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“I love working with Outward Bound because I get to challenge young people and see them break down the barriers of what they thought they could do. I’ve grown at Outward Bound in exactly the same way we push the participants to grow. I’m continually stretched into doing things I thought I couldn’t do.”
Outdoor Education Jobs: The Perks
We’re all about growing together! We’re ready to support your journey with plenty of training, certifications, and hands-on learning to level up throughout your career.
- All Group Leaders must have a current Wilderness First Aid which we supplement with annual scenario-based training and first aid refreshers, as part of our internal training and development.
- Depending on your passions and strength, we support professional development with opportunities to attain Swift Water Rescue, and Rafting Guide qualifications, roping, caving and canoeing training and refreshers as well as more internal activities training.
- Did we mention you get up to 10 paid training days per year?
Experience the warm and fuzzies as you help others reach within themselves to find strength, courage, and confidence. Theres nothing like watching someone push past their limits and come alive with curiosity and resilience!
Check out the impacts we have on students.
Enjoy an enviable workspace within wide-open skies, lush landscapes, and the magic of untouched Australia! Stay energised and connected to nature, working in places that most people only dream of exploring.
Pack your bags and get ready for adventure! With us, you can explore new parts of Australia and beyond. Flexible, seasonal roles mean fresh experiences and a healthy balance of work, play, and wanderlust. Over the Winter period, our crew can be seen travelling overseas, working the slopes or completing epic adventures!
This is not your standard day job. OBA ensures that the leadership team are born and bred outdoor educators so they can support and acknowledge the intricacies of being in the field.
Be part of something bigger than yourself.
Wearing the OB logo connects you to a global legacy. Whether you’re walking through a city or hiking a remote trail, you’re bound to hear, “I went on a program with you!”, “I used to work there!” or “That’s such a cool job!” From the deserts of Oman to the beaches of Costa Rica, our international colleagues are united by a shared belief: there is more in you than you know. Wherever we are in the world, we’re bound by a love of outdoor education—and the life-changing impact it creates.
Looking to get qualified?
If you’re looking to enter the outdoor industry, we recommend starting with a qualification in Outdoor Leadership. Contact your local Tafe, University or Outdoor peak body to see what options are available around you.
Get to know all of our crew
They’re the friendly faces, expert guides, and passionate adventurers who make it all happen.
Jobs
Groundskeeper
Outward Bound Australia are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Groundskeeper to maintain and enhance the outdoor areas of our National Base in Tharwa. The ideal candidate will have experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and general outdoor upkeep. The Groundskeeper and works in partnership with the Operations and Corporate staffing teams to support the effective management of the campus.
We are open to discussing different contract types and welcome applicants interested in casual, part-time, or full-time positions.
ABOUT OUTWARD BOUND
Outward Bound Australia (OBA) was established in 1956 and has a proud history of delivering outdoor education programs. Outward Bound programs provide inspiring and challenging experiences in the outdoors to help people with character development, relationships with others and an appreciation of our natural environment. Since its inception, OBA has delivered programs to around half a million Australians – significantly impacting many lives and creating a passionate community of alumni.
THARWA CAMPUS FACILITIES AND CAMPUS OVERVIEW
Outward Bound Australia’s National Campus is set on 28 acres of natural bushland along the Murrumbidgee River. The site is the organisation’s central hub for program delivery, training, and operations, and includes a mix of accommodation buildings, activity spaces, and service infrastructure that support thousands of participants each year.
The campus comprises a diverse range of built assets, including 6 self-contained cabins, 1 bunkhouse-style group accommodation building, 7 staff accommodation buildings, 10 operational buildings including a dining hall and kitchen, operational equipment storage and administrative offices, and 4 campsite areas with amenities. Program delivery is supported by purpose-built activity spaces such as high-ropes elements, climbing and abseil structures, open initiative fields, bushcraft workshops, equipment sheds, and multi-use covered activity areas.
The site relies on a network of essential services such as septic and wastewater systems, a bore and reverse-osmosis water treatment plant, and has 3 internal roadways, landscaped areas, 15 garden beds, native vegetation zones, and outdoor recreation spaces.
The Groundskeeper plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, functionality, and presentation of this unique campus environment. This includes caring for natural landscapes, maintaining facilities and building surrounds, supporting bushfire mitigation efforts, monitoring utilities and service infrastructure, and ensuring the grounds remain clean, safe, and welcoming for all staff, visitors, and program groups.
In this role, you’ll be working with a close knit team of 3 ground and maintenance crew, and expected to work independently when required.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Grounds & Facilities Maintenance
- Monitoring and managing the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment plant. Doing daily and weekly checks.
- Maintain lawns, gardens, pathways, and outdoor areas to keep the grounds safe, tidy, and welcoming.
- Monitoring and maintaining compost machine and process.
- Assist with grounds improvement projects, including landscaping, weed and pest control, etc.
- Support environmental care of the site to protect native plants and wildlife.
