Outdoor Activity Instructors
Join our instructor team in the New Forest. Weâre looking for qualified Watersports Instructors and Land-Based Instructors to deliver brilliant outdoor experiences from our activity sites in Beaulieu.
If youâre a paddlesports instructor with canoeing or kayaking leadership experience, weâd especially love to hear from you.
Apply for an Instructor Role
Activities Instructors have the best job in the world!
Weâre always interested in hearing from experienced and qualified outdoor instructors who want to work with a supportive team in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
Our main recruitment period is ahead of the busy spring and summer season, but we welcome applications throughout the year from strong candidates.
Instructors can live at our staff campsite in The New Forest during the spring and summer. Youâll be based in Beaulieu, delivering a brilliant range of outdoor activities to schools, families, youth groups, adults and corporate clients.
Two Instructor Roles
We recruit for two main instructor roles: Watersports Instructors and Land-Based Instructors. Please make it clear in your application which role you are applying for.
Apply for an Instructor Role
Watersports Instructor
This role is ideal for paddlesports instructors who are confident leading canoeing and kayaking sessions on sheltered water.
Youâll deliver high-quality paddlesports sessions to a wide range of groups, helping people build confidence, enjoy the water and experience the New Forest from a different perspective.
Weâre especially keen to hear from you if you:
- Hold a Paddlesport Leader award, British Canoeing leadership award, coaching award or equivalent.
- Have experience leading canoeing and/or kayaking sessions.
- Are confident managing groups on the water.
- Can adapt sessions to suit weather, water conditions and participant ability.
- Enjoy helping people feel safe, supported and excited about paddlesports.
If youâre a qualified paddlesports instructor looking for regular work in a beautiful National Park setting, please fill in the form below.
Land-Based Instructor
This role is ideal for instructors who are confident leading groups and delivering exciting land-based outdoor activities.
Youâll work with schools, families, youth groups and adult groups, delivering activities that build confidence, teamwork and outdoor skills.
Activities may include:
- Archery
- Battlezone
- Bushcraft
- Ropes course activities
- Team challenges and outdoor problem-solving activities
Weâre looking for people who:
- Have experience leading groups in outdoor, youth, education or activity settings.
- Hold relevant qualifications or have strong delivery experience.
- Are confident managing groups safely and positively.
- Can create fun, engaging and professional activity sessions.
This is you
Motivated and keen to progress, you enjoy working outdoors in beautiful environments and taking responsibility for groups.
For both instructor roles, you:
- Have a recognised First Aid Award, ideally 16 hours and in date.
- Are confident leading groups.
- Are happy to work weekends and bank holidays during peak season.
- Are 18+ and legally able to work in the UK.
- Are positive, professional and a strong team player.
Please note: This page is for instructor roles. If you are not yet qualified and are interested in training, please see our apprenticeship opportunities.
The benefits
- Clear progression and a personal training plan to help you reach your potential.
- Option to enrol onto our pension scheme through Scottish Widows.
- Staff discounts and deals on equipment and clothing.
- Option to buy technical uniform items at significantly reduced prices.
- Work with a variety of client groups, delivering proper activity experiences, not just taster sessions.
- Access to some of our equipment and venues for training and personal development.
- Family and friends discounts so you can enjoy activities with others.
- Supportive colleagues with years of industry experience, ready to help you learn and grow.
- Optional camping accommodation at our New Forest staff campsite during the spring and summer.
Ready to join the team?
Apply today and tell us whether youâre interested in a Watersports Instructor or Land-Based Instructor role.
Apply now
FAQs
See the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.
How much will I be paid?
Instructor pay is currently ÂŁ12.71 per hour. Some contracts can be flexible, in which case youâll receive holiday pay pro rata rather than accruing paid leave.
Do I need to be qualified already?
Yes. Watersports Instructor applicants should already hold relevant paddlesports leadership or coaching qualifications. Land-Based Instructor applicants should hold relevant qualifications or have strong group delivery experience.
How many hours a week will I work?
Our activity centre is open 7 days a week and weekend working is standard during busy periods. Full-time roles are typically 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with some longer and shorter days depending on bookings. We may also have part-time or flexible work available.
How long are seasonal roles?
Seasonal roles usually run through the main spring and summer activity season, with additional work sometimes available outside of peak periods. Let us know your availability on the application form.
When can I start?
We welcome applications throughout the year. Our biggest recruitment period is ahead of the main activity season, but strong candidates are encouraged to apply whenever they are available.
Where will work take place?
Youâll be based in Beaulieu, Hampshire. We operate multiple activity sites within the village where youâll deliver our activities.
Do I need to be able to paddle?
For Watersports Instructor roles, yes. Youâll need appropriate paddlesports leadership or coaching qualifications and experience in canoeing and/or kayaking. For Land-Based Instructor roles, paddling is not required.
What happens after I apply?
Weâll review your application and, if we think you could be a good fit, weâll invite you for an interview. This may be by Google Meet or in person, depending on your location and availability.
Do I need experience in the industry?
We aim for a good mix of experienced staff and those who are recently qualified. You should have some prior experience working with groups, even if thatâs from volunteering, clubs, education, youth work or outdoor centres.
What clothing and equipment will I need?
Youâll need to be ready to instruct in all kinds of weather. We provide safety and leadersâ equipment. We also have trade deals with manufacturers, and staff can access discounts on personal kit.
Do you have accommodation?
Yes. We have a campsite where we run residential school and youth trips, and each year we set up a staff area for the spring and summer. Camping accommodation is optional.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Instructors must be 18+ due to solo working and group leadership responsibilities.
Apply for an Outdoor Activity Instructor role
Drop your details into the form below to register your interest. To help us review your application quickly, please include:
- Which role you are applying for: Watersports Instructor or Land-Based Instructor.
- The qualifications you currently hold, including expiry dates for first aid and NGB awards.
- A brief summary of your outdoor instructing or group leadership experience.
- Your availability, including when you could start and how long you are available for.
- Whether you would like to use our staff campsite accommodation, if available.
Once we receive your application, weâll review it and contact suitable applicants to arrange a Google Meet or in-person interview.