Community Learning Officer

We are looking for an energetic, caring and creative person to join our NE Scotland team to
help communities and individuals deepen their connection with nature and be active in
restoring, protecting and enhancing it, as part of a 5 year funded project.

What’s the role about? 

Your role will involve communicating conservation stories, building strong relationships with
local communities, schools, community groups, youth groups and local businesses through
face-to-face and online activities including organising, attending and running events;
developing and co-designing educational activities; and delivering talks and walks. 

There will be a particular focus on connecting with the local high schools to inspire, promote
and deliver outdoor learning in a range of locations, including on reserve at RSPB Loch of
Strathbeg, near Fraserburgh.

A key outcome will be to develop and lead a Rural Skills (Environmental Conservation) Modern
Apprenticeship scheme based at Strathbeg, inspiring local young people aged 16-19, enabling
them to develop the skills and experience needed to pursue a long-term carer in nature
conservation. You will be part of their recruitment and support their development.

As we navigate through the nature and climate crises, it is important that individuals and
communities value nature and are empowered to protect it. The post-holder will help by taking
young people on the journey through awareness, knowledge, concern and action (including
introducing different career paths in conservation). 

You don’t need to be an expert in conservation to succeed in this role as you’ll work
collaboratively with staff and volunteers from across the RSPB to ensure a rich, productive
learning environment. What is essential, is the ability to connect with and inspire young
people and have bags of enthusiasm!

Further key Outcomes:

• Work with the NE Scotland Community Engagement Officer, develop and implement a programme
  of activities for children and young people that raises awareness and understanding of the
  conservation of priority habitats and species and that build a high level of community
  engagement.
• Develop a volunteer team to achieve agreed objectives and targets and ensure that all
  volunteer receive an excellent volunteering experience.
• Facilitate and develop partnership relationships to support reginal projects.
• Monitor and evaluate agreed community outcomes to provide progress reports internally and
  externally and where necessary recommend changes to achieve outcomes and ensure commitments to
  funders are fulfilled.
• Ensure all activities are promoted and presented in line with RSPB Brand guidelines to
  ensure reputational consistency for the RSPB.
• Ensure that all activities and actions meet Health and Safety requirements so that the RSPB
  meets its legal and policy obligations.

What we need from you:

• Basic knowledge of NE Scotland wildlife, habitats and key species (sufficient to be able to
  lead public engagement activities in a credible way and to train and motivate volunteers).
• Knowledge of the formal and informal education sector.
• Excellent understanding of safeguarding guidelines to ensure Child Health and Safety
  compliance delivery, for staff and volunteers, at all times for all activities.
• Risk Assessment procedures and application.
• Confidence and ability to plan, facilitate and deliver programmes.
• Excellent, effective and enthusiastic communication for all ages from early years to
  families.
• Working with partners.
• Planning, organising and prioritising for self and others.
  
   
• Teaching qualification – Desirable
• Working knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence – Desirable
• Project planning and delivery – Desirable
• Training staff and volunteers – Desirable
• Previous teaching or community engagement experience – Desirable
• Understanding the co-design process – Desirable

Additional Information

This is a fixed term ( 5 years ) full time role working 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 27th September.
For further information please contact [email protected].

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience
listed above.

This role will require completion of a PVG in addition to the standard pre-employment
checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone
feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a
world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People
of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is exempt from the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the
successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be
offered an employment contract.

We reserve the right to close this advert at anytime.