- Plan and prioritise tasks based on operational delivery needs.
- Keep client and staff areas- cabins, offices, and shared facilities- clean, safe, and presentable, including regular cleaning of toilets, showers, and communal spaces.
- Monitor supplies and consumables and notify management when restocking is needed.
- Report maintenance issues and assist with basic repairs.
- Help maintain high hygiene and presentation standards across the entire site.
Equipment Management and Maintenance
- Keep all equipment and supplies stored safely, tidily, and in the correct locations.
- Ensure machinery and equipment are used safely and only by authorised operators.
- Report any damage, concerns, or service needs for machinery and equipment.
- Carry out basic maintenance on tools and machinery when required.
Team & Culture
- Work collaboratively with the OBA team, sharing goals, solving problems, and taking accountability to support OBA’s vision.
- Help maintain a positive, safe, and productive workplace at Tharwa that reflects OBA’s values and prioritises staff and participant experience.
Safety and Risk Management
- Work independently, writing task lists, Safe Work method Statements and project implementation plans.
- Follow and promote safe work practices across the campus.
- Follow all Safe Work Method statements, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Skills and Experience
Qualifications
- Trade certificate in parks and gardens or relevant field is preferred.
- White Card preferred
- Forklift Licence preferred
- Excavator Operator training preferred
- Working With vulnerable People Check (ACT) required
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, facilities maintenance or a related field
Attributes and Abilities
- Can work well in small self-managed team.
- Strong knowledge of plant care, pest control, irrigation systems and landscape maintenance
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot groundskeeping equipment such as mowers, tractors, and irrigation systems
- Excellent communication skills
- Practical ‘can do’ attitude and problem-solving skills
- Strong work ethic, enthusiasm and passion driven to deliver quality work
- Care for the environment and love of the Australian bush
Apply now to join our dedicated team and contribute to the experience of our clients and guests
Program Coordinator
About the Role
As a Program Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in planning, coordinating, and supporting the safe and effective delivery of outdoor education programs.
You’ll work closely with our Head of Operations, Senior Program Coordinators and field teams to ensure programs are well designed, logistically sound, and meet the educational and wellbeing needs of participants.
This is a dynamic position combining office-based planning with field engagement and occasional hands-on delivery support — ideal for someone who enjoys both operational organisation and outdoor leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and coordinate high-quality outdoor education programs that align with client objectives.
- Manage program logistics, including equipment, food, transport, and safety documentation.
- Communicate with clients, staff, and stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and strong relationships.
- Support and mentor Group Leaders, Instructors, and new staff in program delivery.
- Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with all safety procedures.
- Step into field delivery as needed to support programs.
- Complete all program documentation, reports, and feedback accurately and on time.
About You
You’re a natural organiser and communicator who thrives in outdoor environments and collaborative teams. You can manage logistics, people, and details — while keeping sight of the bigger purpose: helping others grow through challenge and adventure.
You’ll Bring:
- Experience coordinating outdoor education or expedition-based programs.
- Demonstrated experience in leading or facilitating multi-day journeys with diverse groups.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in digital systems (Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
- Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- A proactive, hands-on, and professional attitude.
Qualifications:
- Certificate IV or Diploma in Outdoor Leadership (or equivalent).
- Wilderness First Aid & CPR.
- Working with Children Check (WWCC/WWVP).
- Manual Driver’s Licence (Light Rigid preferred or ability to obtain).
- Additional qualifications such as Swiftwater Rescue, Roping, Canoeing, or Mountain Biking will be highly regarded.
Why Join Outward Bound?
- Be part of a national organisation shaping the future of outdoor learning.
- Work in a role that blends coordination, leadership, and purpose.
- Collaborate with passionate, skilled professionals in a supportive team.
- Enjoy a stunning natural work environment and make a tangible impact every day.
Ready to take the next step in your outdoor leadership career?
Apply now with your CV and cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit for the Outward Bound team.
Group Leader
Outward Bound Australia is accepting ongoing applications for Group Leader positions as part of our bi-annual intake process.
Group Leaders are responsible for the faciliatation of safe and high-quality outdoor education programs.
Those programs are varied in their lenght, location, type and client groups. Outward Bound Australia delivers journey-based outdoor education programs in the ACT, Victoria, NSW and WA. Outward Bound also delivers centre-based programs out of its National Base, the Tharwa Campus.
Working with Outward Bound is the ultimate outdoor adventure! It offers industry-leading professional development.
A variety of contracts are available with great working conditions.
Skills and Experience Desired
• Cert IV in Outdoor Leadership or equivalent - with the following electives preferred: bushwalking, abseil, top-rope climbing, high ropes elements, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking
• Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR
• Current WWCC or WWVP.
• Manual driving license, unrestricted (preferred but not essential).
• Bronze medallion (preferred but not essential)
• Experience with client groups to deliver technical outdoor activities.
• Experience working with client groups to deliver facilitated activities and outcomes supported by outdoor activities.
• Experience in leading and facilitating multi-days expedition programs.