Education Officer

35 hours per week  

Permanent, Full Time 

Closing date: 9am on Monday 28 July 

Interviews will be held on: Interview 1: Monday 4 August 

Nature has the power to transform children’s lives: boosting wellbeing; improving physical health and building vital learning skills. At the same time, we face urgent environmental challenges, and we must equip young people with the knowledge, curiosity, and confidence to be part of the solution. By 2030, we want one in four schools in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to be taking meaningful action for nature. To achieve this, both children and school staff need a strong connection to nature and the confidence to take learning outdoors. We are building a strong partnership with schools to help nurture this connection - supporting teachers to deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences that teach in, about, and for nature. 

To achieve this ambitious goal, we’re seeking an experienced and motivated Education Officer to take ownership of our work with schools. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about outdoor education and conservation who thrives on empowering others to create change. 

What you will be doing:  

We're looking for someone to work with Primary and Secondary schools, directly with children and with teachers, to embed nature-based learning across the curriculum. You will be responsible for developing and delivering high-quality educational sessions, training teachers, and championing outdoor learning. 

Who we are looking for: 

• You have a personal connection to nature and believe that connecting others to nature plays a key role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies.  

• Experience of teaching or delivering education / training sessions. Ideally with a background in teaching, outdoor learning, or Forest School.  

• You have a proven ability to provide effective teacher training and inspire staff across primary and secondary settings. You are confident building relationships with teachers and senior school leaders, mentoring them to embed outdoor learning.  

• You have a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion - taking on Designated Safeguarding Lead for under 18s. 

• Ideally, you hold a current outdoor first aid qualification.  

• A full driving licence and the confidence to drive different vehicles is essential for this role. 

The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates.  Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.  

Why work for us - benefits we offer:  

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff) 

• Salary sacrifice benefits 

• Life assurance 

• Generous pension - company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3% 

• Enhanced Sick Pay 

• Flexible working policy 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Staff discounts 

• Employee away days 

• Coaching   

• Support with training and development to assist career progression  

• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere    

Safeguarding:    

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo reference checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the appropriate level    

No enquiries from agencies or for further advertising will be taken.  

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

We value courage, respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.