Job title: Senior Outdoor Activity Instructor - Seasonal
Salary: C3 £31,067 - £32,654
Hours: 37 hrs
Contract: 6-month Temporary Contract
Location: Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre (LSAC)
As a Senior Instructor you’ll thrive on delivering our wide-ranging high quality outdoor activity programme while working alongside and being responsible for managing and training a small and energetic team of delivery instructors.
We aim to recruit enthusiastic and motivated people for all aspects of our business. As one of our strongest assets we focus our attention on the people we employ, by providing training and continual development.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As a Senior Outdoor Activity Instructor, you will bring to the role:
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or Higher
- British Canoeing Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or Higher
- First Aid Qualification
- A wide range of experience and knowledge of outdoor activities along with any additional qualifications that will be of benefit to the position
Applications will also be considered from holders of either combination of these qualifications as outlined below:
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or higher; with a Paddlesport Instructor/Leader Qualification
- BC Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or higher; with RYA Dinghy/Start Windsurf Instructor/Assistant Instructor
(Must also have a valid First Aid qualification)
About the role
LSAC is looking for a highly motivated individual with plenty of knowledge and experience from instructing Outdoor Activities to manage and lead our team of Instructors at Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre in delivering a wide-ranging activity programme, and to help expand our service.
Using your experience and qualifications you will help develop and promote Outdoor Activities at LSAC, whilst ensuring good customer satisfaction, maintaining health and safety standards, and provide a quality service to the highest standards.
This role is for a full time post but will include some evenings and weekend working.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Adam-Peter Gair, Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre Manger.
Call 01133781271 or email adam-peter.gair@leeds.gov.uk.
The post will run from April to October, and cover 6 months.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, candidates must consider their own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. For more information visit Skilled Worker visa on the government website. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job Purpose
To develop and deliver a high quality, fun, and safe Outdoor Activity Programme for all ages and abilities at LSAC working in conjunction with the Centre Manager.
To promote Outdoor Activities at LSAC working in conjunction with the Centre Manager.
To ensure staff are trained and allocated to deliver sessions
To manage and deliver staff training.
To undertake equipment management and safety, and maintenance.
Maintain a good and positive image of the City Council to customers and the public generally by providing a welcoming, helpful and professional service.
Responsibilities for Grade
- To work with the Centre Manager to promote range of high quality and safe coaching sessions, on and offsite, that are accessible to all.
- To deliver sessions in a professional manner in accordance with the City Council and National Governing Body Codes of Conduct.
- To advise the Manager of technical developments and operational issues within the Outdoor Activities Programme.
- To assist the Centre Manager in the day-to-day organisation and administration of the Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre at Yeadon Tarn.
- To undertake administrative tasks i.e., registers, monitoring and evaluation, risk assessments, staff records, taking bookings and payments, assist with booking enquiries, and the recording and monitoring of staff qualifications.
- To plan and organise the delivery of a staff training programme to include staff inductions, cpd and annual Technical Advisor signoffs.
- To allocate and co-ordinate staff to deliver sessions.
- To mentor and support staff, newly qualified coaches, and volunteers, where appropriate.
- To undertake Technical Advisor role where qualified.
- To undertake training and continuous professional development as necessary to the post e.g. NGB awards, Manual Handling, Health and Safety Awareness.
- To establish and maintain links with appropriate local, regional and national governing bodies.
- To establish an effective working relationship with schools, colleges, clubs, West Yorkshire Sport and Leeds City Council.
- To identify new programme developments for LSAC
- To visit and promote LSAC within schools, colleges and at external events.
- To plan, record and complete an annual maintenance programme for all equipment and to ensure all equipment is maintained and serviced.
- To undertake key holding responsibility to open and close the building.
- To support the manager in managing appropriate budgets in accordance with Leeds City Council’s financial regulations.
- To undertake the accountabilities of the post in accordance with council policies including the Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety policies.
- To undertake any other duties which may be assigned from time to time, as directed by the line manager which may be reasonably required of you, that are commensurate with the grade of the post and your level of responsibility.
- To carry out and promote the above duties in compliance with council policies including equal opportunities, child protection and health and safety.
Qualifications
Applications accepted from holders of all the Essential qualifications below:
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or higher
- BC Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or higher
- First Aid qualification.
Additional Desirable qualifications:
- RYA Powerboat Instructor
- SUP coach
- Bell Boat Helm
- Mountain Bike Leader
- Archery GB Instructor Award
- British Rowing Session Instructor or higher
Applications will also be considered from holders of either combination of these qualifications as outlined below:
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or higher; with a Paddlesport Instructor/Leader Qualification
- BC Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or higher; with RYA Dinghy/Start Windsurf Instructor/Assistant Instructor
Must also have a valid First Aid qualification.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
- Good interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Good numeracy and literacy skills.
- Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, organisations, clubs, schools and other agencies.
- Able to adapt to the needs of individuals and different work situations.
- Able to work flexibly as part of a team with minimal supervision.
- Able to work on own initiative.
- Able to demonstrate good organisational skills.
- Ability to work within tight deadlines and without close supervision.
- Able to inspire and motivate participants in outdoor activity activities.
- Able to lead in ensuring safety standards are followed in sessions and undertake necessary risk assessments.
- Able to lead with lesson planning and implement outdoor activity lessons.
- Able to motivate staff.
- Ability to attend meetings and visit sites throughout the Council area.
- Ability to work with user groups who may have Special Needs.
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or higher
- BC Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or higher
- First Aid qualification.
- Demonstrate coaching qualifications in a wide range of outdoor pursuits activities
- Knowledge of the National and Local Structures and development initiatives in Outdoor Activities.
- Knowledge of budgetary management
- Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements
- Experience instructing a wide range of Outdoor Activities and general experience in delivering to a wide range of client groups.
- Experience of managing and motivating staff.
- Experience of managing, planning and co-ordinating coaching sessions at a variety of levels.
- Experience of developing staff training programmes and delivering and recording staff training.
- Experience undertaking and recording equipment management, safety, and maintenance of equipment.
- Experience of Administrative tasks.
- Experience of using IT applications.
- Experience of Marketing.
- Experience of Programme Development.
- Experience of safe working practices.
- Willing to work evenings and weekends
- Willing to work in a professional and responsible manner.
- Must be able to work anywhere within the city boundary.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
- Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
- Able to lead with accurately assessing/recording and evaluating participant progress using the appropriate resources provided and provide feedback.
- Able to provide information and advice to existing and potential customers regarding the outdoor activity programme.
- Applications will also be considered from holders of either combination of these qualifications as outlined below:
- RYA Senior Dinghy/Windsurf Instructor or higher; with a Paddlesport Instructor/Leader Qualification
- BC Paddlesport Sheltered Water Coach or higher; with RYA Dinghy/Start Windsurf Instructor/Assistant Instructor
- Must also have a valid First Aid qualification.
- RYA Powerboat Instructor
- SUP coach
- Bell Boat Helm
- Mountain Bike Leader
- Archery GB Instructor Award
- British Rowing Session Instructor or higher
- Knowledge of outdoor activity pathways.
- Knowledge of Risk Assessments and Health and Safety guidelines.
- Relevant knowledge of Child Protection and welfare issues.
- Experience of working with outdoor activity camps and holiday programmes.
- Experience of working within a outdoor activity programme.
- Experience of administrating tasks associated with a outdoor activity framework.
- Commitment to the development of Outdoor Activities, and the development of Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre.
