Nature Engagement Officer

We are looking for a dynamic person to lead our engagement work with local people, involving communities in the delivery of Killerton Estate’s nature restoration targets. Collaborating with communities, schools, volunteers and new audiences, this role will inspire people to get involved in making a healthy, beautiful, and natural environment.

From ancient trees to bees and butterflies, our places are full of life and we're working hard to safeguard nature for years to come. Reducing carbon emissions, planting trees and protecting wildlife habitats are just some of the things the National Trust are doing to protect nature and the climate. We aim to restore thousands of acres of priority habitats and plant over 20 million trees before 2030.

Internally this role will be know as a Land, Outdoors & Nature Participation Officer.

What it's like to work here:Fashion-famous and full of colour, at 6,400 acres, Killerton is one of the National Trust’s largest special places. Located close to the vibrant city of Exeter, its size and scale make it a truly wonderful place to work. The estate includes farms, river valleys, woodlands, meadows, orchards and extensive parkland, a place that is enjoyed by half a million people each year.

The National Trust cares for Killerton for ever, for everyone and we really mean that. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy the outdoors, so we need to reach new audiences in ways that are meaningful and relevant to them.

Killerton has a dedicated, and award winning, countryside team that delivers conservation and access work throughout the property, ensuring that nature is thriving and that our visitors have the very best outdoor experience.

What you'll be doing:Working as a Nature Engagement Officer is varied, challenging, and rewarding. Reporting to the Countryside Manager you'll also work alongside our Volunteering and Community Manager, rangers and visitor team. You'll work strategically to build relationships with local communities, inspiring people to act for nature and facilitating engagement opportunities. No two days will be the same – from supporting citizen science projects to developing local partnerships to create more opportunities for nature connection. You'll raise the profile of the Trust’s work, develop partnerships that will make our conservation work relevant and engaging to everyone, not just our members.

The role will include:

• Developing strategic partnerships with local organisations and charities to welcome a diverse audience to our outdoor places.
• Building key relationships with local groups and developing opportunities to engage them with nature in ways that work for them.
• Coordinating nature-based community volunteering opportunities.
• Developing participatory engagement programme to inspire and capture people’s imagination and encourage action for nature.
• Identifying and securing funding for future engagement programmes.

Who we're looking forAn exceptional and enthusiastic person with the ability to facilitate outstanding nature engagement work. If you have the skills and experience to make a real difference to the communities on our doorstep, then we look forward to hearing from you.

We are looking for the following:

• Ability to build strategic partnerships and collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in community engagement and working in inclusive ways to build connections between people and nature.
• A passion for nature restoration and knowledge of delivering nature conservation projects.
• Skills in recognising key communication opportunities and implementing publicity plans.
• Experience of effective programme evaluation and delivering continuous improvement.
• Track record of managing budgets, projects and leading volunteers in a nature conservation setting.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 28/02/25)