Join our fantastic team at one of the UK’s best outdoor education centres near Tunbridge Wells on the Kent/East Sussex border!
“A really top class team!” Meadlands School
Catering and Housekeeping jobs
Outdoor Instructors – we are currently recruiting for Permanent and Seasonal instructors for Summer 2027
Role: Lead Instructor
Salary Range: 26k to 27.5k dependent on experience & qualifications (pro-rata for seasonal) plus benefits.
Contract Type: Seasonal contract (permanent may be available if skiing qualified). Live-in & live-out options available (terms apply). Next year’s contracts (2027) are normally offered first to current staff.
Permanent Contract dates: Starting ASAP for those with a skiing qualification
Seasonal Contract dates: Summer 2027 to end of Nov 2027
Accommodation is normally available for seasonal and permanent members of staff.
Join our fantastic team at one of the UK’s top outdoor education centres based near Tunbridge Wells. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and experienced instructors who are passionate about outdoor learning and who will add quality to our excellent team.
Excellent instructors are key to Bowles delivering high quality outdoor learning sessions across our full range of activities, to a variety of predominantly residential clients.
Bowles is an independent charitable trust located at the stunning Bowles Rocks in Southeast England. A leader in outdoor learning for schools and colleges, the work is diverse. We also deliver Learning & Development for businesses, recreational activities for families and developmental experiences for disadvantaged young people.
Bowles has first class facilities including:
- 2 dry ski slopes
- Sandstone crag with 200+ routes
- Indoor heated pool with fleet of Jackson kayaks
- High ropes, Low Ropes, Trapeze, Jacob’s ladder
- Archery range
- Offsite activities include Orienteering, Kayak/Canoe, Scrambling at nearby crags
Benefits:
- Accommodation for some live in roles; with lounge and newly fitted kitchen.
- Meals provided when working.
- Regular training events for all staff (e.g. in-house training, 2 day first aid, NRASTC pool rescue, plus others TBC)
- £500 individual training budget to spend on relevant training/NGBs.
- Team building events: e.g. canoe/kayak days, BBQs + socials.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Pension Scheme.
- Access to facilities including pool, ski slopes & rocks; free access to local bouldering wall.
Hours:
- 29 days paid holiday (pro rata) and 9 days off per month
- 40 hours per week (average)
- £500 training budget plus 5 additional days course leave
| Essential: | Desirable: |
| First aid and Driving License plus: A minimum of two NGB instructor qualifications from: (Permanent must have a skiing qualification) – Rock climbing (RCI, CWI or Southern Sandstone award) – Paddlesports instructor/coach/leader/PSRC – Snowsports qualification – High Ropes/ERCA – Walking award such as Lowland Leader/Mountain Leader – Archery UK Experience teaching a range of outdoor activities Personal outdoor activity competence Strong interpersonal skills A professional approach A passion for outdoor learning Ability to swim 400m without stopping | Additional NGB instructor qualifications: D1 Minibus driver Degree level education PGCE/CTLLS APIOL Forest school practitioner Bushcraft award Pool lifeguard |
To apply:
Please send your CV with a covering letter telling us:
- Why you are interested in this role.
- How you meet the Person Specification (see Job Description below)
Closing date: applications will be considered as they arrive.
General Catering & Housekeeping Assistant
(20 Hours per Week)
Location: Bowles Outdoor Centre, Eridge Green, East Sussex
Reporting to: Catering Manager
Salary: Competitive salary
About Bowles Outdoor Centre
Bowles Outdoor Centre is a leading residential outdoor education centre set in the beautiful East Sussex countryside. We provide exciting outdoor learning experiences for children and young people, helping them develop confidence, resilience and teamwork through adventurous activities. We are seeking a reliable and enthusiastic General Catering & Housekeeping Assistant to join our friendly team.
The Role
This varied role supports both the catering and housekeeping functions of the centre. You will help ensure that residents and visitors enjoy a clean, safe and welcoming environment while assisting with the preparation and service of meals.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with food preparation and basic kitchen duties.
- Support the serving of meals to residential groups and visitors.
- Set up, clear and clean dining areas before and after meal services.
- Wash up and maintain high standards of cleanliness in kitchen areas.
- Clean accommodation, communal areas and facilities throughout the centre.
- Prepare rooms for incoming guests, including changing bedding as required.
- Restock housekeeping supplies and report maintenance issues.
- Follow all food hygiene, health and safety and safeguarding procedures.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and support other departments when needed.
Person Specification
- Reliable, punctual and hardworking.
- Positive and friendly attitude.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Flexible approach to duties and working hours.
- Ability to work independently and use initiative.
- Previous catering, hospitality or housekeeping experience desirable.
Working Hours
20 hours per week. Shifts will vary according to business needs, with start times from 8:00am and finish times up to 7:30pm. Weekend and occasional evening working may be required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- 29 days annual leave including Bank Holidays, pro rata based on a full-time entitlement.
- 9 rostered days off per month, pro rata, based on a 37.5-hour working week.
- Free on-site parking.
- Free meals whilst on duty.
- Opportunity to participate in Bowles Outdoor Centre activities.
- Staff social events.
- Contributory pension scheme after 3 months service.
- Friendly and supportive working environment.
Safeguarding
Bowles Outdoor Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be expected to share this commitment and may be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks.
Catering General Assistant
Bowles Outdoor Centre is looking for a hard working, reliable, fun and caring person to join our fantastic team.
Bowles is one of the best outdoor education centres/charities in the UK supporting the personal development of children and young people. Our catering team are fundamental to the success of the charity, providing home cooked, healthy food, and a warm, welcoming, nurturing, clean environment.
The charity has excellent facilities including a natural rock face, ski slopes, pool and two accommodation blocks all located in a beautiful setting.
We are looking for a minimum of 20 hours a week including some evenings and weekends. Hours will be annualised over any quieter periods, with additional hours available during busy periods.
Duties to include serving and assisting during meal service, vegetable preparation, laying tables, washing up, loading and unloading the dishwasher. Helping to maintain the cleanliness of both the kitchen and dining room. Work will also include housekeeping both in our children’s accommodation and our en-suite Lodge.
Full training will be provided. A certificate in food hygiene would be useful. Uniform is provided plus meals when on duty. There are also opportunities to use the facilities, such as the swimming pool and to join in staff activity days