At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and conservation activities to connect people with nature.
- Company: Durham Wildlife Trust, dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through nature.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 31 days holiday, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a passionate team tackling ecological challenges and promoting wildlife.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Sunderland by empowering communities and enhancing local greenspaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, nature conservation, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Durham Wildlife Trust is seeking two passionate and dynamic individuals to join our team as Connecting Through Nature Officers, delivering an exciting national initiative – Nature Towns and Cities – in Sunderland. This project aims to make nature part of everyday life, improving health and wellbeing by connecting communities with local greenspaces.
As a Connecting Through Nature Officer, you will lead engagement activities that empower residents to shape and enjoy their local environment. Working closely with Sunderland City Council and partner organisations, you’ll coordinate volunteering opportunities, deliver practical conservation sessions, and champion community voices in greenspace management. From organising events and supporting local groups to developing social prescribing routes and promoting activities through digital and print channels, your role will be central to creating a Sunderland where wildlife and people thrive.
What we’re looking for:
- A strong track record in community engagement and development.
- Experience in practical nature conservation and delivering activities to diverse audiences.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to build positive relationships and inspire action.
- Knowledge of UK wildlife and conservation practices, plus confidence using IT and social media.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable:
- Experience working in underserved communities, partnership projects, and knowledge of Sunderland’s local habitats and heritage.
Why join us?
Durham Wildlife Trust offers a supportive, inclusive workplace with flexible hybrid working, generous holiday entitlement (31 days including bank holidays), pension contributions, and access to training across the Wildlife Trusts network. You’ll be part of a passionate team committed to tackling the ecological emergency and making a real difference for people and nature.
Location: Sunderland (Hybrid – Rainton Meadows office & home working)
Salary: £29,741 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Contract: Fixed term, 2.5 years
How to apply: Complete the application form on our website and submit it with a personal statement (max two sides of A4) to eroutledge@durhamwt.co.uk by Wednesday 14th January 2026. Interviews will take place on 29th and 30th January at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve. Please note: CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.
Apply here and help shape a greener, healthier Sunderland.
Connecting Through Nature Officer (x2) - Durham Wildlife Trust in Sunderland employer: Countryside Classroom
Durham Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on local communities and the environment. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and access to extensive training opportunities, team members are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. Join us in Sunderland, where you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing through nature, fostering connections, and championing community voices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Connecting Through Nature Officer (x2) - Durham Wildlife Trust in Sunderland
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Countryside Classroom.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Countryside Classroom.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Countryside Classroom.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Countryside Classroom. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Connecting Through Nature Officer (x2) - Durham Wildlife Trust in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Countryside Classroom. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Connecting Through Nature Officer (x2) - Durham Wildlife Trust, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Countryside Classroom
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Countryside Classroom. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
