Youth Engagement Officer (Nature Connection)

28 hours per week, normally worked over 4 days (0.8 FTE) 

This is a fixed term contract until 31 August 2027. 

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is a thriving charity based in Shrewsbury with over 300 regular volunteers and around 50 staff. We have a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. 

In October 2023, we launched our West Midlands based Environmental Leadership Programme in partnership with UpRising. Over the next four years we will support c. 400 young people aged 18 to 25 from underrepresented and underserved communities across the West Midlands to build a stronger connection to nature and understand how this drives behaviour change. Participants will be supported to identify, co-create, and deliver nature engagement campaigns and activities that they believe will make the most difference in their local communities. They will all leave the programme ready to apply their experiences to the next steps in their leadership journeys. 

This role will take the lead on providing varied, inspiring, Nature Connection activities throughout the programme, for participants of all abilities. They will use their own environmental sector contacts, along with SWT’s, to build a strong network supporting all aspects of the programme. They will ensure that participants have the tools they need to deliver Nature Connection campaigns which change people’s behaviours and can help communities reduce or adapt to the impacts of climate change. 

We're looking for those who have proven practical conservation skills and environmental knowledge, as well as experience of delivering a variety of effective Nature Connection activities, with a range of audiences. You also understand the science behind the different pathways to nature connectedness and what drives pro-environmental behaviours. You have experience of working positively with young people, ideally outdoors in nature and have a good understanding of regional environmental issues, how the local power landscape works and the different routes into creating change that are available. 

No enquiries from agencies or for further advertising will be taken.

Why work for us - benefits we offer: 

• Flexible working 
• Home working 
• Salary sacrifice 
• Generous pension 
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression 
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere 

About us: 

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues. 

Closing date 12noon on Thursday 8th February 2024 
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 20th February 2024