Outdoor Education Instructor

Job Description

Job Title: Outdoor Education Instructor
Salary: £29,258 - 32,736 per annum (pro rata if part-time)
Grade: C
Contract Type: Permanent 
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (please specify if term-time only) 

About the department 

Set within 70 acres of stunning outdoor space, Grangewaters offers an exciting and diverse environment featuring residential cabin villages, a 25-acre lake, a large climbing and high ropes facility, and a wide range of adventurous activities including sailing, kayaking, archery, mountain biking and much more.

As part of our dynamic instructor team, you’ll deliver inspiring programmes for children, young people and adults of all abilities. From school residentials and educational visits to family activities, corporate team-building events, celebrations and specialist training courses, no two days are ever the same.

About the Role 

We’re seeking instructors who bring energy, passion and professionalism to everything they do. You’ll be confident leading groups, delivering engaging activity sessions and providing exceptional customer experiences while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

More Than Just Instructing

As a valued member of the Grangewaters team, you'll also contribute to the upkeep and presentation of our facilities and equipment, helping to ensure every visitor enjoys a safe, enjoyable and high-quality experience.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a vibrant outdoor environment where you can make a genuine impact every day. Whether you're helping a child conquer their fear of heights, teaching new skills on the water, or facilitating memorable team experiences, you'll be part of a team dedicated to inspiring confidence, adventure and personal growth.

What We’re Looking For 

The ideal candidate will:

• Have at least one season's experience working within a busy multi-activity centre
• Be confident leading sessions for children and young people
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver activities that support learning and personal development outcomes
• Be highly organised, adaptable and able to think on their feet
• Hold a valid First Aid qualification
• Have a genuine enthusiasm for helping people develop confidence, resilience and new skills through outdoor learning

Essential Qualifications:

Applicants must hold qualifications in at least two of the following disciplines, with one qualification from the first three listed:

• RYA Dinghy Instructor
• Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor (PSI) Level 1 Coach or above
• Climbing Wall Award / ERCA qualification
• Archery GB (GNAS) qualification or in-house assessed equivalent

DBS Check: Enhanced Level with Children's Barred List is required for this post

Benefits of Working with Us 

At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including: 

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Local Government Pension Scheme 
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable) 
• Ongoing training and professional development 
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support 
• Staff discounts and local offers 
• A supportive and inclusive working environment 

Important Dates 

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 18th August 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 31st August 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information 

If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact: 

Wendy Warman - Participation and Outdoor Education Manager

[email removed] - [phone removed] 

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications. 

Safer Recruitment Application Requirements

As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.  Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV. 

Gaps in Employment Form

Gaps in Employment Example

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough. 

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council