Outdoor & Paddlesport Instructor - Perthshire

Contract type Part time

Closing date 28 Aug 2026 05:00 PM

Location: Perth
Salary:Spot salary of £16,000 pa, payable over 12 months
Closes: 28/8/26

Outdoor & Paddlesport Instructor
at Glenalmond College

The Position

This position represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced individual to join the Glenalmond College team on an 80-day per year, pro-rata contract.

The candidate will be expected to lead and organise a variety of outdoor sessions, weekly clubs, Loch and River trips, DofE expeditions, as well as contribute to the maintenance of equipment and the management of the outdoor store. The 80 days of work involve a mixture of weekends, weekdays, and expeditions, and the candidate will need strong organisational skills as well as time management.

The full employment calendar will be available to the candidate prior to the interview or on request from thom .

The role will ensure that the paddle sports programme operates within NGB guidelines and aims to foster a love of adventure amongst the pupils. Applicants should also hold an NGB qualification in another discipline, e.g. Summer Mountain Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, or Mountain Biking Trail Ride Leader. The candidate should be comfortable working both on-site and off-site, independently and self-motivated. Candidates will be expected to play a full role in the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and gain the Expedition Assessor and Supervisor qualification.

Potential candidates should have expertise in paddle sports and a passion for canoeing and expeditions. The role is suited to an instructor looking for regular work throughout the year to support their own freelance employment.

Key Function

To organise and lead a range of outdoor activities and expeditions.

Line Management

Reports to:
Head of Outdoor Learning

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To direct a broad range of courses, ensuring that Glenalmond College delivers high-quality, safe instruction and coaching throughout the Outdoor Programme.
• To lead the development of Paddle sports at Glenalmond College.
• To support the work of Head of Outdoor Learning in the planning and delivery of the Outdoor Programme.
• To plan, advertise and administer off-site outdoor trips.
• The post holder will assist in ensuring the instructional programme is delivered to the highest standards of quality and operates to the highest safety standards.
• Manage the outdoor store and ensure that equipment is maintained and stored alongside the Head of Outdoor Learning. Advise on the quality and quantity of kit.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing review of Instructor guidance and activity risk assessments to ensure Glenalmond College instructional delivery meets current best practice and operates to the highest safety standards.
• To play an active role in creating a positive culture and environment that stretches pupil performance and develops individual and team skills.
• Any other duties that are commensurate with the purpose and scope of this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• British Canoeing - Moderate water qualifications (Candidates must be able to deliver sessions from an Open Canoe).
• Paddlesport Touring Leader Or Canoe White Water Leader, Canoe Open Water Leader, White-Water safety course

Desireable

• Other outdoor qualifications:

Hillwalking and Mountaineering -

• Summer ML, Winter ML, Hill and Moorland Leader, Rock Climbing Instructor, Rock Climbing Development Instructor, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor

Mountain Biking

Other NGB Qualifications

Driving

• D1+E minibus license - candidates will be supported with training as required.

DofE

• Expedition Assessor and Supervisor Training (EASTC)

Personal qualities and behaviours

• Proactive decision maker and self-motivated member of the team
• Professional role model to the pupils
• Ability to work with young people and manage their diverse needs.
• Enthusiastic and supportive member of staff.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• A genuine love of the outdoors and a passion for exploring wild places, and instilling this love in our pupils

Terms & Conditions

Hours of Work

• 80 days per year
• There is also a requirement to attend all-school events (such as Open Days and Inset Days), some of which take place outwith the usual working pattern.

Salary Scale

• A spot salary of £16,000 per annum, payable over 12 months.
• We also offer complimentary refreshments during working hours of work, a good working environment as part of a close-knit team, and the possibility of opportunities for the role to grow and develop.

Pension

There is a College pension scheme.

Other Benefits

• Fee concessions are available for staff children who attend Glenalmond.

The Application

Glenalmond is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers/Disclosure Scotland at an enhanced level. Appointments will be conditional on references acceptable to the College and sight of original…