Open To Work
Caitlin Gillespie
Port Charles
Work Preference
Summary
Enthusiastic team player committed to enhancing outdoor experiences through skill development and meaningful engagement. Focused on fostering growth for individuals and aspiring instructors, while creating enjoyable environments that promote happiness and fulfillment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Step 3 - Lead Outdoor Instructor
Hillary Outdoors
Port Charles
01.2025 - Current
- Led outdoor activities for groups, ensuring participant safety and engagement.
- Instructed coasteering, sea kayaking, tramping and abseil activities, adapting to various skill levels.
- Developed lesson plans and activity schedules for diverse outdoor programs such as Project K.
- Helped instruct within the tertiary space for sea kayaking
Scuba Instructor
DiveHQ Auckland
Mt Roskil
12.2024 - 01.2025
- Instructed participants through their first breaths under water on an open water course, through to continuing education courses up to Rescue.
- Conducted pre-dive safety briefings for participants before underwater excursions.
- Oversaw equipment maintenance and ensured readiness for diving sessions.
Deckhand
NZ Sailing Trust
Auckland
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Assisted in maintaining sailing vessels to ensure safety and performance.
- Participated in rigging and de-rigging sails for various sailing activities.
- Supported crew during training sessions and events for youth programs.
Outdoor Instructor
Adventure Specialties Trust
Auckland
01.2022 - 10.2023
- Led outdoor activities or multi day expeditions/programs ensuring safety and engagement for participants.
- Instructed groups through climbing, kayaking, and tramping adventures.
- Instructed 17-19 day wilderness adventures within the youth development space.
Outdoor Instructor
Various companies
Auckland & Nelson
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Kokako Lodge, Camp Adair, Bigfoot Adventures, Adventure Works, Rotoiti Lodge, Auckland Sea Kayaks, Social Nature Movement
- Raglan Area School, Avondale College, Botany Downs Secondary College
- Wintec
- Instructed through a variety of companies across tramping, sea kayaking, climbing, biking and more
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology - Psychology
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland 02.2026 - 06.2026
Bachelor of Sport And Recreation - Outdoor Education
Auckland University of Technologu
Auckland 07.2016 - 12.2019
Skills
- Risk assessment
- Group facilitation
- Lesson planning
- Organization
- Attentive to detail
- CliftonStrengths Top 5: Empathy, restorative, developer, includer, harmony
Certification
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation - Outdoor Major (2020)
- NZOIA Bush 1 (Oct 2022)
- NZOIA Sea Kayak 1 (June 2024)
- PHEC (exp 2027)
- Adrenaline trained (exp Dec 2026)
- PADI Specialty Scuba Instructor (2024) (Search & Recovery, Navigation, Deep, Wreck & Enriched Air specialty instructor qualifications)
- Day Skippers (2022)
- VHF Radio Operator (2022)
- Advanced Skills & Standards for High Ropes (2019)
- PGDip in Applied Psychology (still studying)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology - Psychology
Auckland University of Technology
02.2026 - 06.2026
Step 3 - Lead Outdoor Instructor
Hillary Outdoors
01.2025 - Current
Scuba Instructor
DiveHQ Auckland
12.2024 - 01.2025
Deckhand
NZ Sailing Trust
05.2024 - 12.2024
Outdoor Instructor
Adventure Specialties Trust
01.2022 - 10.2023
Outdoor Instructor
Various companies
01.2018 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Sport And Recreation - Outdoor Education
Auckland University of Technologu
07.2016 - 12.2019