Job Description
The Role
We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.
Your lead projects will include:
* Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
* Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
* Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
* Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027
Alongside the team, you'll:
* Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
* Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
* Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
* Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
* Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
* Represent AirS at events and through social media
* Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects
About You
Essential:
* Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
* Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
* Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
* Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
* Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
* Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
* Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
* Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
* Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
* Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
* Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities
Desirable:
* Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
* Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
* Experience of line management or team leadership
* Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
* Experience using social media to promote projects
Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given) Salary: £30,833 pro rata Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027 Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution
AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.