Welcome to Nature – Assistant Engagement Officer
Job Description
Location: The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Bardon Mill, Northumberland
Contract Type: Fixed-Term to 30/9/26 / Part-Time
Hours: 18.5hrs / week
Salary: B4 £28,163 to £31,067 per annum pro rata
Line Manager: Healthy Parks Healthy People Project Officer
Start Date: ASAP
Additional Information: Some evening or weekend work may be required. Travel within the National Park will be expected.
Project Background
Welcome to Nature is a key initiative within a national programme supported by Vodafone, aimed at improving access to nature and raising awareness of its health benefits. The project focuses on increasing engagement with the natural world, enabling more people to explore and enjoy the National Parks, and enhancing the experience of current visitors.
Through Welcome to Nature, Northumberland National Park will work in partnership with community groups across the Northeast to co-curate engagement opportunities, develop inclusive resources, and foster deeper connections between people and landscape.
Job Purpose
To design, coordinate and deliver inspiring engagement activities and learning opportunities that connect diverse groups of people with the landscapes, nature and heritage of Northumberland National Park. The role will support delivery of the Welcome to Nature project and wider audience development work in partnership with colleagues, volunteers, communities and partner organisations.
Key Responsibilities
Programme and Workshop Delivery
* Design and deliver high-quality, inclusive nature connection sessions and engagement workshops that can be adapted to different settings and a variety of audiences.
* Develop creative, engaging, and accessible resources to support programme delivery.
* Work closely with the Welcome to Nature Project Officer to co-curate an activity plan aligned with project objectives and community needs.
* Gather meaningful feedback and participation data for project monitoring and reporting.
Partnership Working and Volunteer Support
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, local groups, and partners to deliver inclusive activities across the National Park and wider region.
* Supervise, support and train volunteers participating in the project.
* Contribute to the development of new partnership opportunities with local organisations and community stakeholders.
Communications and Promotion
* Support promotion of events and activities through digital channels, including the Authority’s website and social media.
* Represent the Authority at events and meetings to help raise the profile of the Welcome to Nature project.
Operational and Administrative Support
* Maintain accurate records of participation and service delivery.
* Ensure risk assessments are completed for all activities and events in line with Health and Safety procedures.
* Act as the nominated First Aider at events.
* Contribute to a culture of excellent customer service across all engagement work.
Person Specification
Essential
Experience and Skills
* Experience in designing and delivering outdoor learning, engagement or environmental education activities.
* Strong communication skills, including the ability to engage a variety of audiences through workshops, presentations, and group facilitation.
* Proven ability to plan and organise projects or events, with strong attention to detail and effective time management.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a wide range of partners and volunteers.
* Creative thinker with good problem-solving skills who can flex to a diverse set of needs.
Technical and Practical
* Competent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook).
* Ability to lead countryside or nature-based activities in rural and outdoor environments.
* Awareness of health, safety and safeguarding procedures in public or community settings.
* Ability and willingness to work flexibly, including some evenings, weekends and occasional overnight stays.
* Ability to travel across the National Park and within the UK as needed for the role.
* Commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.
* Right to work in the UK.
Desirable
* Experience working with volunteers and/or community groups.
* Experience of working in or with environmental or heritage organisations.
* Understanding of the role of National Parks.
* Experience of working with businesses or third-party providers.
* Experience facilitating professional development, training, or coaching sessions.
* First aid qualification.