Wildlife jobs

The Hainault Forest Visitor Centre Assistant is an integral part of the team delivering a welcoming and memorable experience for visitors to Hainault Forest. Working in the Woodland Trust’s visitor centre, the role will assist with retail operations, provide excellent customer service, support various visitor engagement activities, and promote ways that visitors can support our cause - including Woodland Trust membership. This role contributes to enhancing the visitor experience while supporting the Woodland Trust’s mission. Our work at Hainault Forest is delivered in partnership with London Borough of Redbridge and Vision RCL.

The Role:

• Provide a warm, welcoming experience for visitors by sharing information about the forest, facilities, activities, and key site features, and responding to general enquiries.
• Promote the Trust’s membership offer and actively encourage sign-ups as part of the visitor experience.
• Support the delivery of events such as local walks workshops, often with children on an occasional basis.
• Work as part of the Visitor Centre team to manage building operations, including opening and closing procedures, upkeep of shared spaces, and handling financial transactions and cashing up.
• Deliver high-quality retail service, including operating the till efficiently, maintaining the retail area to a high standard, restocking and rotating stock, and ensuring strong visual merchandising.
• Contribute to retail performance by supporting stock selection and stock level decisions, monitoring sales, and helping to develop the retail offer to maximise income generation at the forest.
• Provide occasional support with social media by creating content and posting on relevant platforms to help promote the site and its activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners, while following all health and safety procedures and adhering to data protection regulations when handling personal information
• This role will be based in the Hainault Forest Visitor Centre. You would be expected to live locally or within a reasonable travelling distance.

The Candidate:

• Experience working in a retail and/or customer-facing environment, with knowledge of point-of-sale (POS) systems, visual merchandising and stock management processes.
• Ability to manage your own time effectively within agreed working hours, balancing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Comfortable working independently using your own initiative, while also being a reliable and collaborative team member.
• Strong communication skills, able to engage confidently and appropriately with a range of audiences including children and young people.
• A basic understanding of health and safety practices relevant to public-facing environments.
• Confident using MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook.
• A welcoming, organised, reliable, and passionate approach, with a genuine enthusiasm for nature and a desire to connect people with Hainault Forest and the Woodland Trust’s mission.
• Willingness to learn about Hainault Forest and the Woodland Trust, and subject to pre-employment checks including right-to-work, references and an enhanced DBS check.
• The successful candidate will be required to be over the age of 18 and required to undertake an Enhanced Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and 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 Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will take place at the Hainault Forest Visitor Centre.

About Us

Global Canopy is a data-driven not for profit delivering real transparency and accountability for market impacts on nature and people. Our special focus is on ending deforestation – an essential step in achieving urgent global goals on climate, nature and human rights. We deliver our work by building and maintaining open-data platforms, creating stronger voluntary and compliance frameworks, and accelerating accountability and action in the finance sector with nature-positive guidance to help achieve deforestation-free portfolios.

We work globally, with a focus on both forested regions (particularly across Latin America and South East Asia), and major consumer and financial markets (with a focus on Europe, the US, Singapore and China). We have a distributed team of around 70 people worldwide, with a main office in Oxford (UK). We work via close and deep partnerships, including with institutions like the Stockholm Environment Institute, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, UNEP Finance Initiative, the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, the Zoological Society of London, and many many others.

About the Role

As People and Culture Lead, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for the delivery and development of the People function at Global Canopy. Providing advice and support to the Leadership Team and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead on people and culture initiatives that enable our team to maximise their potential, resulting in greater impact as an organisation.

You will bring excellent relationship-building and influencing skills as well as strong technical expertise to ensure that we can recruit, retain, develop, support and engage the people we rely on to deliver our vital work for forests, nature and human rights. You will manage all aspects of team members’ journey with the organisation, including recruitment, performance and development, employee relations and pay and benefits.

This is a great role for an experienced People professional who believes in the power of a people-centred organisation, has had previous success in delivering people and culture change projects and working in a business-partnering role. You will be comfortable managing upwards, acting as a trusted advisor, and confident being the face of People and Culture at an organisational level. You will thrive in a dynamic non-profit environment, delivering on complex and impactful projects around the world. We are looking for someone who leads with empathy and wisdom, putting individuals at the heart of their work.

