Training and Conferences Officer

About Resource Futures

Our vision is to create a sustainable world. We work collaboratively with governments, businesses and the third sector to help speed up the transition to a circular economy and manage resources and waste in a more sustainable way. We are non-profit-distributing and have a close-knit team of 50+ trusted employees who collaborate across various areas of the business. Our multi-disciplined and connected approach sets us apart from the competition and enables us to build robust solutions that have a meaningful impact in the world. 

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of creating a sustainable world. We are ranked in the top 5% worldwide for all B Corps in our size group and were named a ‘Best for the World’ 2021 B Corp for our company governance. We are motivated by the impact of our work and how it feeds into wider issues of climate justice and circular economy. Read more about our company and how we go beyond for our people, to help them grow and thrive. 

The opportunity

Education is central to our vision of the future. It is the basis of equipping young people and their wider school and home communities with knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes that promote sustainable development and care for the world’s people and resources. The Resource Futures’ Education Team has made good progress over the past 16 years in developing and delivering high quality Education for Sustainable Development programmes, specialising in waste issues.

Your role will be part of the education team in Devon who enable schools and young people to develop more sustainable practices and lifestyles, specifically within the areas of waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. 

Our ideal candidate will live in or around the East Devon / Exeter / Teignbridge area, where the majority of delivery will take place. For the successful candidate there may be an opportunity to expand the number of hours you deliver on a short-term basis, dependent on funding opportunities.

What you will be doing

• Develop and deliver high quality education programmes in schools on the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle, and composting, to include:
  o Leading workshops, assemblies and audits.
  o Advising school staff on educational and practical waste issues (including senior staff, cleaners, caretakers, kitchen staff and other non-teaching staff).
  o Support or lead school visits to waste management facilities such as recycling centres and Energy from Waste plants.
• Recruit schools to the programme and ensure bookings, administration and preparation are undertaken to a high standard.
• Develop new learning and teaching materials to support the programme, including physical and e-resources.
• Assist schools in the practicalities of setting up and maintaining their recycling and composting systems, in liaison with District Councils.
• Work in partnership with Devon County Council to run events, competitions and teacher training courses.
• Create and maintain effective relationships with Devon County Council, District Councils and other relevant organisations.
• Develop effective and supportive relationships with primary, secondary and special schools across the Devon area.
• Keep accurate records of work, including data on schools visited and waste audit results.
• Monitor and evaluate the programme, including contribution towards the written annual report.
• Liaise with other Resource Futures colleagues on project tasks, such as publicity and promotion. Contribute to the Recycle Devon & Zone websites, School Sustainability Bulletin and social media where required.
• Represent Resource Futures at external meetings, as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of new developments and ideas in education, particularly education for sustainable development.
• Identify opportunities for business development.
• Any other tasks as deemed appropriate to this post.

Please note, Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) employers check will be carried out for this role.

The essentials

• Knowledge of education in schools including the National Curriculum.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in or with primary schools.
• Demonstrable knowledge of sustainable resource and waste management issues and solutions, including composting.
• Demonstrable knowledge of and/or experience in education for sustainable development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Experience of monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Ability to perform calmly under pressure.
• Experience of developing learning and teaching materials.
• Great interpersonal skills to motivate others.
• Willingness to deliver workshops and activities outdoors as well as indoors.
• Competent IT user, particularly Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Current UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Commitment to education and sharing expertise.
• Imaginative and resourceful as well as enthusiastic and constructive.

Great to haves

• Qualified teacher status (QTS).
• Experience of working in or with secondary and special schools.
• Knowledge of energy and carbon management issues and solutions.
• Experience of partnership working with Local Authorities and Districts or similar local organisations.
• Business development skills.
• Knowledge of other IT packages e.g. Canva, Eventbrite, Mailchimp and SurveyMonkey.

Benefits

• Embedded flexi working culture.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year.
• One volunteer day each year (pro-rata for part time employees).
• A generous ethical pension plan (the company will match up to 7% of your contribution).
• Life assurance cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 GP access, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.
• Cycle to work scheme and on-site secure bike parking and showers at our Bristol office.
• On-site charging points for electric vehicles at our Bristol office.
• Subsidised professional membership such as CIWM or IEMA.
• An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future of our business.
• Access to our Consultative Group platform – a representative group of employees that provides an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues and engaging senior management.
• Regular line manager 1:1’s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.
• Two annual team activity days, each followed by evening socials.
• An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.