Outdoor Instructor Jobs in the New Forest
Spend your season delivering real outdoor adventures across the New Forest, from leading paddlesport sessions on the Beaulieu River to running activities across our woodland and activity sites around Beaulieu.
Weâre recruiting qualified Watersports Instructors and experienced Land-Based Instructors for 2027.
Our first intake starts in March 2027, with a second group joining in May 2027.
Not your typical activity centre
Weâre based around Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest, but weâre not a traditional single-site activity centre.
Our instructors work across different outdoor locations, delivering different activities to different groups throughout the season.
A tidal river, not an activity pond
Our paddlesports take place on the Beaulieu River, a privately owned tidal estuary running through the New Forest.
Rather than spending a season paddling around a small lake, our Watersports Instructors have genuine freedom to lead groups on the river, respond to tides and conditions, make decisions and deliver proper paddling experiences.
It gives experienced instructors the opportunity to use their judgement, leadership and paddling skills every day.
Different sites. Different days.
Our activities are spread across sites around Beaulieu, including the river, woodland and dedicated activity areas.
One day could involve paddlesports on the river, while another might include archery, BattleZone, ropes, bushcraft or working with a large school group.
It means instructors get variety, responsibility and the chance to work with a wide mix of customers and activities.
Work across the New Forest
From the Beaulieu River to our woodland and activity sites, no two days need to look the same.
The sort of instructor weâre looking for
Qualifications matter, but theyâre only part of what makes a great instructor.
We want people who bring energy and fun to the day, engage with customers without needing to be prompted and genuinely care about giving people a brilliant experience.
Youâll turn up prepared, take ownership of your sessions and notice what needs doing rather than waiting for somebody else to tell you.
Youâll communicate properly with the rest of the team, maintain high standards and be confident making sensible decisions without constant supervision.
We also need people who are just as willing to help prepare equipment or pack a site away as they are to lead the activity itself.
If youâre proactive, dependable, good with people and take pride in delivering excellent outdoor experiences, youâll fit in well here.
Which role suits you?
You donât need to be qualified in everything we deliver, but you do need the experience and qualifications required for the role youâre applying for.
Watersports Instructor
Youâll lead canoeing and kayaking sessions on the Beaulieu River, a tidal estuary.
Youâll manage groups on the water, deliver safety briefings, coach participants and adapt sessions according to tides, weather, conditions and group ability.
You should already:
- Hold a relevant British Canoeing Awarding Body leadership, instructor or coaching qualification, or recognised equivalent.
- Have strong canoe and/or kayak skills.
- Be confident managing groups on sheltered tidal water.
- Hold an appropriate, in-date First Aid qualification.
- Have the judgement to make good decisions in changing conditions.
If you donât currently hold a relevant paddlesport qualification, please donât apply for this role.
Land-Based Instructor
Youâll work across our woodland and activity sites around Beaulieu, delivering activities including archery, BattleZone, bushcraft, ropes and team challenges.
You donât need formal qualifications for every activity. Some activities can be covered through our own training, assessment and site-specific sign-offs.
You should already:
- Hold an appropriate, in-date First Aid qualification.
- Have previous experience taking responsibility for groups.
- Have experience in outdoor, activity, education or youth settings.
- Be confident giving clear briefings and managing groups safely.
- Have the maturity and judgement expected of an instructor.
Qualifications or experience in archery, ropes, bushcraft or outdoor education are particularly useful.
Not qualified yet?
These vacancies are for instructor-level applicants rather than people
looking for their first route into the industry. Please look out for our
separate assistant, trainee or apprenticeship opportunities.
What working here actually looks like
Thereâs no single version of an instructorâs day at New Forest Activities.
You could be preparing boats beside the Beaulieu River in the morning, delivering sessions to a school group later in the day, or helping prepare a woodland venue for the next booking.
We work with families, schools, youth groups, adults and corporate clients, so being able to adapt your style to different groups is important.
Instructors are involved in the whole operation, including preparing venues and equipment, welcoming customers, delivering sessions, checking kit and packing sites away afterwards.
Itâs hands-on, varied and sometimes busy. Youâll need to be comfortable working outside in all kinds of weather and happy getting stuck into whatever the day requires.
Why work with us?
Weâd rather recruit strong instructors with the right attitude and help them broaden their skills than expect everybody to arrive qualified in every activity.
- Work in the heart of the New Forest National Park.
- Work across different venues rather than being based on one activity site.
- Deliver a varied programme to a wide range of customers.
- Opportunities for further training and site-specific assessments.
- Support from experienced instructors and managers.
- Access to selected equipment and venues for suitable training.
- Staff equipment and clothing discounts.
- Family and friends activity discounts.
- Optional staff camping during spring and summer.
Rates of pay reflect the role, qualifications, experience and level of responsibility.
Join us in 2027
Our first intake of instructors starts in March 2027, ahead of the main spring season.
A second intake starts in May 2027 as we build the team for the busier summer period.
Opportunities may include full-time, seasonal, part-time or flexible work depending on our staffing requirements and your availability.
Weekend and bank holiday availability is important during our busiest periods.
Apply for a 2027 Instructor Role
Instructor Jobs FAQs
Do I need qualifications for every activity?
No. We donât expect instructors to arrive qualified across our entire programme.
Some activities can be added through training, assessment and site-specific sign-offs once you join the team.
Can I apply if Iâm not yet qualified?
These vacancies are aimed at people who are already ready to work at instructor level.
Watersports applicants must already hold an appropriate paddlesport qualification. Land-Based applicants need an in-date First Aid qualification and meaningful experience leading groups.
Please look out for separate assistant, trainee or apprenticeship opportunities if youâre looking for a route into the industry.
Do I need to work weekends?
Yes. Weekend and bank holiday work is a normal part of our operation, particularly during spring and summer.
Do you provide accommodation?
Optional staff camping can be available during spring and summer.
This is camping accommodation rather than permanent staff housing.
Where will I be based?
Youâll work across our activity locations around Beaulieu in Hampshire, including the Beaulieu River and our woodland activity sites.
Because weâre not a traditional single-site centre, your working location can vary depending on the activities being delivered.
What happens after I apply?
Weâll review your qualifications, experience and availability.
Suitable candidates will normally be invited to an online or face-to-face interview. Depending on the role, we may also invite you to meet the team or complete a practical assessment.
Apply to Join Our 2027 Instructor Team
If you meet the requirements above, weâd love to hear from you.
Tell us whether youâre applying as a Watersports Instructor or Land-Based Instructor, along with your qualifications, relevant experience and availability.
Please also let us know whether youâre available for our March 2027 or May 2027 intake.
Weâre looking for people with both the right experience and the right attitude, so use your application to give us a good sense of the instructor and team member you would be.