Advertised from 31 July 2025

Role

We are looking for a highly motivated, and enthusiastic Outdoor Activity Leader who is passionate about developing and delivering quality, engaging & fun outdoor activities that are accessible to children & young people across West Dunbartonshire. 

This exciting role combines adventure, leadership, and meaningful impact, helping children overcome challenges and develop lifelong skills through tailored outdoor experiences. You will play a key role in supporting the delivering of our Outdoor Youth Work program across West Dunbartonshire – making a positive difference to children & young people’s lives.  

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Outdoor Activity Leader to join our team, specialising in outdoor activities in and around wild places around West Dunbartonshire & beyond.   

The primary responsibilities of the role are to oversee, coordinate and facilitate outdoor activities including woodland adventures, bushcraft, den building and outdoor pursuits such as archery, bike riding, fishing, hill walking, fostering a love for nature and the outdoors in our children and young people.  

Under direction of the Planet Youth Manager, you will work within schools, communities, community-based organisations, children, young people, and families to establish and deliver an Outdoor Youth Work program in response to Planet Youth survey data.  

You will be directly managed by Y sort it Planet Youth Manager. You as the postholder will be responsible for the day to day management of the Y sort it Outdoor Youth Work programme including Staff & Volunteers.  

Main Role & Key Duties 

You will be responsible for the development & delivery of exciting and engaging high quality outdoor activities that children & young people can experience and enjoy, whilst improving their health & wellbeing, encouraging outdoor learning opportunities, supporting children & young people, to make friendships, learn together and become more connected to their local community.

You will support a small team of youth workers to work closely with children & young people, their families and any relevant partners, to ensure young people are informed and supported to participate in any outdoor programs, and any outdoor based activities. 

Outdoor Activities will be held during and after school times, ensuring a seamless approach to outdoor youth work & a strengthening relationships with local schools and education partners. 

The postholder will provide critical support within Y sort it to adopt & embed the approach of Planet Youth, within the Youth work team and across other services. Planet youth is led by data collected from anonymous surveys that young people participate in at school. This data is then fed back to local and organised community groups who then create plans of action to create better environments for those young people to grow up in. The survey is fundamental in instigating meaningful discussions and actionable strategies within the local community to improve the lives of young people, their families, and beyond for the long-haul. https://www.planetyouth.scot/  

Requirements

Essential Qualifications 

• Two-day Outdoor First Aid Certificate.
• Full driving licence 
• At least one of the following:
  • Lowland Leader 
  • Summer Mountain Leader, equivalent walking qualification  
  • Archery Session Coach (Level 1) or equivalent 
  • Cycle Ride Leader or equivalent 
  • British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader or equivalent.
  • Paddle sports Instructor / Coach or equivalent
  • Angling Development Board of Scotland (ADBoS) Coach License 

Desirable Qualifications

An appropriate youth work/ community / social work qualification or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• Design and deliver tailored outdoor activities for small groups, combining fun, challenge, and skill-building.
• Act as a role model, ensuring safety and safeguarding at every step.
• Collaborate with Y sort it teams and partners to create integrated development plans for children & young people 
• Manage your workload and time effectively, balancing a busy schedule.
• Play a key role in maintaining equipment, managing risks, and adhering to Health & Safety standards.
• Supporting children with emotional and behavioural needs is desirable.

Responsibilities: 

You will have experience of Outdoor Learning, Youth Work / and or Community Development approach, relevant experience in a community based/voluntary role with children, young people and/ or families. 

You will have an awareness/experience of Youth Work approaches, and experience of developing and implementing action plans. You will have excellent leadership skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, good interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence to bring people together. You will have good assessment and reporting skills with the ability to work with members of the public, to work without constant supervision, and meet deadlines, and the ability to work flexible hours. 

The post holder should be flexible as the actual times of work will involve working evenings, school holidays and weekends. The post holder should be flexible as the actual times of work may change to respond to the demands of the work of the Y sort it Youth Work program including overnight stays for residential & trips.

Please note, a driving license is essential for this role.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made by Y sort it. 

Skills & Abilities

• Manage and develop the delivery of quality high outdoor activities and support for local children & young people through a variety of approaches including targeted programmes, groups, activity sessions on a weekly basis, both within schools and out in the community.  
• Work with, manage and support a team of Youth Workers & Volunteers to deliver weekly Outdoor Youth Work Provision including delegating tasks, providing working rotas, regular support & supervision.  
• Ensure that safety procedures are followed conforming to the project’s Child Protection, and Health & Safety policies and other relevant policies and complete any appropriate reports e.g. accident / incident forms.
• Always ensure non-discriminatory practices – in line with the Equal Opportunities policy. 
• Contribute to joint working and partnership working ensuring positive relationships with all concerned.
• To liaise with parents, carers, professionals, and partnership agencies 
• Help maintain a robust monitoring framework to capture evidence of outcomes.
• To organise, prioritise and manage your workload in an effective and efficient  manner
• Support the management of budgets & comply with financial procedures  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

About us:

“Y sort it is a young person led service, providing opportunities that responds to the support needs of local young people and inspires them to reach their full potential- we will #Connect # Support #Inspire WD Young people”. 

Y sort it Youth project is aimed at young people aged between 8-18 years old that reside within West Dunbartonshire. We are unique in the fact that Y sort is governed by a Youth Management Board, with all members registered as company directors. This ensures that Y sort it continues to be FOR young people BY young people of West Dunbartonshire.   

Young people of West Dunbartonshire will reach their full potential through learning and have the capacity to make informed choices and play a key role in decisions that affect their lives.

Application notes

Application deadline: 24th August 2025 (Late applications will not be accepted).

To apply for this role, please read the application guidance and send completed application form by email to info@ysortit.com 

If you would like a confidential discussion about this role please contact Claire McGinley, Head of Services & Development claire@ysortit.com

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme update check, prior to a formal offer of employment being made by Y sort it.

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