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 a seasonal 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. From March 2025, start time and duration flexible by mutual agreement

Hours of work

42 hours per week on average. Includes evenings, overnights, weekends and bank holidays.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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, Others & Corporate Responsibilities

You will be expected to demonstrate good practice and 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.
Be an excellent role model, ensuring the messages of education and development we deliver to our clients are demonstrated personally and given honestly.
Manage resources to the highest standards and participate in relevant personal development opportunities so you can act as a custodian of best practice.
Reflect our inclusive culture in your day-to-day work and support a positive health & safety and safeguarding culture in your interactions with colleagues.
Follow our organisation’s anti-racism principles and practices as you actively promote and respect diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work and working relationships.

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 (essential):
o Archery GB Instructor Award or
o ERCA, RCI, CWI, or other relevant ropes-based qualification.

The suitable candidate will hold a range of qualifications for the outdoor learning and activity sector.

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.
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!

Outdoor Adventure opportunities in Reading

Seasonal Outdoor Instructors