Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer

Overview

Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer. Fixed Term Contract for 2 Years. Location: Testwood Lakes, Brunel Road, Calmore, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 3WX. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is a grassroots movement working for nature’s recovery and to bring people closer to nature.

We are seeking a Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer to join our cause. This role will help children, families, schools and communities connect with nature and take action in support of wildlife. Our education and engagement work plays a pivotal role in our efforts to create a wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Based at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, the role will work with schools, groups, communities and visitors from the surrounding area.

Testwood Lakes is a flagship reserve used for angling, recreation and dog walking, with an Education Centre that hosts visiting school groups and family activities.

Responsibilities

• Engage with local schools, groups, communities and visitors to inspire and motivate action for nature and pro-nature behaviour change, both on-site and in the wider community.
• Support the Wilder Schools approach by providing advice, guidance and educational sessions in schools and on-site at Testwood Lakes.
• Build positive relationships with local organisations, residents and visitors to enhance people’s connection with nature.

Qualifications and requirements

• Demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifying criteria for the post, as set out in the person specification, at the application and testing stages (required for all candidates).

• Identify as being disabled under the Equality Act 2010, which may include a physical or mental impairment with substantial and long-term adverse effects, or a long-term health condition (as defined in the Disability Confident scheme).

• Application process notes: we encourage applications from all sections of the community, including underrepresented groups; provide evidence of meeting criteria in the supporting information.

Disability Confident and inclusion

We are Disability Confident and committed to ensuring a fair interview process for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. You can request adjustments, including accessible formats, by emailing us.

Benefits and employment details

• Competitive salary
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance, learning and development support
• 24-hour employee assistance programme
• Discounted staff travel with corporate partners (subject to terms and conditions)

How to apply

To apply for the role, click the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. In the “supporting information” section, demonstrate with detailed examples how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Recruitment Pack. Please note that we may close vacancies early when we have received enough applications that meet the criteria.

Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you in completing the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed using AI tools. If you usually use tools to assist you, contact us to discuss other options.

Interview information

Interview Date: 21 November 2025

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