To deliver our new strategic plan – Our Wild Sussex – we need people with bold and innovative ideas to help us to achieve our ambitions for local wildlife and wild places. We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation. We are looking for the best and most talented people to join our team and help us deliver this exciting and ambitious strategy. We are keen to hear from you even if you don't have all the skills and experience outlined in the Job Description but have the potential to grow into a role. So, if you are someone who is determined to see a Sussex rich in wildlife and you have drive, energy and commitment to our values of Innovation, Passion, Collaboration and Inclusion why not apply now to join our great team, working together to deliver Our Wild Sussex. We are in the process of looking for a new office location to replace our Woods Mill offices in the coastal strip from the wider Brighton & Hove area to Worthing or near a mainline railway station as far north as Haywards Heath. We are prioritising proximity to public transport (buses and trains), access to greenspace and accessibility for everyone. We are aware that the environment sector is not as diverse as it could be, to try and improve the diversity of our workforce we particularly welcome people who are ethnically diverse, non-graduates and those from communities facing social and economic challenges. The Role Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Deneway’s Wild Future is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to fund a traineeship Community Engagement Officer to join our Wilder Communities Team. Deneway's Wild Future is about expanding access to our reserve in the centre of Brighton that runs alongside a main railway line into a busy city. Deneway Nature Reserve connects wildlife to downland adjoining the city, and for local people it provides a significant door-step opportunity to engage more closely with the natural environment. The project is to ensure that the site is more open and accessible for the local community into the future, and to ensure that the nature reserve is in the best condition for biodiversity to flourish and act as a wildlife corridor through the urban landscape. It will also be a site for learning; providing pathways into conservation. The project will inspire and enable local people of all ages to take lasting, practical, and well-informed community-based action for nature. The role is a fixed-term one year placement that includes a modular training programme and experience in working and engaging with communities in local areas and green spaces. It also includes formal training, Forest School Level 3, brushcutter, chainsawing, and Emergency First Aid. The trainee will support community engagement connecting local people in Brighton with Deneway’s Wild Future. The Person We are looking for an individual who has a passion for nature and wildlife and understands our aims and goals. You are self motivated, have a willingness to learn and aspire to develop a career within the nature conservation sector. To be considered for the role candidates must be able to commit to a 12-month training program and be at least 18 years of age. No previous experience in community engagement or conservation is required, but you must demonstrate a commitment to working with people and understanding of the vital role that communities play in protecting their local green spaces. It is desirable that candidates have a good knowledge of Brighton and the surrounding area and preferably have passed their driving test. To encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector we particularly welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including diverse ethnicity, non-graduates, or people who are living in economically deprived areas. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service). Benefits 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff) Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3% Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year Flexible working policy Enhanced Sick Pay EAP Employee discounts Informal car share arrangements For more detailed information see what we offer page in the Recruitment Pack. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early so please get your application in as soon as possible.