Conservation officer jobs in city of edinburgh, west midlands

Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) is the national charity caring for historic churches at risk. As the operator of the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK, our 356 historic churches include examples of irreplaceable architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of English history.

CCT has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in our care are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without our care, these buildings might have disappeared entirely. Instead, they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational and cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of their communities.

Overall job purpose

This is a fundamental role within our South regional team, internally the role is known as Local Community Officer.

The future of CCT’s outstanding collection of historic churches depends on communities supporting their local CCT church with funds, events, inspiring interpretation, visitor services and preventive conservation. The Local Community Officer will engage and support communities and volunteers to care for 29 historic churches across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, ensuring each site achieves agreed standards.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Monday 15th September 2025.

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Tuesday 23rd September 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

 All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Education Officer

Are you passionate about environmental issues, in particular nature restoration, climate resilience and biodiversity?

Do you have experience working with young audiences, preferably within a wildlife or conservation setting?

We are looking for an Education Officer based in Scotland or North of England, with the ability to inspire people to connect with nature!

Position: Education Officer

Location: Remote/Scotland or North of England (this role requires frequent travel and overnight stays)

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Contract: 1.5 year fixed term post, with the possibility of extension

Salary: £32,827 per annum

Benefits Include:  25 days holiday, plus Christmas day through to New Year’s Day paid, plus 6 days of floating holidays, pro-rata. Flexible approach to hours of work. Pension contribution of 3%, one-off contributions toward the cost of an ergonomic office chair and toward purchases of essential devices, monthly home working allowance, plus an annual contribution toward the maintenance and/or replacement of the essential devices.

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 8th September.  We reserve the right to interview candidates and close the ad ahead of the closing date, should a strong candidate be identified.

About the Role

We are looking to hire a skilled and engaging Education Officer to join a busy team, supporting the implementation and expansion of an established educational outreach programme, which reaches children in Scotland and Northern England.

At present, this post has funding for three years from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 1.5 years of which is now complete and we are looking for someone to deliver the second 1.5 years of the project.

The purpose of the role is to extend passion and knowledge of beavers into communities around Britain, to engage and enthuse young people and to reconnect (or reinforce) their love of nature. Using and tailoring current materials and resources, you will do so by delivering high-quality learning sessions within schools, community groups or virtual training sessions, sometimes delivered in conjunction with beaver site partners and their education teams.

You will also be responsible for supporting wider aspects of the programme together with the Education Team, according to the requirements for each country and in partnership with relevant organisations

Key responsibilities include:

· Deliver a range of exciting, curriculum-linked workshops, non-curriculum home education talks, school and group sessions associated with beaver release sites.

· Run regional events and outreach activities to expand engagement in beaver education.

· Network and build contacts and relationships with key personnel in schools, youth groups and community groups in order to create engagement with the education programme and expand its reach.

· Support the development of further resources, activities and events specific to the country and region, and deliver existing activities for group learning.

· Monitor, collate and report on work carried out, toward learning goals and impact reporting, coordinated by the Senior Education Officer to support the programme evaluation.

· Support volunteers and build capacity working with partner site staff in the delivery of beaver education programmes.

We welcome applicants who may need flexible ways of working or support in managing workload.

About You

We are looking for someone with experience of working with young audiences, preferably within a wildlife or conservation setting. You will have a good grasp of ecology and be willing to travel around the country to support learning education opportunities as well as being confident running sessions or delivering train-the-trainer sessions online.

Essential skills and experience include:

· A foundation degree level or equivalent in a zoology, biology or conservation-related field, OR; A teaching/education qualification or equivalent experience in teaching, using different delivery methods including virtual delivery. Both formal qualifications OR equivalent lived, voluntary or professional experience are welcome.

· The ability to communicate complex concepts in an innovative and engaging way to a young audience.

· The skill set to inspire people to connect with nature, to support teachers, deliver talks, presentations and education sessions.

· A strong interest in nature, conservation and restoration.

· Working knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policies and procedures.

· Competent use of IT skills, preferably Google Suite, and high standards for visual content.

· Experience in confidently using IT packages for teaching delivery, including the use of tablets, presentation software and audiovisual.

· A full valid UK driving licence (you will be required to access remote rural locations carrying more equipment than can be handled on public transport)

· Resident in mainland Britain and proof of right to work in Britain.

· A place to store learning materials. We can offer storage support if there isn’t space at home.

