commences.

For an informal discussion about the position, please contact Rob Kinsella or Will Dowling via email at rob.kinsella@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or William.dowling@cambridgeshire.gov.uk to set up a time to chat.