ABOUT OAKWOOD
Oakwood is a Christian charity comprising Oakwood Outdoor, a residential activity centre, and Oakwood Climbing Centre. Our aim is to provide an environment where individuals of all abilities can progress physically, socially and spiritually.
Our primary focus is youth aged between 8-18 and we have strong links with local schools, church youth groups and Borough councils.
Oakwood was first established in 2002, when the founders started to build new facilities on land that was formerly a pig farm, with one of the key aims being to use these to advance the Christian faith. The first phase saw the development of residential units – initially to house 60 young people, since extended to accommodate up to 100. Over the years, the facilities have been enhanced with the site now providing a full catering kitchen, dining hall, lounge and a large meeting hall. More recently, safari tents have been added with shower blocks and a covered meeting area where the group can gather.
The outdoor activities offered to groups include a High Ropes course, Archery, Mountain Boarding, Climbing, Low Ropes, Team Building and more high elements such as the Flying Kiwi and Leap of Faith. These programmes provide opportunities for personal growth, fostering resilience, confidence and perseverance, as young people push beyond their comfort zones to overcome the challenges that they face.
Facilities on site were further enhanced by the addition in 2017 of a Climbing Centre, which was further extended in 2022. The centre is now used each year by over 20,000 climbers of all abilities and provides sessions tailored to the needs of a variety of groups, including those with additional needs.
CURRENT VACANCIES
CONTRACTED Instructor
Permanent Contract 8-32 hours per week including weekend days
£13.73 p/h.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Deliver instructed climbing sessions (taster sessions, NICAS, adult courses, drop in sessions)
Conduct safety briefings clearly and confidently
Monitor climbers to ensure safe practice and intervene where necessary
Provide technical coaching appropriate to ability level
Contribute to the health and safety of the centre by checking equipment (visual checks, reporting defects)
Uphold safeguarding policies when working with children and vulnerable adults
Deliver excellent front-of-house customer service when required
Maintain accurate records (incident reporting and near misses, session reporting)
Contribute to a positive team culture and high operational standards
Support events, competitions and centre activities as required
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
CWI / RCI or higher
Current first aid
Understanding of risk assessment and safe operating procedures
Desirable:
Experience working in a climbing environment
Evidence of other CPD
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Calm and safety-focused under pressure
Clear communicator with authority when required
Observant and proactive
Approachable and encouraging
Professional and punctual
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
Committed to set regular shift patterns as determined by the Activities Manager and Scheduling Manager
Commitment and proactive approach to safety
Consistent delivery of high standards
Professional representation of the centre at all times
Willingness to learn and develop your coaching and technical skills
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and busy peak periods
A positive, solutions-focused attitude
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV along with a covering letter to pete@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com
Closing date for Applications: 15th March
Interview Date: 18th March
If you would like to find out more about Oakwood, please visit www.oakwoodyouth.co.uk for our outdoor centre, and www.oakwoodclimbingcentre.com for our climbing centre.
Freelance Instructor
Varied according to demand
Hourly rate of £12 – £18 depending on qualifications and experience
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
CWI / RCI or higher
Proven experience in the Climbing industry/ Outdoor industry
Desirable:
NICAS / NIBAS teaching experience
Coaching qualification and experience
Route setting qualification and experience
Archery GB
Mountain Bike Qualification
You must also hold a current first aid certificate and your own public liability insurance.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Flexible, proactive and enthusiastic work approach
Trustworthy
Punctual and reliable worker
If you are interested in joining our books as a freelancer please send your CV and qualifications to jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com with the reference “Freelancer Position”