This role might suit you if you have…

· A sound understanding of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and the English National Curriculum (primary) in terms of expectations and limitations.

· Proven experience of developing and delivering workshops and activities for school audiences.

You don’t need to meet every requirement, if you’re enthusiastic about the role, we encourage you to apply

To apply please upload a 2pp CV and 1pp covering letter explaining their interest and suitability for the role. Please note, we can only accept candidates with the right to work in the UK.

About the Organisation

Join a nature restoration charity, restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. Beavers were once a common and influential part of the British countryside, and as such, the team wants to reconnect people to this part of our heritage.  

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the environmental sector including people of colour, disabled people, those from low-income backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities and all other protected characteristics.

You may have experience in roles including Education and Learning Officer, Education Project Coordinator, Youth Engagement Officer, Schools Programme Officer, Prevention Officer, Workshop Facilitator, Learning and Engagement Officer, Conservation Officer, Environmental, Environment and Conservation. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

ABOUT US 

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and Interim Director of Fundraising to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 10:30 am on Monday 1 September.

THE ROLE 

 Due to the retirement of a long-standing executive team member, this newly repurposed Executive Leadership role has a clear focus on our long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. As Executive Director of Fundraising Development, you will lead our strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and major income generation programmes. 

 You’ll be responsible for inspiring significant financial support through trusts, major donors, corporates, legacies, and philanthropic networks. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Strategy to 2030 - ensuring we have the income, influence, and innovation to match our ambition. 

 Protecting and restoring woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and creating the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage with powerful networks, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We’re looking for a proven senior leader with extensive experience in fundraising, income generation or strategic partnerships - ideally within the not-for-profit sector. 

You’ll bring: 

• Strategic fundraising expertise across major giving, trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. 

• Inspiring leadership - able to guide, develop and motivate high-performing teams. 

• Strong external profile - with a track record of building and leveraging influential networks. 

• Collaborative mindset - experienced in working at Executive level, shaping cross-organisational strategy. 

• A personal commitment to nature recovery, equity of access, and environmental impact. 

Most importantly, you’ll be values-led - excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Friday 3 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Monday 13 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

Knowledge and Evidence Officer – Riverwoods 

Salary: £28,000 - £30,600 

Location: Edinburgh, Leith - hybrid working 

Status: Fixed term until June 2028 

0.7FTE 

Closing date: Sunday 14 September 2025 

Interviews will be held on: Interviews will be held the week commencing 22 September. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

About us: 

For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas. The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. It also manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement. 

The Riverwoods Initiative has a vision of: Creating a network of thriving riverbank woodlands and healthy river systems across Scotland. ‘Riverwoods: A Blueprint for River Woodland Recovery’ (the Blueprint Project) is a partnership project at the core of the initiative to support the realisation of the vision. The Blueprint Project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. 

The Role: 

As a member of our Riverwoods Blueprint Project team, you will.... 

- Lead on the ongoing development, maintenance, and promotion of the engaging and innovative Riverwoods Digital Centre of Excellence, built using ArcGIS Hub Premium. 

- Work collaboratively to develop and expand on digital tools and resources for woodland practitioners and planners including opportunity mapping and project cost calculation tools. 

- Support project partners and other practitioners to implement the Riverwoods Measuring and Monitoring Framework and support its ongoing development. 

- Provide guidance, data analysis, maps and web maps to the Riverwoods team. 

The candidate will ideally have...: 

- Demonstrated experience using ArcGIS – ArcPro and ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and relevant apps such as ArcGIS Hub, Survey 123, Field Maps, StoryMaps, Dashboards and Experience Builder 

- Experience of training and supporting people from varied technical and non-technical backgrounds with a range of GIS/IT knowledge 

- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, particularly Word, Excel, SharePoint and PowerPoint 

- An aptitude for handling and manipulating complex and varied datasets 

- Experience in opportunity mapping and data analysis techniques 

- Experience developing and delivering project monitoring and evaluation plans 

- Excellent problem-solving skills and a drive to improve efficiency and integration. 

What we offer: 

· Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work & Pension schemes. 

· We have always been hugely flexible in our approach to how you wish to work and continue to offer a flexible approach. 

· One Wellness Hour per week 

· Enhanced Pension rate upon completion of probation 

· Sick Pay Allowance 

· Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity Leave 

· Training and Development 

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. 

ABOUT US

The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats. 

Join our Online Information Session! We are hosting an Online Information Session with the CEO and existing Director of Brand and Communications (Supporter Mobilisation) to give candidates an opportunity to learn more about the role and to ask any questions.

