Outdoor Education Specialised Trainer

The Opportunity

Grace Lutheran College is seeking specialised Outdoor Education Trainers to work a maximum term 6–8-month contract. This contract will be reviewable and there is a possibility of the positions becoming permanent.

The Outdoor Education Trainer will work alongside and train our Outdoor Education Instructors during outdoor education programs being held at our Outdoor Education Centre "Googa" in the Blackbutt Ranges of Queensland.  This is a unique opportunity to work as a specialized Trainer with the ability to conduct recognized training on agreed certificate levels for Googa staff. Accommodation is provided in Queensland's beautiful Blackbutt Ranges.

The Place

Googa is a former forestry camp set in the Blackbutt Ranges, approximately two hours from the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.  The closest town is Blackbutt (approximately 9 km), with the closest city being Toowoomba (approximately 90 km).  Googa has a lease over six hectares of land adjacent to a further 120 hectares owned and managed by Googa.  Googa is in the process of expanding its operation with the development of another campus on this land.  The centre also has access to large areas of State Forest and private land for hiking and camping.

Googa Outdoor Education & Retreat Centre ("Googa") operates as a partnership of schools and colleges of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District.  The owner schools are Grace Lutheran College, Rothwell & Caboolture, Grace Lutheran Primary School, Clontarf and Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Noosa.

Facilities at the camp are deliberately simple.   Googa runs programs of various lengths for primary and secondary students however the majority of the year is programmed with four-week experiences for Year 9 or Year 10 students.

The Mission Statement:

Growing deep, in community, in Christ.

The Role

• To support the goals and objectives of Googa Outdoor Education Centre in theory and practice.
• To develop and implement training plans for current and new staff.
• To manage the training outcomes of outdoor adventure activities (including but not restricted to) hiking, high adventure activities, bush craft, survival and camping.

Responsibilities

• To develop, periodically review and implement training plans, activity Standard Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments.
• Be proactive in supporting a culture of meaningful work, appreciation of land and celebration of personal and communal growth.
• Contribute to the community experience of students and staff in the context of a Christian centred approach.
• Be proactive in restorative practices.
• Ensure adequate records are kept in line with Googa OEC procedures.
• Supervise and oversee implementation of workplace procedures and WHS principles.
• Demonstrate tidiness and care of equipment in the workplace.
• Promote positive relationships with the community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Cert lV, Diploma or Undergraduate Degree in Outdoor Leadership/Outdoor Education.
• Cert IV in Training & Assessing
• Current manual driver's license
• Current Senior First Aid certificate (with current CPR)
• Blue Card
• Ability to perform physically and mentally challenging tasks
• Willingness to be guided in work practice
• Able to demonstrate initiative in completing tasks within the context of a team centered approach
• Interest and passion in working with adolescents
• Willingness to live and work in a small Christian community
• Preparedness to work irregular hours, weekends, public holidays and school holidays

Desirable

• Current Wilderness or Remote First Aid certificate
• Bush Camping experience
• A passion for environmental education and environmental sustainability
• Active member of a Christian denomination

Selection Criteria

SC A keen interest in experiential learning.

SC Demonstrated knowledge or experience in bush camping and hiking to achieve outcomes.

SC Experience working with teenagers and knowledge or a willingness to learn and develop an understanding of adolescent development.

SC Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with staff and fit harmoniously within a residential team working environment.

SC An understanding and desire to contribute to, and participate in, the spiritual and personal development aspects of the program.

SC A keen interest in incorporating environmental and place-based education into the programs.

Reporting to:   The Director, Googa Outdoor Education Centre

Position type: Maximum Term, Full Time

Remuneration:  Outdoor Education Schedule, Queensland Lutheran Schools Single Enterprise Agreement 2024. Level commensurate with experience, qualifications.

Anticipated Commencement Date:  As soon as possible - to be negotiated.

Closing Date: Friday 26 September 2025 (Grace Lutheran College reserve the right to interview suitable candidates prior to closing date).

How to apply

Please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'. Include your up-to-date resume and contact details of two referees (one of whom should be your current supervisor, if possible), and a maximum two-page written response outlining your suitability for the role with reference to the position description on our website