Outdoor Educators Casual Contract Full Time Internship Part Time

We’re getting ready for our busy season and seeking enthusiastic, and reliable Outdoor Education Instructors to join our small team!

Kaiako/Instructors play a huge role in ensuring the quality and safety of our experiences including kayaking & rafting, high ropes climbing, abseiling, hiking, bush skills, archery, and more!  We provide meaningful outdoor and social experiences, expanding the horizons of our participants.

Our busy season roughly runs October through April, so each of the roles below are looking to be filled by late September.

We are now accepting applications for two types of instructor roles:

CASUAL CONTRACTING INSTRUCTORS (at least 4)

People passionate about supporting tamariki and rangatahi development in the outdoor education space, sharing their own enthusiasm for outdoor experiences, while modelling and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Aiming to provide memorable, life changing experiences to clients.  Working hours are flexible on a contracted basis based upon programming need and availability. Occasional weekend work available as well.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal people leading skills.
• Facilitation of youth development and positive experiences.
• Confident working with children, teens, and adults with a big heart for people.
• Proactive responsibility to the safety of the participants in outdoor activities.
• Current first aid certificate (or willing to obtain).
• Flexible, reliable, proactive, and able to work independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Instruct and monitor participants in various outdoor activities.
• Ensure safety of participants and yourself at all times.
• Be engaging, dynamic and fun with group-appropriate humour.

SENIOR / LEAD INSTRUCTOR

Someone with outdoor experience and/or relevant qualifications, ideally in High Ropes. This role includes supporting junior instructors and their development and training, programme design, safety inspections, and client liaison and logistics. You should have solid experience in these areas; high ropes climbing and abseiling (be ready to show log books).  Additional experience with flat water kayaking and tramping would be a bonus. Flexible contracts are negotiable including seasonal, fixed-term, and variable hours options (e.g. if you want to travel globally, or seasonally island hop). Competitive pay based on experience.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Skilled in outdoor instruction, group facilitation, and risk management.
• Great communication and teamwork, with solid inter- and intrapersonal capabilities.
• Competence in various Adventure Activities (ideally High Ropes and Abseil).
• Experience and ability to manage emergency situations in a controlled environment.
• Extensive understanding of outdoor education and youth work principles.
• Facilitation expertise with a proven ability to engage challenging groups and deliver on outcome themes.
• Collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including schools, community and church organisations, and other providers.
• An understanding of how to incorporate and promote bi-cultural practice and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Preferred NZIOA level 1 awards or equivalent (e.g. Level 5 High Ropes-strand Degree) with a minimum of 1 years’ experience in the outdoor industry.
• Current PHEC, Remote, or Wilderness First Aid (or the ability to acquire).

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and train a team of up to 20 instructors and visiting staff.
• Provide ongoing support for instructor development.
• Instruct students in various outdoor activities.
• Manage equipment inspection cycles, especially High Ropes.
• Maintain our Safety Management Plan with a safety-first mindset, and ensure audit readiness alongside management at all times.
• Administration and logistics, with the abilities in scheduling, programme design, coordination, rostering, and facilitation along with other operational tasks.
• Assist with minor facility maintenance to uphold site presentation and environmental preservation.

How to Apply

Email us for more details! Submit your CV / Resume along with a cover letter detailing any qualifications, and experience, and your suitability for the role to which you are applying with social-blurb about your everyday self.  References and certifications (Senior Role) may be requested during the application process.  Preferred traits for all candidates: reliable, punctual, proactive, trustworthy, a strong work ethic, safety focused and flexible.

Respond to: [email protected] 

Apprentice and University Placement options exist.  FT salary negotiable based on experience and contract terms.

You must be entitled to work in New Zealand. Applicants must be a NZ citizen, resident or have a current visa allowing you to work in NZ.  To accept any position, you will need police vetting clearance.