Connecting Through Nature Officer x2
Durham Wildlife Trust
Location: Sunderland (Hybrid – Rainton Meadows office & home working)
Salary: £29,741 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Contract: Fixed term, 2.5 years
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.
Nature Towns and Cities is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can connect communities with nature in Sunderland.
Join us and help shape a greener, healthier Sunderland.
About Durham Wildlife Trust
Durham Wildlife Trust is a charity and was established in 1971, originally as the Durham County Conservation Trust, becoming Durham Wildlife Trust in 1988. The Trust operates across the area of the old County Durham, which today includes Darlington, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
It owns and manages 37 nature reserves throughout our region covering an area of almost 800 hectares, providing special places for people, for wildlife and for future generations.
Durham Wildlife Trust is a charity and was established in 1971, originally as the Durham County Conservation Trust, becoming Durham Wildlife Trust in 1988. The Trust operates across the area of the old County Durham, which today includes Darlington, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. It owns and manages 37 nature reserves throughout our region covering an area of almost 800 hectares, providing special places for people, for wildlife and for future generations.
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