Do you have a passion for outdoor adventure activities? We have a great opportunity for you to lead the day-to-day operations of Hire a Canoe in the New Year.
* This is a fixed term seasonal position for 10 months due to commence in January 2025 until the end of October 2025 in the first instance
* You’ll be paid £24,522 per season (£29,655 per annum FTE). This equates to an hourly rate of £15.21
* We have excellent benefits – including including pro rata of 28 days leave + bank holidays, life assurance and a health cash plan, see the full list below.
* Your new place of work is in a beautiful location, be surrounded by nature on your break.
Love where you work!
Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.
We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.
What you’ll be doing
As our Hire a Canoe Team Leader you’ll manage the day-to-day operations of Hire a Canoe and its associated sites. Key responsibilities include:
* Accompanying and assisting customers/groups on trips, demonstrating safety techniques and responding to the needs of the group
* Delivering exceptional customer service to meet customers’ expectations and ensure re-booking targets are achieved
* Managing bookings and event planning to maximize revenue
* Ensuring the safety and satisfaction of all our customers, as well as managing health and safety compliance.
* Maintaining and organising canoes, kayaks, and outdoor equipment to the highest standards.
You will also have direct line management responsibility for our casual summer workers and freelancers. This will involve providing effective leadership, support, and guidance as well as recruitment, induction, coaching, competency sign-off, development reviews and performance management tasks.
Please refer to the vacancy pack on our website for full details of the responsibilities of the role.
Where you’ll be based
This role is located at Montford Bridge Hire a Canoe site, with occasional responsibilities at our Preston Montford Field Centre and other sites in the Field Studies Council group.
Hire a Canoe covers a lengthy part of the River Severn in Shropshire. The most popular route is 12 miles from Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury. Our customers can meet us in Shrewsbury, and we will take them upstream to our launch point in Montford Bridge. The route follows the River Severn Canoe Trail as it meanders downstream through the beautiful English countryside surrounded by native woodland, hills and a stunning array of wildlife.
People can also hire a canoe from The Quarry Park in Shrewsbury if they are looking for something a bit shorter. Our location in Shrewsbury is within easy travelling distance of Ludlow and other popular tourist destinations in the Shropshire Hills.
Who we’re looking for
You will have experience of leading outdoor adventurous activities and already have a BCU / BCAB paddle sport instructor qualification which includes water rescue certification.
In addition to:
* Business Management and/or Budget management experience
* Experience of writing and undertaking risk assessments
* Experience of Health & Safety monitoring and record keeping
* First Aid qualification
* Full valid Driving Licence with D1 & C1 entitlement
You be required to drive our minibuses and to tow canoe trailers. If you do not hold D1/C1 entitlement and have the appropriate driving experience/certification, you will be required to undertake the relevant training upon commencement of the role
Sound like the role for you? Come and be part of the team! We look forward to your application.
* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:
* Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, pro rata of 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
* Health and Wellbeing - Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
* Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
* Additional benefits - We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.
If you have any queries regarding this vacancy, please call Mike Etherington on 07579814272
Applications will be considered on arrival
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.
Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Preston Montford on a rolling basis
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .