Wanted: An Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer

Wednesday 22 December 2021

The perfect job is available for someone who likes the sea, sports and adventure.

The Guernsey Sports Commission wants an Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer in a new role timed to coincide with the rejuvenation of recreation facilities at La Vallette.

The role is jointly funded by the Commission and a private benefactor. The successful applicant will initially have a three-year contract. 

The Commission says the Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer will "make sure that everybody has the chance to take part in shore and sea-based adventure sports [and] promote and organise adventure sports-related projects, events, programmes, coaching, development and training".

The Commission's Relationship Director, Steve Sharman, says the new role is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for outdoor sports and adventure sports and provides a chance to introduce, reintroduce and rejuvenate various activities in the island.

Pictured: Steve Sharman, Relationship Director at the Guernsey Sports Commission, hopes the Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer will be in place early in 2022.

"The island’s natural environment lends itself perfectly to such sporting activities and we will be looking for the successful candidate to further develop opportunities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, wild swimming and many other sea-based activities," said Mr Sharman.

"The development of new community facilities at La Vallette lend themselves perfectly to the creation of this role."

Sports Development Officers work with schools and other organisations to promote access to sport across the whole community. Mr Sharman said schools are already keen to benefit from working with a Development Officer focused on outdoor and adventure sports.

"We already have plenty of interest from schools in wanting to access the opportunities this Development Officer will be able to offer, but we are looking to increase participation for all ages as we know how beneficial these kinds of outdoor sports are for both physical and mental health," he said.

Pictured: A copy of the full job description is available on the Sports Commission’s website HERE.

The closing date to apply for the new role is Wednesday 5 January.

Mr Sharman says that applicants will have relevant qualifications and work with national governing bodies to maintain appropriate standards, including complying with safety guidelines.   

"We are looking for someone with a minimum Level 2 qualification in a relevant discipline plus the RLSS Beach Lifeguard qualification or equivalent," he said

"This role will also be about delivering training and providing support to other teachers, coaches and volunteers to ensure that the delivery of adventure sports is safe and follows appropriate risk management practices.

"This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual who can offer a high level of customer experience [and] work in partnership with other clubs and activity providers whilst ensuring high standards of delivery and safety are maintained."

Pictured (top): La Vallette, where the new Outdoor and Adventure Sports Development Officer will spend a lot of their time.