Head of Environmental Studies

Are you ready to be at the forefront of green education and help shape the future of sustainability learning? Do you want to work in a stunning rural setting, surrounded by a working farm, vineyard, and conservation projects? Join a college with strong industry connections and a commitment to innovation, where your passion for sustainability can make a real impact.

Plumpton College is one of the country’s leading providers of land-based, food, and environmental education. With our extensive 800ha estate, including working farm, ancient woodland, SSSI landscape and vineyard, we are uniquely positioned to build on the impressive work we have undertaken to improve our biodiversity and sustainability credentials which resulted in us winning a prestigious Green Gown Award last year.

As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive our Environmental Studies curriculum whilst working in a cross-college capacity to ensure all students leave with improved carbon and sustainability literacy.

You will drive the design and development of our environmental studies curriculum programmes, introducing new courses (e.g. Level 3 and 4 qualifications in Environmental Studies and Sustainability) and enhancing existing provision to deliver outstanding outcomes for students and meet the evolving skills needs of employers, and future green careers. You will take a lead role working with curriculum teams across the College to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded across all courses, ensuring every Plumpton College student develops green skills relevant to their future path. You will lead the recruitment, mentoring, and development of a high-performing team of specialist lecturers in environmental and sustainability education.

We are looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking leader passionate about shaping the future of environmental and sustainability education. You will hold a degree (or higher) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation or a related subject and have proven experience driving curriculum development in an educational setting. With strong industry connections across conservation and sustainability sectors, you will bring real-world relevance to our programmes. You are confident with GIS, carbon footprinting, and digital tools in environmental science, and keep ahead of emerging green skills, policies, and sustainability trends. Experienced in leading multi-disciplinary teams within education, you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and delivering meaningful impact for students and the wider community.

Our approach is underpinned by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising — which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience. We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment. New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported six‑month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches. Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme. Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis. Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Apply now! If you are passionate about driving sustainability in education and have the leadership skills to develop Plumpton College’s Environmental Science.