The session will last no longer than 45 minutes and will be held at 14:00 on Monday 1 September. 

THE ROLE 

We are looking for an experienced, visionary leader to join our Executive Leadership Team as Executive Director of Supporter Mobilisation. This is a newly refocused position, shaped with the future in mind, and designed to deepen the public’s relationship with trees and woods.  We are fighting for the health of people and the planet with every tree. 

You will be at the helm of our strategy to engage millions-inspiring action, growing income, and strengthening our brand. Leading a talented and passionate team, you’ll develop bold, integrated campaigns that move hearts and minds. You’ll oversee communications, digital and community fundraising, membership,  and our high-profile campaigns and Trees for All programme that builds public awareness and inspires a mass movement of support for our cause. 

Working closely with the CEO and fellow Executive Directors, you’ll also play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the Trust and ensuring alignment across our work, people, and values.  Helping the Trust protect and restore woodlands that have stood for centuries - the crown jewels of the natural world in the UK - and create the woods of the future, means this role will leave a legacy which will last for generations.  It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, engage and inspire others, and literally change the nature of the UK landscape for the better. 

THE CANDIDATE 

We are looking for a senior leader with a track record in large-scale communications, supporter engagement and mobilisation, or fundraising. You’ll have a strong understanding of how to use inspiring stories, quality data, and digital innovation to move people to action-and how to build momentum around a mission. 

You’ll bring strategic insight and a collaborative spirit, with the gravitas to influence at the highest levels and the heart to connect with people from all walks of life - helping us to bring trees and woods to all. 

Just as important as your skills is your alignment with our cause. You’ll be values-led - passionate about our cause and excited by the potential of this pivotal role to shape lasting change. 

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 

• Life Assurance 

• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 

• Generous Annual Leave (25 days + bank holidays) 

• Annual leave buy and sell 

• Enhanced Parental Pay 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK's diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented. 

Application Advice: Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most.

To maintain fairness and reduce bias during shortlisting, we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from hiring managers, please help us to maintain your anonymity by removing personal details from your CV prior to submission. 

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet. 

1st Interviews will be held via Teams on Monday 6 October 2025 
2nd Stage Interviews will be held in-person at our Grantham Office on Tuesday 14 October 2025 

Details of both events will be shared with shortlisted candidates prior to each stage. 

Salary: up to £29,000 per annum pro rata  

Location: Home working with some travel across the UK  

Part time (2 days per week/14 hours per week)  

Two-year fixed term contract 

Closing date for applications: 14th September 2025  

First interview: 22nd September 2025 (afternoon) or 23rd September 2025 (morning)  

Second interview: 3rd October 2025 

About Us 

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 944,000 members, over 38,000 volunteers, 3,600 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work. 

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts. 

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities. 

The Landscape Recovery team was set up as a response to the urgency of the inextricably linked nature and climate emergencies. The purpose of this team is to encourage and facilitate cross-Wildlife Trust action on landscape scale recovery, inject the rewilding approaches into the work of the Wildlife Trusts, coordinate land management activities where scale-economies are clear and to substantially increase funding for nature’s recovery across the Wildlife Trusts. The team is developing a range of programmes where RSWT acts as a ‘collective vehicle’ for groups of Trusts. For example, RSWT is leading a programme of peatland restoration through the Precious Peatlands project. Opportunities for such programmes are increasing – the UK is at a tipping point where either wildlife continues to decline or we finally grasp the opportunities of nature’s recovery. 

About You 

Working closely with colleagues at the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and with Local Wildlife Trusts, the Land Management Practice Officer will support The Wildlife Trusts Nature Reserves community of practice. This role will focus primarily, in the first instance, on supporting local Wildlife Trusts to reduce their pesticide use. 

The post will help Trusts develop and share knowledge, skills and capacity in the realm of pesticide use reduction and, where possible, also across other aspects of land management. This work will support Goal 1 – Nature’s Recovery – of the Wildlife Trusts’ Strategy 2030. 

You will be a highly organised, collaborative, and an experienced individual adept at managing customer focussed relationships. You will understand the needs of the Wildlife Trusts and the context in which they operate. You will be an excellent communicator – proficient at running meetings, organising information and putting together reports. 

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgmental and are inclusive. 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. 

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level. 

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. RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and will put any ethnic minority applicants that meet all the essential criteria for the post through to the next stage of recruitment. 

Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools.