Active Outdoor Pursuits

Senior Instructor

This document in conjunction with the Person Specification forms a comprehensive description of the post.

Qualifications and Remuneration
£15,500 to £18,500 dependant on qualifications and experience

Leave Entitlement
6 weeks Annual Leave

This reflects unsocial hours working and rewards intense periods of working during peak times

Other benefits
Commitment to on going personal development. Active have Investor’s in People status.
30% discount at Active Aviemore.

The Company
A Scottish company established in spring 1999.  Active have grown rapidly, gaining a reputation as one of the most respected providers of outdoor activities in the UK - Active were awarded the 'UK Residential Excellence Award' by the Princes Trust.

 
We currently operate from three bases - Newtonmore, Aviemore, & Ayrshire;

•    Our main centre and Head office is Craigower Lodge Outdoor Centre, Newtonmore. Craigower Lodge operates both as a 70 bed outdoor centre and hostel throughout the year.  At Craigower we have a wide variety of clients groups from Schools, Duke of Edinburgh training & expeditions, Instructor Training Courses, family groups, youth organisations, Stag & Hen parties etc. Our 15 month Apprenticeship programme is based form here.

•    Active Aviemore opened in July 2009. Active Aviemore is an activity bookings centre, outdoor/water sports equipment shop, book & map shop, Café, internet access & gallery. This is an exciting new development for Active which is gaining national recognition as a dynamic business model in the Tourism market – we have been shortlisted for the 'Entrepreneurial Award' for the Highlands & Islands. Clients at this base are mostly tourist & holiday makers looking for fun or introductory skills sessions.

•    From our Ayrshire base we mostly run day trips for local groups. Ayrshire will be our next area for growth as we are currently planning a new purpose built residential centre.

From all these bases we provide an extensive range of outdoor activity days, holidays and training courses to a wide range of client groups – which reaches across Scotland.

We currently employ 28 staff on permanent contracts.

 

The Post
We are seeking multi skilled instructors who will be responsible for providing outdoor experiences in a wide range of land, snow & water sports to clients at venues throughout the Cairngorms National Park as well as trips & expeditions to other parts of the Highlands & Islands. This may also include the occasional trip further afield – Ayrshire, the Lakes, Spain, France & USA.

You will be involved in the training of a variety of groups including our Instructor Training Programmes and Instructor apprenticeship which provide intensive training programs to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a career in the outdoor industry.
 
Due to the diverse nature of our services the successful candidate may be also involved within retail and bookings opportunities at Active Aviemore. All aspects of the post will be fully discussed should you be shortlisted for interview.

Duties and responsibilities

- To provide safe and supportive outdoor activities to clients in accordance with Active’s Safety Policy and National Standards.

- To act in a professional manner in all areas related to your employment.

- To maintain the highest standards of quality in all aspects of outdoor provision, client care, provision of outdoor activities / education, time keeping and transportation.

- To respect clients' individuality and confidentiality in all areas.

- To organise equipment prior to each activity.

- To provide safe transport for clients as part of the activity day, as required. Ensure minibuses are cleaned before and after each session. Ensure customers are given appropriate safety & comfort brief prior to each journey.

- To show care to Active equipment, ensuring clients respect equipment and return all equipment to instructor after sessions.

- To ensure equipment is returned, cleaned and organised appropriately in preparation for further use. (Adhering to all equipment/maintenance /damage logs/systems as appropriate)

- To participate fully in personal development and training programmes for benefit of self, colleagues and the company.

- To provide support/training to colleagues in all aspects of operation.

- To adhere to all company policies and the law relating to Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, Child Protection, Health Promotion, Environmental and Courtesy Codes.

- To promote Active Outdoor Pursuits and its services positively to clients, potential clients, suppliers, partners and competitors.

- To participate positively in service developments. Discussing ideas for improvements to services with management and remaining open to change and new opportunities.

- To be open and reflective in relationships with colleagues and management so we can ensure you are supported effectively to do your job to the best of your ability, keep healthy and contribute positively to services and business development.

 

All other duties required to ensure efficient and effective operation of services, as agreed with senior staff.

 

Application Form

Person Spec Senior Instructor