Job Description

Senior Instructor - Honister Slate Mine

Location:

Honister Pass, Lake District

Position:

Senior Instructor - Outdoor Adventure Activities

Hours:

Full-time, including weekends, school holidays & peak season coverage

About Us

Honister Slate Mine blends breathtaking Lakeland heritage with adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventure. As England's last working slate mine and a vibrant activity hub, we pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable experiences for visitors from across the UK and around the world.

2026 marks a truly landmark year for Honister -- following

more than a decade of planning

, our long-anticipated zip wire attraction is beginning construction. This major new addition will offer an exhilarating, world-class adventure that enhances the Lake District's appeal while creating exciting opportunities for our team, our community, and our guests.

The Role

We are expanding our team of dedicated instructors and have an exciting opening for a

Senior Instructor

who will lead and inspire others across our activity programmes. This position offers the unique chance to play a key role in launching and supporting new experiences -- including the forthcoming zip wire -- as well as our established activities such as Via Ferrata, Climb the Mine, and other outdoor challenges.

You'll be:

A leader on and off the field -- coaching, mentoring, and developing junior instructors and seasonal staff. Delivering safe, engaging, and enjoyable adventurous activities daily. Taking responsibility for exceptional customer experiences, safety, and team culture. Helping shape the future of Honister's outdoor offering as attractions grow and diversify.

What We're Looking For

We want resilient, enthusiastic and highly communicative individuals who:

Are confident working independently and as part of a supportive, fun team. Have excellent leadership skills and experience developing others. Instinctively build strong rapport with customers of all ages and abilities. Adapt quickly, think creatively, and solve problems calmly in dynamic environments. Are professional, approachable and dedicated to delivering outstanding service.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver safe and effective activities in line with company standards, guidelines, and legal requirements. Instruct and supervise challenging outdoor programmes appropriate to your expertise. Lead and develop teams, including training seasonal instructors to maintain high standards. Provide professional briefings, demonstrations, and clear communication to clients. Uphold exceptional customer service and ensure participant comfort and confidence. Maintain welfare, safety, and supervision of clients throughout all activities. Support ongoing risk assessment, and diligent reporting of accidents, incidents, or near misses. Check and maintain activity equipment to the highest standards in line with guidelines. Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure resources, logistics, and communication are effective.

Essential Skills & Experience

Previous experience leading and instructing outdoor activities, with strong supervisory capability. Excellent communication and motivational skills. Ability to deliver safe, purposeful, and engaging sessions focused on customer needs. Confidence to manage challenging scenarios calmly and effectively. A commitment to high professional standards for yourself and the team. Physical fitness suitable for the demands of the role. A flexible, positive approach to working hours -- including weekends, school holidays, and peak season.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for people who are:

Adaptable and responsive to change. Conscientious, responsible, and eager to embrace new challenges. Enthusiastic about personal development and keeping instructor qualifications up to date. Committed to staff development and ongoing training. Passionate about the outdoors and promoting environmental awareness.

Work Environment & Culture

This role is not a typical 9-to-5. You will thrive if you enjoy variety, value teamwork, and take pride in contributing to high-impact outdoor experiences that leave customers buzzing.

Accommodation Available

Comfortable staff accommodation

can be provided

if required.
Features include: your own room, shared kitchen, lounge and bathroom facilities.
A minimal weekly fee applies and electricity costs are covered by the employee. The property is clean, spacious, and situated just a short distance from Honister in Seatoller.

Apply Today

If you're ready to step into a leadership role and be part of an adventure destination that's evolving in a huge way -- with the zip wire set to become one of the Lake District's most talked-about attractions -- we want to hear from you.

Send your CV and a cover letter to:

HR@honister.com

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Freelance, Zero hours contract

Pay: 12.21-14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Flexitime Free parking On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Keswick CA12 5XN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

First Aid Certification (preferred) drivers licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person