Outdoor Learning Instructor

This role has a starting hourly rate of 13.35 per hour, plus 2.00 per hour annual leave allowance.

We are excited to be hiring bank Outdoor Learning Instructors to join our dynamic Outdoor Learning team at Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD).

We are offering flexible bank contracts, various hours available (usually a minimum of seven hours per shift), with work opportunities over seven days per week.

Our centres are:

• High Ashurst, Mickleham Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6DQ
• Henley Fort, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4RH
• Thames Young Mariners, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7RX
• Angel Blue, Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4RR
• Various Surrey locations with the Outreach team

Our Offer to You

• Generous annual leave allowance
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Carers leave and volunteering days dependant on agreed working hours
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• A fantastic entry level role into the world of outdoor learning
• A comprehensive training package and ongoing support
• Being part of a friendly, dynamic team, working with a range of customers and projects
• Working in the outdoors in beautiful locations
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

At Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD), we offer our visitors carefully facilitated, bespoke programmes in the outdoors, creating positive learning outcomes and experiences.

Our Bank Outdoor Learning Instructor role is perfect for people either new to the outdoor learning industry or those who have some experience, holding one or two national governing body qualifications. We are looking for individuals who have excellent communication skills, are able to build rapport, empathise with others and be confident to lead groups in an outdoor setting. In return we will provide an excellent training package and support, which will grow and develop skills, knowledge and tools for the role.

We are particularly interested to hear from individuals who have national governing body qualifications / experience in paddling or climbing, and those that have some experience in delivering outdoor learning. We are also keen to hear from individuals interested in delivering our World War 2 Living History days! Individuals without qualifications, but with transferrable skills, are very welcome to apply.

A typical day might look like:

• Beginning with a team brief, preparing and setting up for the day's programmes
• Seeing in, meeting and greeting our customers, settling the groups and liaising with the Leaders to understand their learning outcomes and needs
• Building relationships quickly, we deliver a range of outdoor learning sessions ensuring that, through review and reflection, participants gain valuable lifelong personal and social skills
• At the end of the day, we will see our customers out, or to their accommodation, and settle them in for an exciting night
• Coming together to debrief, share experiences, learn and discuss progress of individuals or groups in preparation for their next session

This is a rewarding role that can have a really positive impact; improving and enriching personal and social development, raising achievement, success and aspirations in our customers lives.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Previous group work experience in an outdoor or other setting, and working with children or young people
• An interest or passion for the outdoors
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• An understanding of good practice and high quality relating to health and safety

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

• Please tell us about what has drawn you to apply for this role
• Please tell us about your experience of working with groups
• What transferrable skills do you have that you feel would benefit this role, and why?

This is a rolling advert and we will review applications on an regular basis.

We are holding a recruitment day on Saturday 10th January (10am - 3.30pm). This is a chance to come along, find out more and meet the team. Interviews will be held on this day, or at a mutually convenient time.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the

Children's Barred List checks will be required for this role.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.