At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire schools and communities to connect with nature and promote wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a grassroots movement for nature's recovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and learning support.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging applications from all backgrounds and providing support for disabled applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working in beautiful natural settings.
- Qualifications: Must meet minimum criteria and identify as disabled under the Equality Act 2010.
The predicted salary is between 28520 - 31157 £ per year.
Fixed Term Contract for 2 Years. Location: Testwood Lakes, Brunel Road, Calmore, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 3WX. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is a grassroots movement working for nature’s recovery and to bring people closer to nature. We are seeking a Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer to join our cause. This role will help children, families, schools and communities connect with nature and take action in support of wildlife. Our education and engagement work plays a pivotal role in our efforts to create a wilder Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Based at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, the role will work with schools, groups, communities and visitors from the surrounding area. Testwood Lakes is a flagship reserve used for angling, recreation and dog walking, with an Education Centre that hosts visiting school groups and family activities.
Responsibilities
- Engage with local schools, groups, communities and visitors to inspire and motivate action for nature and pro-nature behaviour change, both on-site and in the wider community.
- Support the Wilder Schools approach by providing advice, guidance and educational sessions in schools and on-site at Testwood Lakes.
- Build positive relationships with local organisations, residents and visitors to enhance people’s connection with nature.
Qualifications and requirements
- Demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifying criteria for the post, as set out in the person specification, at the application and testing stages (required for all candidates).
- Identify as being disabled under the Equality Act 2010, which may include a physical or mental impairment with substantial and long-term adverse effects, or a long-term health condition (as defined in the Disability Confident scheme).
Benefits and employment details
- Competitive salary
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance, learning and development support
- 24-hour employee assistance programme
- Discounted staff travel with corporate partners (subject to terms and conditions)
How to apply
To apply for the role, click the Apply Now button at the top of the page. In the “supporting information” section, demonstrate with detailed examples how you meet the job requirements using the Job Description and Recruitment Pack. Please note that we may close vacancies early when we have received enough applications that meet the criteria. Please do not use artificial intelligence tools to assist you in completing the application form. We may not accept applications that have been completed using AI tools. If you usually use tools to assist you, contact us to discuss other options.
Interview information
Interview Date: 21 November 2025
Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer in Hampshire employer: Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a connection between communities and nature. Located at the beautiful Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through learning and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits. Join us in making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant and inclusive environment.
Contact Details:
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer in Hampshire
✨Join the Movement!
Get involved in local nonprofit events and volunteer opportunities. It's a great way to meet people in the social impact space and shows your commitment to the cause. Who knows, you might even stumble upon your next opportunity while lending a hand!
✨Leverage Uni Connections
Tap into your university’s career services or alumni network focused on social impact. They often have exclusive access to internships and trainee programmes in nonprofits. Plus, getting a referral can make your application stand out!
✨Showcase Your Passion
Create a personal project or blog that highlights your commitment to social issues. This could be anything from a research paper to an awareness campaign. Sharing this on platforms like social media can really boost your visibility in this field.
✨Be Proactive with Applications
Don’t just wait for openings—reach out to organisations directly, like Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Express your interest in trainee roles; sometimes, they might have openings that aren’t formally advertised. And remember, we encourage applying through our website for any roles you're keen on!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Wilder Schools and Communities Officer in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Change:In your cover letter, we want to see your excitement for social impact! Discuss any projects, volunteer work, or personal experiences that have driven your commitment to making a difference. This is your time to shine and showcase why you're the perfect fit for the trainee role at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on any transferable skills or experiences that relate to nonprofits and social impact. Whether it’s teamwork from group projects or compassion from volunteering, make sure these are front and centre. This will help us see how you’ll contribute to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s mission.
Get Personal with Your Application:Don’t be shy! Use your application to share what motivates you to work in nonprofits. Whether it’s a specific cause or a personal story, let that passion shine through. This is your chance to make a memorable connection with us at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Structure Matters for Clarity:As you put together your CV and cover letter, keep things clear and structured. Nonprofits value communication, so make it easy for us to read your application. Use headings, bullet points, and keep paragraphs short to grab our attention right away.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
✨Show Your Heart for the Cause
In the nonprofit sector, passion matters! Speak genuinely about your motivations for wanting to work with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Share any past experiences—whether volunteer work or projects—that show your commitment to social impact. This gives us a chance to see how your values align with ours.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
As a trainee, you might not have a wealth of experience, but that's okay! Make sure to highlight transferable skills that are relevant to social impact projects, such as communication, teamwork, or project management. Examples from group projects, school activities, or even personal interests can really make a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might be asked scenario-based interview questions specific to non-profit work, like handling resource constraints or galvanising community support. Practising how you'd approach these situations will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability—both crucial in this field!
✨Know Your Impact Tools
Brush up on essential tools and methods used in nonprofits, like logic models or evaluation frameworks. Familiarising yourself with these concepts will not only impress the interviewers at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust but also help you speak more confidently about contributing to their projects.
