Schools Sustainability Lead

37 hours a week, Flexible working options available
Fixed Term or Secondment for 2 years

We’re passionate about improving the future for schools, our communities, and the environment. If you are too, join us as our School Sustainability Lead (Climate and Biodiversity) and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving.

Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

Joining the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership Team, you will be working proactively across the county to deliver a range of projects to Secondary Schools in response to the declaration of a Climate Emergency and our target to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. A particular focus of this role is to establish a supportive network across Secondary schools and to help embed climate awareness and carbon literacy amongst governors, staff, and key stakeholders.

There will be plenty of scope to work collaboratively to identify opportunities to deliver a range of projects to support schools in tackling barriers to decarbonisation and encouraging rewilding. Daily you might advise school leaders, multi-academy trust leaders, and local networks about climate action in buildings, estates, and within school activities.

This is a really exciting role and a great opportunity to deliver real and lasting change in Suffolk's education sector.

What you will need

Proven, relevant knowledge and experience of working in or closely with the Education Sector, ideally with secondary schools. Able to work independently, you will be highly organised, able to prioritise work, and be self-motivated. Our ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of climate change, biodiversity, or sustainability communication. You will need to be a people person and be able to develop relationships with stakeholders, identify existing good practice, and build on any work already being done to support schools.

We hope you’ll bring real passion to achieve environmental improvements and collaborate with others to meet the challenges and opportunities of climate change.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team

You will be part of the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership team which is funded by all of Suffolk’s Local Authorities and is hosted within Suffolk County Council’s Environment Strategy Team. We deliver a wide range of projects to support the delivery of the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan.

The team works in a flexible way and embraces remote working.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include all communities we serve in our representation. To achieve this, we encourage applications from everyone. 

For more information

Please contact Emma Dixon for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 265968 or emailing emma.dixon@suffolk.gov.uk

If you want to apply for a secondment, please read the secondment policy first. Make sure you get permission from your current manager before submitting your application.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 28 March 2024. 

Interview date: 4 or 5 April 2024.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are also committed to flexible working.

Reference: 14059

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.