Nature Reserve Educational Development Officer
Job Title:
Education Development Officer
Location:
Wildgoose Rural Training, near Worcester
Salary:
£20,000 per annum (Full time equivalent £32,000)
Hours:
25 hours per week (flexible over 7 days including some weekend working)
Contract:
Fixed term – 2 years (with potential for extension depending on sustainability of provision)
Holidays
– 28 days per annum inc bank holidays.
About Us
Wildgoose Rural Training is a care farm and inclusive rural organisation situated near Worcester. We aim to enrich lives through connection with nature, land-based learning, and community engagement. With a care farm, nature reserve, education centre, and tearoom, we offer a unique learning environment for people of all ages and abilities.
All staff must obtain a full DBS check paid for by Wildgoose rural training.
Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated
Education Development Officer
to design, develop, and deliver educational programmes that connect visitors with wildlife, conservation, rural life, and the natural environment. The successful candidate will work with schools, specialist interest groups, local communities, and affinity groups to create meaningful learning experiences using our outdoor classroom, roundhouse, and nature reserve.
This is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing and entrepreneurial individual to shape a new area of our provision, helping to establish a financially self-sustaining educational programme that can grow in scope and impact.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver engaging, inclusive educational sessions in conservation, wildlife, natural history, and rural studies for a wide range of audiences.
* Liaise and network with schools, affinity groups, local community organisations, and specialist interest groups to build partnerships and coordinate visits.
* Use and care for the outdoor classroom/roundhouse and the wider site, including the education centre and nature reserve.
* Create bespoke programmes linked to curriculum and learner needs, including formal and informal learning opportunities.
* Collaborate with the care farm and tearoom teams to integrate educational opportunities across the site.
* Monitor and evaluate the impact of educational activities, adapting delivery as required.
* Promote the education programme to grow participation and revenue, helping the provision become self-sustaining.
* Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and inclusion practices are followed at all times.
* Represent Wildgoose Rural Training positively in the local community and wider sector.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Experience in educational delivery, planning, and engagement across diverse audiences.
* Knowledge and practical experience in wildlife, conservation, and the natural environment.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships.
* Self-starter with initiative and drive to develop a new educational and community engagement programme.
* Flexible, with the ability to work weekends and adapt to different audience needs.
* Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
* No criminal convictions preventing work with young people or vulnerable adults.
Desirable:
* A teaching or training qualification (e.g., PGCE, Cert Ed, Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Forest School Leader).
* Experience working on a care farm, in outdoor learning environments, or with land-based studies.
* Experience developing community or educational partnerships.
Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome applications from all individuals; we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
How to Apply
In the first instance please send your
CV and a covering letter
outlining your suitability for the role and how you feel your skills and experience could shape community engagement and the future management of our fantastic nature reserve to
Closing date Friday October the 23
rd