Chief Instructor, Barcaple

Who we are

Founded in 1971, Abernethy is a ministry that combines outdoor activity, residential experience and Christian team witness. Adventure is at the heart of Abernethy and we love seeing people gain confidence and grow through being in the outdoors.  

The team at Abernethy are all Christians. We are passionate about the outdoors, community, hospitality and witness. We are motivated by our belief in a good and generous God who created an incredible natural world which, through its very existence, shouts His praise. We believe that every person is unique, valuable and deeply loved by the creator God. 

Key roles

• Your key role is to manage and lead the instructional department. 
• You will also participate in the activity programme by instructing, leading, co-ordinating and training both guests and instructors.   
• You will ensure correct paperwork and records are kept for the maintenance of equipment and instructors qualifications and will keep up to date with orders, invoices and other admin.  
• You will be involved in the planning development of new and existing activities. 
• You will oversee the development of various programmes offered by the Centre e.g. DofE programmes.  
• Oversee completion of logbooks. 
• Make sure that the professional and skills development of your team is up to date and progressed forward. 
• You will supervise and assist with the maintenance of outdoor education equipment and an inventory and recommend appropriate outdoor activity purchases or replacements and place orders, all within the agreed budget. 
• You will be part of the Abernethy-wide Chief Instructors forum which meets regularly 
• You will keep abreast of current developments in outdoor education and liaise with professional bodies on behalf of the Centre. 

Essential Requirements

• A  good working knowledge of working in an instructional department. 
• Qualifications:  RCI, BCAB Sheltered water coach, Summer ML, BC Trail Leader (L2), Archery GB Instructor. You do not need to have all of these, but a combination of several will be expected. 
• Previous experience of leading a team 
• Have a heart for service, evangelism, and Christian discipleship 
• Are able to problem-solve and think creatively 
• Have excellent communication skills 
• Can cope under pressure, in a calm and efficient manner to set deadlines 
• Are motivated, enthusiastic and demonstrate initiative  
• It is a genuine occupational requirement that the holder of this post is a practising Christian whose lifestyle is consistent with the values and doctrine of the Christian faith 
• As part of our commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to become a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Scheme and the appointment will be subject to a satisfactory PVG Scheme Disclosure 
• We cannot accept overseas applications for this role unless you have the right to work in the UK. If you would like to volunteer with us then please refer to our international volunteer page. 

Desirable

• Full UK Driving License including D1 
• Desirable: RCDI, BCAB Moderate water coach, BC Mountain bike leader(L3), Duke of Edinburgh Assessor, Winter ML.  

What we can offer you

• Monthly salary 
• Full-board accommodation provided, if required 
• Paid annual leave (30 days per annum, inclusive of bank holidays) 
• Use of Centre facilities including outdoor equipment. 
• Opportunities to take an active role within the life of our local church and Christian youth work 
• Living as part of a vibrant Christian community in a beautiful part of Scotland 
• Opportunity for personal training and development 
• Weekly Team Fellowship on a Monday evening  
• Very favourable rates for family on most Abernethy holidays and camps 
• Participation in our annual 3 day Team Gathering 
• Living and serving in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, with fabulous mountain bike trails nearby and easy access to the magnificent beaches of the Solway Coast. 

Interested?

Please prayerfully consider whether this role may be right for you. For an informal chat about the role please contact Andrew Boland on 01557 820 261 during office hours. If you feel you are the person we are looking for, please apply online.