Recycling Education Officer in Wakefield

We are currently recruiting for a Recycling Officer reporting to the Education Manager. The post holder will be based at the educational facility at South Kirkby or out on site or locations where events are being held. Following successful completion of training and probation, hybrid working of up to two days per week from home may be considered.

Due to regular travel across the Wakefield district, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle would be advantageous. Occasional evening and weekend working will be required to support community events and educational activities.

You will be responsible for supporting, developing and assisting in the delivery of educational and recycling events and programmes which encourage behavioural change and increase levels of good quality recycling, reduce contamination and minimise waste. This is an exciting opportunity to inspire residents, schools and community groups to make more sustainable choices. You'll have the chance to design and deliver engaging educational activities, work directly with children and families, and help create lasting environmental change across Wakefield.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience in education, schools, youth work, community engagement, volunteering, environmental education or the charity sector.

Your key responsibilities:

• Assisting the Education Manager to develop, deliver and manage the educational programmes and resources for schools and community groups at the South Kirkby Education Centre
• Developing and delivering targeted high-quality communications, interaction and information across a range of activities aimed at encouraging and enabling positive behaviours around waste reduction, reuse, recycling and resource recovery within local communities
• Maintaining accurate records, databases and performance information, producing reports and evaluating the impact of educational and engagement activities
• Producing information, providing advice and guidance to residents at roadshows and events as well as over the telephone and on email
• Delivering engaging activities and conversations that encourage residents to adopt sustainable behaviours and become advocates for recycling best practice
• Ensuring health and safety standards are always achieved and child protection policies followed

Essential:

• Ability to build positive relationships with schools, community groups, residents and other stakeholders
• Confidence delivering engaging presentations, workshops and educational activities to groups of children, young people and adults
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Confidence engaging with members of the public and speaking to groups of varying sizes
• Experience delivering activities, workshops or events
• Creative in developing engaging learning activities
• Passionate about making a positive difference in communities
• Ability to travel across the Wakefield district

Desirable:

• Experience working in schools
• Experience working with community groups or volunteers
• Environmental education experience
• Experience working on public engagement campaigns

Due to work with schools and young people, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Relevant qualifications in education, environmental studies, community development or a related field are desirable but not essential. Full training will be provided and there will be opportunities to develop expertise in environmental education, community engagement and behaviour change.

Why join us?

• Make a real difference to local communities and the environment
• Engage with schools, families and community organisations across Wakefield
• Develop skills in environmental education, behaviour change and public engagement
• Be part of a supportive and experienced team
• Receive full training and ongoing development opportunities

Biffa - we're changing the way people think about waste. At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we're turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It's a view that's shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that's always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull.

We believe different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment which is why you'll find us championing diversity and equality at every turn. Biffa is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to share this commitment.