Seasonal Outdoor Education Instructor – Portland Outdoor Centre
Start date: 16th or 23rd March 2026
Salary: £25,400 - £27,500 per annum pro rata in 2025 - Salary increases due from April 2026 (amount TBC)
Contract: Full time, fixed term
Location: Portland, Dorset
Website https://portlandoutdoor.co.uk
Portland Outdoor Centre is a 120 bed residential outdoor education centre located on the Isle of Portland, on the south coast of sunny Dorset.
Offering a variety of outdoor activities that take full advantage of the surrounding countryside, from the vast Chesil Beach to the cliff edges of Portland Bill. All our activities take place off-site ensuring our groups experience real environments with the time to immerse themselves in the landscape and the activities. Known as being a UK sport climbing mecca, and surrounded by sea we have a vast outdoor playground readily available within minutes.
Our small close-knit team values the importance of engaging outdoor experiences and takes pride in delivering high quality activities, which leave young people with memories that last a lifetime.
We have x2 off-site instructor houses available for staff accommodation, both within walking distance of Chesil beach, swimming/paddling and saunas opportunities, climbing venues, coasteering venues and the necessities of everyday living such as tescos /lidl. Both properties are a 10 minute walk from our Centre.
Sleeping up to 120 we are small enough to ensure high-quality experiences and hospitality for all our groups; be it multi activity school programmes, adult groups or DofE Gold Residential programmes.
Activities we offer include; Coasteering, Climbing and Abseiling, Coastal Bushcraft, Watersports ( inc paddleboarding, SOT kayaking, traditional raft building), Big Canoeing and a number of other on-site and off site experiences. Thorough training is provided to enable you to deliver to our high standard.
Portland Outdoor Centre has two sister centres; New Forest Outdoor Centre and Brenscombe Outdoor Centre. You will have the opportunity to visit each centre and use their facilities. Each centre has its own character and feel with its own variety of activities and clientele. Although predominantly based at Portland the opportunity to work at the other sites during the season only provides more opportunity to broaden and develop your skill set.
At Portland, Instructors can expect to really use their awards while developing skills and experience. A normal week will involve Coasteering at Portland Bill, running Climbing sessions at one of our numerous local venues and delivering a selection of Water-sports from Portland Harbour.
Portland Outdoor Centre offers a genuine opportunity to progress as an instructor. We have a highly motivated, active and professional team. If you like the idea of an afterwork Climb, Coasteer, Beach BBQ or paddle/swim/sauna you’ll fit right in.
In return for your hard work, we offer:
- Monthly salary + paid holiday
- Affordable onsite accommodation in one of x2 offsite instructor houses
- Funding and support for personal training and development
- Opportunity to obtain the ERCA Traditional High Ropes Instructor qualification
- National Coasteering Charter Guide training early in the season
- A busy and exciting working atmosphere with plenty of opportunity to develop your skills
- Predominantly Monday to Friday working through school term time
- Access to trade discounts on outdoor kit
- Access to facilities across the organisation including a bunkhouse in North Wales
Qualities we are looking for:
- A strong work ethic
- Team player
- Enthusiastic about the outdoors, and are keen to personally paddle, climb, coasteer and have fun with us!
- Desire to progress and develop your own skills and qualifications
Essential qualifications:
- 16-hour First Aid certificate
- Prior experience working with young people
- BC Paddlesport Instructor
- Rock Climbing Instructor Training OR Coasteering experience
Desirable qualifications/skills:
- Rock Climbing Instructor qualified
- BC Paddlesport Leader (or above)
- BC Core coach
- NCC training/guide
- ERCA Ropes Course Instructor
- Archery GB/GNAS
- Lowland Leader Award or above
- Bushcraft experience
Contracts until end of September/October 2026 are available
If you want to be part of a team delivering high quality experiences in real environments then please do get in touch! Email your CV to Jerome Cooper at jerome@portlandoutdoor.co.uk
Closing date: 5th January 2026
Portland Outdoor Centre is an equal opportunities employer and we are eagerly seeking applications from all sectors of society.
Portland Outdoor Centre, Castletown, Portland, DT5 1BD
01305 822255
