Outdoor pursuits manager: Job description and activities
Job description
Outdoor pursuits managers run centres that provide facilities for and instruction in a range of outdoor activities, such as climbing, mountaineering, water sports, orienteering, horse riding and cycling. Most centre managers will have a background in instructing and may continue to instruct as part of their job. As a manager they have the overall responsibility for the centre and manage staff and their activities while also ensuring adherence to safety regulations at all times.
The focus of the role may be educational, particularly when working with certain client groups, such as school pupils, people with special needs or young offenders. Outdoor pursuits activities are also offered to corporate groups in the field of management and personal development and, increasingly, for pleasure and adventure holidays, for both children and adults.
Typical work activities
The nature of the work varies depending on the activities offered, the client groups and the employer, but typical activities may include:
- managing, recruiting, training and monitoring staff, and supporting staff development;
- ensuring staff adhere to the safety regulations laid down by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)
, that equipment and facilities are safe and that guests are instructed in safety procedures (and follow them);
- assessing risk and acting upon any issues arising from this assessment;
- providing instruction in a specialist area, such as mountaineering or sailing;
- undertaking courses to keep your own qualifications and skills current;
- planning appropriate programmes of outdoor activities for groups, usually in liaison with teachers or managers of the group;
- briefing and debriefing guests before and after activities;
- delivering evening lectures on outdoor activities and related topics, e.g. nature, geography, history of the area, etc.;
- preparing educational resources;
- dealing with queries, problems and complaints from guests;
- recording and reporting accidents, dealing with accidents and emotional upsets;
- purchasing, checking, maintaining and preparing equipment;
- dealing with the financial management of the centre, such as paying salaries, costing and invoicing for courses, and keeping accounts up to date;
- overseeing catering, housekeeping and accommodation services;
- overseeing the upkeep of the facilities, buildings and estate;
- advertising the centre through promotional literature, the internet and networking opportunities;
- evaluating the work of the centre and planning new activities to meet changing demands;
- experimenting with new provision, which might include: after school and holiday clubs for children; new activities, e.g. quad biking; and courses not normally associated with outdoor pursuits, e.g. dog training or martial arts;
- bidding for funding from government bodies, especially for privately run centres;
- monitoring weather and environmental conditions;
- offering training in leadership, individual outdoor pursuits, first aid, etc.;
- generating income by hiring out facilities for other types of activity, e.g. music groups, study groups, retreats, conferences, activities such as yoga, tai chi, etc.;
- liaising with national parks, organisations such as the National Trust, national governing bodies, etc.;
- regularly assessing and testing equipment for safety and retiring equipment that is no longer fit for purpose;
- keeping up to date with and purchasing new products and equipment, such as tents, canoes, climbing harnesses, etc.
AGCAS
Written by Annette Millar, University of Plymouth