Responsibilities

Employee life cycle management

• Be responsible for the creation, maintenance, evolution and operation of all HR policies, processes and systems 
• Work closely with the leadership team and internal boards on areas such as recruitment, performance, learning and development, absence, salaries/benefits, job grading and employee engagement
• Ensure the ongoing development of our P&C offering is aligned with our culture

Support & advice to leaders and managers

• Build strong working relationships with senior team leaders in order to support them directly
• Provide coaching, guidance and support to people managers ensuring that our people are supported to thrive and develop
• Advise on people issues and managing cases, to ensure that processes are followed in line with Global Canopy’s  policy, best practice and employment legislation

Support delivery of Global Canopy’s People plan

• Alongside the COO, drive the implementation of people initiatives and be responsible for the successful embedding of changes
• Lead on connection and collaboration initiatives to build a cohesive, highly motivated team in line with Global Canopy’s culture and in the context of hybrid working
• Provide and present reports and maintain KPIs related to our people.

Management

• Line management of People and Recruitment Advisor, supporting them in their management of recruitment for Global Canopy, and providing coaching and mentoring to support their ongoing development
• Manage the relationship with our EOR providers
• Alongside the COO and IT & Operations Manager, provide leadership on data protection across the organisation

About You

To be successful in this role, these are the things that will matter the most: 

• People-first and positive approach to HR management 
• Broad experience of managing human resources work across organisations, with a good understanding of HR procedures and legislation in the UK
• Alignment with our values and our mission and a commitment to collaboration and a passion for developing an organisational culture in which people thrive

Essential behavioural competencies: 

• Leading with warmth 
• Demonstrates credibility and emotional intelligence
• Structured and effective in communications
• Able to handle difficult situations sensitively and confidentially
• Initiative and ability to manage and prioritise own workload, working to deadlines
• Creativity

Skills and experience:

Required:

• CIPD level 5 or equivalent experience
• Experience managing all aspects of employee lifecycle 
• Strong understanding of UK employment law and best practice
• Experience and expertise to support in the areas of diversity and inclusion, learning and development, and employee wellbeing and engagement in a hybrid context
• Experience of working in an advisory capacity and regularly reporting to senior leaders
• Experience of working across different departments/functions in a matrixed and int’l organisation
• Line management experience

Desirable:

• Ability to take a leadership role in change projects
• Experience of working internationally with employees based outside the UK – and covered by non-UK law
• Experience or understanding of the context for a charity / not for profit organisation

Salary & Benefits

Salary: £55,000- £60,000 full time equivalent. This role sits within Band C on Global Canopy’s remuneration framework.

Nature of contract: Full time or 0.8 FTE. Permanent. This is a hybrid role working from home and our office in Oxford. There is a requirement to attend the office once a week and for other meetings/work as required.

Holidays: 36 days (including bank/public holidays) for discretionary use across the annual leave year. Option to purchase up to an additional 5 days or equivalent of one week’s leave.

Pension: Employer pension contribution of 8%.

Healthcare cashback plan: Covering dental fees, eye-care, wellbeing, physiotherapy, chiropody and much more – for you and any children.

Employee Assistance Programme: Which provides free, confidential advice on personal and legal matters.

Other: Huge range of discounts and cashback deals at gyms, restaurants, holidays, and much more.

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please follow the instructions and submit an up-to date CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain your motivation for the role, and how your skills and experience fit the person specification. (Please no more than 1 side of A4).

Right-to-work in the UK is required for this role.

All candidates are asked to complete an anonymous diversity monitoring form when they apply.

This is an open-ended recruitment. Early application is encouraged, as we will close the position once enough suitable candidates for interview are identified. 

The first stage will be an introductory call with our third-party HR consultant. Those progressed to the second stage will be invited to complete a written assessment and join a virtual interview (with a brief presentation element). Finalists will be invited to interview in Oxford (we will reimburse reasonable travel costs) with the Executive Director and key colleagues.

Job description

Contract: 6-month fixed term

Salary: £34K

Location: Oxford, office based or hybrid

Responsible to: Hannah Worker, Regional Programme Manager, Oxon-Bucks Region.

