Are you our next Education and Engagement Officer?

The purpose of the role is to lead the education and engagement activities of the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust. The focus is on managing and delivering school-based education programmes, field trips, and creating engaging resources that inspire conservation action and develop future environmental leaders. The position also involves working with volunteers, stakeholders, and partners to promote ecological literacy and conservation practices.

Core responsibilities will include:

• Work towards the delivery of the strategic plan and vision of the Trust.
• Deliver the Educate for Nature Programme, liaising with schools to ensure effective programme delivery.
• Oversee school plant restoration projects.
• Develop and deliver events, workshops, and activities that educate and engage diverse audiences in conservation efforts.
• Lead community outreach/engagement programmes.
• Foster and maintain relationships with sponsors, supporters and stakeholders.
• Work with the Operations Manager and Nursery team to align education and engagement with operations and events.
• Liaise closely with the Trustee responsible for Education to align education and engagement activities and supply a written report to the monthly Trustee meeting.

The role will also include any other tasks as necessary to deliver the strategic plan of the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust.

Skills and experience:

• Teaching and/or experience working with a diverse range of students / people / organisations.
• Experience and passion for conservation and environmental education.
• Excellent leadership, verbal and written communication skills, and energetic and results driven.
• Understands the dynamics of a not-for-profit organisation with limited resources and community needs, and is willing to get stuck in.
• Desirable: a science degree and/or field experience related to New Zealand’s natural history and local ecosystems.
• Desirable: experience and knowledge of restoration projects.

Role details:

The role is part time, approximately 20 hours a week. Given the seasonal requirements of the role and the need to work school terms, the contract is for 800 hours a year. School holidays are quieter times for this role and there is flexibility to take this time off. Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, if required. You are a contractor so all tax, holiday pay, sickness are your responsibility.