Job Title: Trainee Community Engagement Officer
Location: The Keep, Brighton
Salary: £24,447
Contract Type: Fixed term contract - 12 months
Hours: 35 hours per week - some out of hours work (weekends and evening) required
Closing Date: 4th August 2026
Interview Date: 13th and 18th August 2026
Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT)
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 particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including disabled people, people from Black, Asian and other ethnically diverse backgrounds, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, non-graduates, and people from geographically diverse communities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
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. The Deneway’s Wild Future is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to recruit a Community Engagement Officer (Trainee) to join our Wilder Communities Team as part of our Deneway's Wild Future programme.
This traineeship offers an exciting opportunity to develop a career in community engagement and conservation while contributing to a project that will connect more people with nature and help create a wilder future for Brighton and Sussex.
In this role, you will help connect local people with Sussex Wildlife Trust's Deneway Nature Reserve, supporting community activities, events and engagement opportunities that inspire people to take positive action for nature. A key focus will be working with communities who may face barriers to accessing and enjoying nature and green spaces, helping to make the reserve a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
This is a 12-month fixed-term traineeship that combines practical work experience with a structured training programme. You will gain valuable skills, knowledge and recognised qualifications, including Forest School, Brush Cutter Operation, Chainsaw Training and Emergency First Aid certifications.
The role includes some physically demanding outdoor work, including operating brush cutters and chainsaws, working on uneven terrain and handling equipment. Candidates must be able to carry out these essential duties safely and effectively, with reasonable adjustments considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
About Deneway's Wild Future
Deneway's Wild Future is about expanding access to a unique urban nature reserve located in the heart of Brighton. The 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, particularly for those who might otherwise experience barriers to connecting with nature and enjoying green spaces.
The Deneway's Wild Future project aims to:
-
Improve access to the reserve, particularly those who face barriers to engaging with nature, helping to create a more inclusive and accessible space for everyone to enjoy.
-
Enhance habitats so wildlife can thrive and strengthen the reserve's role as an urban wildlife corridor
-
Create opportunities for learning and pathways into conservation careers
-
Inspire and support local people totake actionfor nature within their communities
The Person
We're looking for someone who shares Sussex Wildlife Trust's vision for a wilder future, for everyone.
You will be:
-
Enthusiastic,self-motivatedand eager to learn
-
Interested in developing a career in nature conservation, communityengagementor a related field
-
Comfortable building relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds
-
A confident communicator who enjoys engaging with new people and canrepresentSussex Wildlife Trust positively and professionally
-
Willing to take initiative, work independently and develop the confidence to lead activities and engagement sessions
-
Committed to supporting communities to connect with, care for andtake actionfor local green spaces and wildlife
A key part of this role involves engaging with communities who may face barriers to accessing and enjoying green spaces. We are therefore looking for someone who can demonstrate openness, empathy, inclusivity and a genuine commitment to encouraging wider participation in nature.
Throughout the traineeship, you will receive training and practical experience. As you build experience through the programme, you will be expected to work with a degree of independence - proactively building relationships with community groups, identifying opportunities for engagement, and planning and delivering sessions and activities with community groups confidently and effectively.
Some experience in community engagement, working with people, volunteering or conservation is desirable but not essential. More important is a willingness to learn, a positive attitude and the confidence to develop new skills and take on increasing responsibility over the course of the traineeship.
Knowledge of Brighton and the surrounding area would be advantageous. It is essential that you can commit to the full 12-month traineeship programme and hold a full, current UK driving licence.
Hybrid and Flexible Working– Supporting healthy work-life balance through flexible working arrangements where role requirements operationally allow.-
25 Days Annual Leave – Plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years' service; entitlement pro rata part-time.
-
Pension Contributions – With an optional salary sacrifice scheme to help maximise your retirement savings.
-
Life Assurance - Pension Scheme members receive 2x salary cover; non-members receive 1x salary cover.
-
Health Cash Plan – helping towards the cost of everyday healthcare expenses.
-
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Providing confidential support, advice and wellbeing resources.
-
Cycle to Work Scheme – Helping you save money while supporting a healthier and more sustainable commute.
-
Volunteering Days – Dedicated two days paid to support causes and communities that matter to you.
-
Café Discount – Enjoy discounted food and drinks at our Rye Harbour Discovery Centre cafe
For more detailed information see the 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 you application in as soon as possible.
The recruitment process will be: Practical Group Activity
-
Date:13 August
-
Time:9:30am–12:30pm
-
Location:DenewayNature Reserve
Successful candidates from the group activity will be invited to attend a formal interview on 18th August at our offices - The Keep, Brighton
