We’re hiring for 2026…

Lead Instructor (Seasonal)

A senior, hands-on role focused on ensuring people and places are ready for adventure. You’ll support the Head of Centre by maintaining high standards across sites, equipment, systems of work and team delivery.

What this role looks like day-to-day:

• Lead standards for setup, delivery and pack-down across the team
• Manage site readiness, equipment checks and maintenance logs
• Keep session plans, operating procedures and risk assessments up to date and followed
• Coach and support instructors via observations and quality control
• Support staffing, capacity planning and efficient delivery across bookings
• Provide Duty Manager cover / act as a senior point of contact when required

This role includes delivering activities you’re qualified in (for example: canoeing/kayaking, gorge walking & guiding, archery, BattleZone, bushcraft and team challenges).

Outdoor Activity Instructor (Seasonal)

The core delivery role — leading high-quality sessions, looking after customers, and keeping activity sites and kit safe, presentable and ready to run.

What we need from you:

• Deliver engaging sessions in line with session plans, operating procedures and risk assessments
• Run routine equipment checks and report issues clearly and quickly
• Provide excellent customer service and communicate well with the office and wider team
• Support junior staff / volunteers with guidance and leadership on session
• Handle incidents professionally (first aid, emotional support, reporting)
• Be proactive, adaptable and committed to personal development

You’ll also help maintain high standards across activity sites, equipment and (where provided) shared staff accommodation.

Lead Instructor

You’ll be an experienced, confident guide with a track record of delivering 5★ outdoor experiences. You’ll act as an ambassador for Cairngorms Activities, role-modelling excellent instruction, site standards, equipment care and team leadership.

Required qualifications:

• 2-day First Aid Award (valid for the full season)
• BCAB Moderate Water Coach or White Water Leader
• Paddlesport Touring Leader
• Archery Coach
• Gorge walking experience at an advanced level
• Team challenge delivery experience
• Full driving licence (21+ to drive company vehicles)

Desirable (or working towards):

• Bushcraft qualifications or experience
• Hill & Mountain Leader (HML or ML)
• RCI
• MTB Leader & maintenance certifications
• Expedition / guiding experience (including River Spey descents)
• Social media or content creation skills

Candidates without all desirable qualifications should be able to present a clear CPD pathway and assessment timeline. Full details are outlined in the Lead Instructor job description (PDF).

Outdoor Activity Instructor

This role suits instructors who love delivering great sessions, working with a wide variety of groups, and developing their skills within a supportive, professional team.

You’ll need to have the following:

• First Aid Award
• Touring Leader with WW Safety & Rescue (or equivalent)

Plus be trained in or working towards at least two of the following:

• Paddlesport Leader or above
• WW Canoe Leader
• British Canoe Coach
• RCI
• ML
• Archery Coach
• Mountain Bike Leader (Level 2)
• Bushcraft qualifications or experience

Full expectations and qualification requirements are outlined in the Outdoor Activity Instructor job description (PDF).