Background

Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) is the UK’s leading conservation charity concerned with the protection of freshwater habitats. We are a friendly, evidence-based organisation that works to protect UK and European freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects. Our organisation is well respected nationally and internationally, and we work with a network of statutory, NGO and private partners both in the UK and the rest of Europe. Freshwater Habitats Trust was originally founded in 1988 (as Pond Conservation) and has a substantial track-record of originating new ideas through research in freshwater biodiversity conservation to inform and drive our practical conservation and policy work.

FHT has a central office in Oxford, and regional hubs in the north of England and the New Forest and out-posted staff in Cornwall and Wales. We run a range of practical projects throughout the Midlands and work with partners on research and policy projects throughout the UK and internationally. Since 2017 we have seconded staff to the Newt Conservation Partnership (NCP), a new community-benefit society established by NatureSpace, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and FHT, to create and manage habitats for the NatureSpace District Licensing scheme for great crested newts.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire are key areas for Freshwater Habitats Trust’s work. Building on the Trust’s historic work in the county and starting in 2021, Oxfordshire was the first region where we began the implementation of the organisation’s new strategic approach to freshwater conservation, the Freshwater Network. The Freshwater Network is the network of high quality freshwater and wetland habitats, and terrestrial habitats generating clean water across the landscape, that together support our most important freshwater wildlife.

Role

This is a strategically important role within the organisation, offering substantial responsibility and an opportunity for the successful candidate to play a leading role in delivering one of the UK's most ambitious freshwater restoration programmes.

The role will primarily focus on the Ock and Thame Farmers: Floodplains and Freshwaters Project, Ock and Thame Farmers: Freshwaters and Floodplain Restoration, one of Defra's pilot Landscape Recovery projects. Having recently completed its two-year development phase, the project is now entering a critical stage of assurance and negotiations with Defra ahead of implementation.

Key areas of work will include ongoing engagement with land managers, supporting informed decision-making and participation, supporting the establishment of governance and legal structures required for delivery, developing agreements and ecosystem service contracts, undertaking land assessments, and refining habitat designs where required. The project currently involves more than 80 land managers across approximately 7,100 hectares of land in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

In addition to the Landscape Recovery project, the role will involve managing a portfolio of smaller projects across the region. This will include supporting staff delivering catchment monitoring programmes and helping to develop a pipeline of habitat creation and Natural Flood Management opportunities.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of project delivery, working closely with the Programme Manager, Finance Manager, Senior Management Team, project partners, consultants, contractors, and participating land managers.

Key responsibilities

Project management:

· Responsible for work planning, defining tasks and allocating resources.

· Resource, manage and support the project team.

· Responsible for the projects’ budgeting and financial management including: (i) regular reporting to the Project Director and Regional Programme Manager; and (ii) implementation of all financial processes for the projects including regular claiming and reporting funder.

· Responsible for all contract and logistics management

· Responsible for ensuring health and safety procedures are followed, implemented and reported on.

· Track and monitor project progress.

· Present to stakeholders, as required.

· Implement and manage change when necessary to meet project outputs.

· Update all internal management information data systems

Project communications:

· Working with the Freshwater Habitats Trust Communications Team to deliver the communication plans for the projects.

Project development:

· Working with other members of Freshwater Habitats Trust staff and landowner networks to develop future projects to continue our work on the Freshwater Network in the region.

In the longer term there will be opportunities to influence the development of the Freshwater Network concept as it builds and develops in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and adjacent counties.

Additional general responsibilities for the post holder

· Help to build a positive relationship between Freshwater Habitats Trust and its partners.

· Understand and follow Freshwater Habitats Trust’s internal procedures including Health and Safety, information management systems, site protocols etc.

· Work closely and constructively with your manager and colleagues in all areas of your responsibility.

· Undertake other duties as the Senior Management Team may from time to time require.

Knowledge and experience

· Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (at least a 2:1)

· Full current driving licence

· Proven project and budget management skills

· Proven experience of managing multi-partner projects in the field of practical habitat creation and management, including on the ground delivery to deliver practical conservation outcomes

· Experience of staff management

· Good knowledge of restoration ecology for both freshwater and wetland habitats

· Experience of contractor management

· Knowledge of land management stakeholders and policy

· Computer literate: Word and Excel are essential, GIS is desirable

· Proven ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including landowners and the public

· General interest in wildlife

Personal qualities

· Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively and meet internal deadlines through effective forward planning

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Good interpersonal skills - approachable, professional and courteous

· Attention to detail and able to deliver on time

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What we have to offer

At Freshwater Habitats Trust we value employees' unique views and encourage them to develop their interests. We also offer the following benefits:

• Flexible working

• 35-hour week

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension with 6% employer contribution

• Mobile phone allowance

• Free eye tests

• Free Employee Assistance Program

• Mileage pay

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Field Studies Council's Digital Learning & Publishing unit.

