Location
Testwood Lakes, Brunel Road, Calmore, Totton, Hampshire, SO40 3WX

Hours
Part Time – 25 hours per week

Salary
£29,190 pro rata gross per annum

About the Role
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is a grassroots movement working for nature’s recovery and to bring people closer to nature. Our vision for a wilder future is beautiful and vital. We are seeking a Wilder Communities Officer (Testwood) to join our cause. To succeed in putting nature in recovery, we need more people on nature’s side – to support the Trust, take action themselves, and persuade others to do things differently. Science suggests that to create a social tipping point for climate and wildlife, 1 in 4 people need to take meaningful action in support of the natural world.

As part of the Testwood team, this role will use community organising approaches to support the community to take action for nature on and around one of the Trust’s flagship reserves, Testwood Lakes. Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve is a popular public destination providing important countryside access near Totton and Southampton. The reserve is multifunctional, offering angling, recreation, and dog walking. The Education Centre hosts visiting school groups and a variety of children and family activities at weekends.

The post holder will work with Trust staff, other charities, and communities to strengthen people’s connection with nature. They will actively manage and develop excellent relationships and support behaviour change among visitors. Positive and confident engagement is essential to promote the wildlife importance of the reserve and the Trust’s interests while encouraging responsible site use. The role supports positive community engagement and action for nature as well as actively supporting site management.

We are committed to inclusion and encourage applications from all sections of the community, particularly those underrepresented in our sector, including people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and ensure fair interview opportunities for disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria.

Experience
Experience in community engagement, environmental education, or related fields is desirable. Confidence in positive public engagement and behaviour change support is essential.

About you
You will be passionate about nature and community, confident in engaging diverse groups, and motivated to inspire action for wildlife and the environment. You should be proactive, approachable, and able to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders including Trust staff, charities, and local communities.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or experience in community organising, environmental conservation, education, or related areas are advantageous but not mandatory. A commitment to learning and development is essential.