Outdoor Education Coach

About the role

GESS, an international school in Singapore, is recruiting an Outdoor Education Coach starting August 2027. The Coach delivers the school's Outdoor Education programme on campus, at local sites and on residentials and expeditions, under the direction of the Head of Outdoor Education. The post holder leads and co-leads outdoor learning sessions for Grades 1 to 12, runs co-curricular outdoor clubs, accompanies every residential and expedition as an activity leader, applies risk assessments on the ground and acts as a first responder.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and co-lead outdoor learning sessions across Grades 1 to 12 on campus and at local sites, following the Outdoor Education progression framework
• Work alongside class teachers during outdoor units, managing the activity so teachers can focus on learning
• Prepare sessions, sites and equipment; brief students and staff; debrief and facilitate reflection
• Run co-curricular outdoor clubs and support award-scheme and expedition training
• Contribute to the planning and evaluation of units and residentials
• Accompany every residential and expedition as an activity leader, delivering activities within the approved risk assessment and supervising students at all times, including overnight
• Liaise with venue staff and external providers and monitor their delivery against GESS standards
• Apply the school's risk assessments, SOPs and emergency plans, conduct dynamic risk assessment and act as a first responder
• Maintain equipment, coordinate transport, bookings, permissions and site logistics, and advise the Head of Outdoor Education on replacement needs
• Contribute to whole-school events, Enrichment Week and wellbeing and sustainability initiatives, and share outdoor learning practice with colleagues

Required profile

• Degree or diploma in outdoor education, physical education, sport and recreation or a related field preferred
• Recognised instructor or leader award from a national governing body in at least one discipline (e.g. climbing, hiking, kayaking)
• Current outdoor first aid qualification (Wilderness First Aid or equivalent) and, for water-based work, a current lifesaving or rescue qualification
• Experience leading outdoor activities and expeditions for school-age children, ideally in a school or outdoor education centre
• Familiarity with the Singapore Standard for Outdoor Adventure Education and local sites is an advantage
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, overnight and overseas trips

Required skills

• Sound risk judgement and ability to act decisively in an emergency
• Able to build positive relationships with students and manage groups with warmth and firmness
• Physically fit and able to lead activities at height, on water and in remote environments
• Reliable, well organised and a clear communicator with colleagues, students, parents and providers