You'll develop strategy, build partnerships, grow income streams and lead a talented team delivering biodiversity training, digital learning and natural history publishing across the UK.

Success in this position will come from strong commercial leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver sustainable growth while supporting our charitable mission.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 - £44,091 per annum DOE + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Work with purpose

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

As our Digital Learning & Publishing Manager, you will lead a commercially focused business unit responsible for a diverse portfolio of biodiversity training, digital learning and publishing products. Working closely with the Commercial Director, you'll help form the future direction of the unit, ensuring sustainable growth, strong customer experience and meaningful impact.

In this key senior leadership role, you will:

• Lead the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, with accountability for its commercial and operational performance, budgeting, forecasting and P&L delivery.
• Develop and deliver commercial strategies that drive sustainable revenue growth across digital learning, publishing, partnerships and e-commerce.
• Identify new commercial opportunities and build relationships that expand our reach and impact.
• Use data, insights and customer feedback to improve performance, conversion, retention and customer value.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Oversee the successful delivery of biodiversity training courses, digital learning products and natural history publications.

Further detail regarding the full responsibilities can be found in the vacancy pack attached to the advert on our careers website.

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role will include occasional travel to our Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve occasional overnight stays.

Who we're looking for

We're looking for someone with a commercial mindset who has owned budgets, delivered revenue growth and led business performance before. We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a commercial leadership or business unit management role.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a commercial environment 
• P&L accountability and revenue growth delivery, with a track record of developing and scaling commercially viable products or services 
• Experience leading delivery project teams and managing vendors/freelancers. 
• Effective management and influencing of partnerships and networks 
• Budget management expertise, including a proven ability to ensure value for money
• An interest in learning, publishing, environmental education or the natural history sector.

Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 8th July 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 20th July 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife.

We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.

As the Trust continues to grow in scale, ambition and complexity, we are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Operations to help strengthen our organisational systems, support our team and enable the effective delivery of our strategic vision.

Location
Hybrid working – with regular attendance across BART offices, project sites and meetings within the Bristol Avon catchment.

Reports to
Chief Executive Officer

Hours
Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Flexible working arrangements considered.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Operations will play a central leadership role within Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, ensuring the organisation operates safely, effectively, efficiently and sustainably as it continues to grow.

This is a strategic and hands-on operational role overseeing organisational systems, support governance, HR, compliance, health & safety, programme management support and internal operations.

Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will help manage the organisations systems and culture needed to support high-quality delivery across a growing environmental charity.

The role will suit someone who thrives in dynamic organisations, enjoys problem solving and optimising systems, understanding and making sense of complexity, and is motivated by supporting teams to deliver meaningful impact and achieving the organisations goals.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Leadership & Operations

• Lead and oversee day-to-day organisational operations across the Trust
• Develop and improve internal systems, processes and operational procedures
• Support organisational planning and delivery against BART’s strategic objectives
• Work closely with the CEO and senior managers to support organisational growth and resilience
• Contribute to organisational decision-making and leadership culture

People & HR Management

• Oversee HR systems, policies and procedures
• Support recruitment, onboarding and staff development processes
• Help foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace culture
• Support managers with operational people-management matters
• Coordinate staff wellbeing and professional development initiatives

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with charity, company and employment regulations
• Support the CEO with governance processes, trustee reporting and organisational policies
• Oversee organisational risk management systems
• Ensure appropriate insurance, contracts and compliance frameworks are in place
• Lead on operational health & safety systems and organisational compliance

Organisational Systems

• Support organisational budgeting and financial monitoring alongside the finance and Senior Leadership team
• Oversee operational procurement and contract management systems
• Support implementation and optimisation of organisational systems, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and IT systems including cyber security
• Improve internal reporting and programme coordination systems

