Seasonal Outdoor Activity Instructors

Essex Outdoors' Centres are currently accepting applications for Seasonal Instructors for 2027

We recruit Instructors to run exhilarating activities for small groups of children and sometimes adults too! We provide full training, with accommodation available at two of our sites.  If you’re aged 18 or over, enthusiastic, hard-working, a good communicator and love the great outdoors, you would be the sort of person we want to hear from.

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must have a current, unrestricted right to work in the UK.

What is it like working for Essex Outdoors?

Find out more

As a Seasonal Instructor with Essex Outdoors, you’ll run a wide variety of outdoor activities for our diverse range of customers with a focus on school aged children.  Full training and the chance to meet your new team mates is provided before the season starts.

• Summer seasonal role, with 3-6 month contracts available
• National Governing Body qualifications in outdoor activities, particularly sailing and paddle sports, are desirable but in-house training is provided to all staff.
• You will need to be available around Easter 2026 to undertake full training prior to starting the role
• Training includes land-based activity delivery, first aid, manual handling, safeguarding and disability awareness
• Usual hours 8.30am to 5.30pm, 37 hours a week
• Subsidised meals are available at our residential centres
• Staff accommodation packages at some sites
• Some flexibility in working hours including weekend days will be required
• Time off in lieu will be provided for any extra hours worked
• You will be expected to help out where needed e.g. inspection and maintenance of activity equipment, care of sites and some domestic duties
• You’ll be based at one centre, but may be asked to support with large bookings at other locations
• Branded uniform will be provided and must be worn
• You’ll need to provide your own sensible footwear

Year-on-year we have summer staff return to work for another season with us, and opportunities for longer contracts do become available. Some staff may have the opportunity to complete nationally recognised qualifications.

Our centres

Bradwell – Our coastal sailing and powerboat centre. A season here could see you out on the water, leading sessions on the beach or biking around the peninsular.  Bradwell also offers a residential package for our instructors.

Danbury – A large centre set on a 70-acre site of beautiful countryside and woodlands. Danbury runs a large range of both land-based and water-based activities.

Harlow – Our urban day centre located on the banks of the River Stort. Home to “The Lock” – one of Essex’s largest climbing facilities.

Mersea – A large centre in a wonderful coastal setting with views across the Blackwater Estuary. Mersea offers a vast selection of both land and water-based activities. A residential package is available for instructors.