At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging educational programmes at a thriving organic farm for children and young people.
- Company: Join the Soil Association, a charity dedicated to health, environment, and animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts on organic produce, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting kids with food, farming, and nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to sustainability and community.
The predicted salary is between 18340 - 19200 £ per year.
Location
Woodoaks Farm, Maple Cross, Hertfordshire with hybrid working
Salary
£18,340 to £19,200 per Annum
Employment Type
Part-time, 21 hours per week, 4 years fixed term contract
About Our Organisation
The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation. We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn\’t do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.
About the Opportunity
Woodoaks Farm is a 300-acre organic farm in Maple Cross, owned and managed by the Soil Association Land Trust. As a working farm and growing hub for regenerative practices, Woodoaks is fast becoming a thriving space for food, farming, and community connection. We are looking for a creative and experienced Education Officer to lead the delivery and development of our education and engagement programme at Woodoaks. You’ll design and run inspiring farm-based experiences for school children and young people, work with teachers and community groups, and help us share the farm’s story through nature-based learning.
About You
You enjoy working as part of a supportive team and bring compassion and understanding to the diverse needs of children. You are committed to the vision of Woodoaks Farm and the wider Soil Association values, with a passion for connecting children to food, farming, and nature. You have strong communication skills and feel confident engaging with a wide range of audiences – from children in the classroom to teachers and visiting groups on the farm.
Commitment to Safeguarding
The Soil Association and FFL are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults that we work with. In accordance with this commitment we ensure that we follow a thorough and safe recruitment and selection process for all roles that work with children. This includes checking against the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where appropriate. Please note that if you are successful in your application to the role any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Our Benefits
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
To Apply
Click ‘apply now’ to submit your CV and Cover Letter. Please note we look at applications on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early. Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage. For any queries, please contact recruitment@soilassociation.org. We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you\’re not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat. Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.
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Education and Learning Officer employer: Soil Association
Contact Detail:
Soil Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education and Learning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Soil Association and Woodoaks Farm inside out! Research their values, projects, and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to education and sustainability. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking of creative ideas for farm-based educational experiences. Show us how you can engage children and teachers alike, and don’t be afraid to share your passion for food and nature!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at the Soil Association. Don’t forget to follow up if you haven’t heard back!
We think you need these skills to ace Education and Learning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Education and Learning Officer role. Highlight any relevant work with children, education, or community engagement to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about connecting children to food, farming, and nature. Share specific examples of your experience and how they relate to our mission at Woodoaks Farm.
Show Your Personality: We love seeing the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Whether it’s your writing style or the examples you choose, we want to get a sense of who you are and what drives you.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success! We review applications as they come in, so don’t wait too long to submit your CV and cover letter. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Soil Association
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the Soil Association's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work at Woodoaks Farm and how it connects to education and community engagement. This will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Passion
As an Education and Learning Officer, your passion for connecting children with food, farming, and nature is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged young people in similar topics. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Engage with Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Think about how you would handle different situations on the farm or in a classroom setting, and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the future of the education programme at Woodoaks or how they measure the impact of their initiatives. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their long-term vision.