Programme & Delivery Support

• Support operational coordination across BART programmes and projects
• Help ensure teams are appropriately resourced and supported
• Improve organisational project management systems and workflows
• Support efficient collaboration across delivery teams
• Contribute to organisational development opportunities and partnerships

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience in operational management, organisational leadership or business management
• Experience developing and improving organisational systems and processes
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and organisational risk management
• Experience supporting HR and people-management processes
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work strategically while also being comfortable with operational detail
• Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and organisational software systems

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within the environmental, charity or public sector
• Knowledge of charity governance and funding environments
• Experience supporting organisational growth and change management
• Familiarity with CRM systems and operational databases
• Understanding of health & safety systems within field-based organisations

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused
• Enjoys enabling others to succeed
• Can balance strategic thinking with practical delivery
• Is calm and adaptable in a growing organisation
• Has strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills
• Wants to help a small organisation grow and deliver its goal of restoring rivers, landscapes and communities

Why Join BART?

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s growing rivers trusts at a pivotal stage in its development.

You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team delivering meaningful environmental change across the Bristol Avon catchment, while helping build the organisational foundations needed for long-term impact.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas close
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 9% Employer pension contribution
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee wellbeing support
• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation with real environmental impact

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those underrepresented within the environmental sector.

Groundwork South is seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Project Officer to lead on the delivery of our Climate Action Fund project over the next five years.

Senior Project Officer (Climate Action Fund Training and Development Lead)
Reference: CAF0626
Contract: Fixed term until June 2031
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours each week
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Home-based (with travel across England) – There is a focus on South West England during the pilot phase

About Us

Groundwork South works with communities across the south of England to transform their lives and the places where they live. We have been at the forefront of social and environmental regeneration for over 25 years, and today we have a simple mission: to create better places, improve people’s prospects, and promote greener living and working.

We are passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny, and no-one is held back by their background or circumstances. This vision drives the work that we do. Each year we deliver over 100 innovative projects, tackling the biggest issues facing our communities and creating real and lasting, positive change.

About the Project

Communities Prepared works with volunteers and communities across England to help them build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. This includes supporting communities to plan for climate-related risks such as flooding, storms, heatwaves, and severe weather.

Despite the successes we have had through our programme to date, we are not currently reaching diverse enough audiences and too often there are people missing from the resilience sector. This needs to change. To address this we are now embarking on an exciting new UK-wide partnership programme funded through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund over the next five years.

The programme responds to growing evidence that climate-related emergencies, including extreme heat, flooding, fire, cold and severe weather, disproportionately impact marginalised communities, while those same communities are often excluded from resilience planning and decision-making.

The programme brings together Equally Ours, Communities Prepared (part of Groundwork South), and the VCS Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP, part of the British Red Cross) to strengthen climate resilience by ensuring that communities experiencing discrimination and disadvantage are at the heart of climate preparedness, response, recovery and policy-making.

Through a rights-based and co-produced approach, the programme seeks to shift climate resilience policy and practice away from models that frame communities as “vulnerable”, and towards approaches grounded in agency, participation, equality and shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Project Officer, you will:

• Work with the project team to map stakeholders and co-develop a structured engagement plan to recruit and work with marginalised communities.
• Build a collaborative and trusting relationship with the partner organisations and other stakeholders for this project, ensuring this work meets their expectations and complements areas of the work programme led by others.
• Work with project participants and partners to co-design Communities Prepared material and delivery methods that are more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
• Lead on the delivery of resilience training and workshop sessions with diverse audiences, both in-person and online.
• Work with project participants and partners to co-design a train the trainer model that will enable diverse audiences to deliver resilience training within their own communities, amplifying reach and impact.
• Work with the core Communities Prepared team to adapt our offer with the long-term goal of the Programme reaching more diverse audiences, especially those seldom heard in this sector.

The role involves regular travel across the UK, with a focus on South West England during the project’s pilot phase.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in community engagement or community development.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, confident to engage people from a range of different backgrounds.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders or partners.
• Confidence working independently in a remote role.
• An interest in climate change, community resilience and wider community development.
• A willingness to travel across the country.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm, 30th June 2026
Interview date: 15th July over MS Teams
Interview panel: Representatives from Groundwork South, Equally Ours and VCSEP (tbc)

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.