Trainee Community Engagement Officer

Overview

Job Title: Trainee Community Engagement Officer

Location: The Keep, Brighton

Contract Type: Fixed term contract - 12 months

Hours: 35 hours per week; some out-of-hours work (weekends and evenings) required

Closing Date: 4 August 2026

Interview Date: 13 and 18 August 2026

Organisation: Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT)

To deliver our strategic plan - Our Wild Sussex - we seek bold and innovative people to help us protect local wildlife and wild places. We are committed to restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring action for wildlife, fostering inclusion and diversity, and becoming a net zero and climate-resilient organisation.

We welcome applicants who may not meet every skill requirement but have the potential to grow into the role.

We particularly welcome applications from groups underrepresented in the conservation sector to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

The Role

Using funds 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 supported through these funds. We are recruiting a Community Engagement Officer (Trainee) to join our Wilder Communities Team as part of the 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 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 more inclusive and welcoming 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. You must be able to carry out these duties safely and effectively, with reasonable adjustments considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The Person

We're looking for someone who shares SWT's vision for a wilder future for everyone. You will be:

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and eager to learn
• Interested in a career in nature conservation, community engagement or a related field
• Comfortable building relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• A confident communicator who can engage with new people and represent SWT professionally
• Willing to take initiative, work independently and develop the confidence to lead activities and engagement sessions
• Committed to helping communities connect with, care for and take action for local green spaces and wildlife

It is important that you can engage with communities facing barriers to accessing green spaces and demonstrate openness, empathy and inclusivity.

Throughout the traineeship you will receive training and practical experience. 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 confidently.

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 ability to develop new skills and take on increasing responsibility over the course of the traineeship.

Knowledge of Brighton and the surrounding area is advantageous. It is essential that you can commit to the full 12-month traineeship programme and hold a full, current UK driving licence.

What we offer

• Hybrid and Flexible Working - supporting work-life balance where role requirements allow
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays (rising to 27 days after 5 years' service; pro rata for part-time)
• Pension Contributions with an optional salary sacrifice scheme
• Life Assurance - 2x salary cover for Pension Scheme members; 1x for non-members
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Volunteering Days - two paid days to support causes you care about
• Café Discount at Rye Harbour Discovery Centre

For more detailed information see the What we offer page in the Recruitment Pack.

Recruitment process

We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The process will include:

• Practical Group Activity on 13 August, 9:30am-12:30pm
• Formal interview on 18 August at The Keep, Brighton

Apply now

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.

Hours:

• Hybrid and Flexible Working
• Pension Contributions
• Life Assurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Cycle to Work Scheme

04-08-2026

Job attachments

Trainee_Community_Engagement_Officer.pdf