About Us
Here at Adventure Access CIC, we pride ourselves on providing high quality sessions for all our customers in a range of craft out on the water. We run kayaking and paddleboarding sessions from our coastal base in Seaham, and we provide Dragon Boating, canoeing and paddleboarding from our site in Durham on the River Wear, near the very picturesque Durham Cathedral.
We work with a range of people and abilities including: school and youth groups, birthday parties, adult beginners and improvers, hen/stag dos and corporate groups. As a Community Interest Company we regularly run sessions aimed at improving mental health and supporting people with disabilities to access watersports. In addition to private bookings, we also offer a number of open public sessions, such as Ladies Night and Sunrise Paddles.
We are a fast-growing centre with a great team of staff. Ken Hughes regularly delivers BC courses here at our site. This means there is an opportunity for professional development subsidised by Adventure Access.
About The Role
Job Title: Seasonal Lead Instructor
Responsible to: Managing Director / Office Manager
Location: Working between Seaham Harbour and Durham City
Term: 6 month fixed term contract (1st April 2024 – 30th September 2024)
Hours: An average of 32 Hours per week worked flexibly throughout the 6 month contract. Hours will be greater from May to August. This role requires evening, weekend and bank holiday working, all on a rota basis.
Pay rate: £14.75 per hour. Your salary will be paid evenly over the duration of the contract. Any additional hours to be settled at the same hourly rate in the final September payroll.
Benefits: Holiday pay, pension scheme, uniform provided, gym access, trade discounts and discounts at the Flamingo Cafe.
Key Responsibilities
- Open up the centre independently and ensure any Assistant Instructors are briefed on the day’s activities.
- Work with the Office Manager to check people in for their sessions. This will involve understanding our booking system.
- Plan and lead high-quality sessions for customers, ensuring they have a fun, safe and adventurous experience.
- Keep a keen eye on the weather forecast to ensure the safe running of sessions and that any cancellations are organised in advance, if possible.
- Act as a positive role model within the instructing team and support the development of Assistant Instructors during sessions.
- Assist Adventure Access Management in delivering staff training and development throughout the season.
- Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of the sites and equipment.
- Work alongside Adventure Access Management in the logistics of moving equipment between our two sites.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as may be required by Adventure Access Management.
About You
- Passionate about the outdoors and introducing people to the wonderful world of water sports.
- Able to competently lead kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing sessions for our broad range of customers.
- Dedicated to providing a first class customer service in the office and during sessions.
- Happy working as part of our small team, approaching the role with enthusiasm and a positive mind set.
- Able to solve problems and make decisions independently, when necessary.
- Confident to take control and keep a cool and organised head in the event of an emergency.
- Able to communicate effectively and positively with customers, colleagues and management, whether face to face, over the phone or (occasionally) by email.
- Sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
- Takes a proactive approach to professional development.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of leading groups in a tidal venue
- Experience of leading canoe, kayak and SUP sessions
- Paddlesport Leader or Sheltered Water Coach Award (UKCC Level 2)
- Sea Kayak PPA (3*) or a Leader Award in another discipline (4*)
- Valid 16 Hours Outdoor First Aid Certificate
- Enhanced DBS check
- Full UK driving licence
- Basic IT skills
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Dragon Boating Helm/Experience
- Experience working with disability groups
- Experience assisting with staff development
- Bushcraft or Forest School experience
- BC Course Provider Eg PSRC
- Team building and corporate experience
- Minibus licence
- Experience of using online booking systems, such as Bookwhen
How To Apply
Please send a CV and personal statement or cover letter to: libby@adventureaccess.co.uk
The closing date for applications is 15th February 2024.
If you have any questions concerning the roles then please contact us using the form below.