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