Roles at Bowles!

Outdoor Instructors – we are currently recruiting for Permanent and Seasonal instructors for 2026 with ski qualifications

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:      Feb to end of Nov 2026

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:

A minimum of two NGB instructor qualifications from: (Permanent must have a skiing qualification) – Rock climbing (RCI or Southern Sandstone award) – Paddlesports instructor/coach/leader – 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