Education and Community Project Officer

Are you passionate about education and community engagement? Do you want to deliver impactful projects that inspire change and promote sustainability?

As PECT’s Education and Community Project Officer, you will play a vital role in fostering environmental awareness and community involvement. Your focus will include creating and delivering innovative educational programmes, empowering communities to take positive action for the environment, and supporting schools and groups to embed sustainability in their activities.

Through collaboration with local stakeholders, you will develop projects that engage a wide range of participants, from young learners to families and community groups. This is a role for someone who thrives on inspiring others, facilitating learning, and making a tangible difference

About PECT:

For 30 years PECT has been developing and delivering projects which help to protect and enhance the environment. Our vision is for sustainable places where the natural environment is healthy; communities are involved in their area, health and well-being is improved for all and resource use is responsible and does not compromise the needs of others, now and into the future.

PECT is committed to high staff satisfaction and offers a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working hours, competitive pay, 25 days annual leave and opportunities for career development.

100% of the team would recommend PECT as a great place to work

Purpose of role:

This is an exciting time to join the team at PECT, as we launch our new Climate Education Programme. We are looking to expand our reach by onboarding more schools and continuing to develop and offer innovative services tailored to educational institutions.

As an Education and Community Project Officer, you will have the unique opportunity to inspire the next generation through dynamic learning experiences, both in classrooms and in the great outdoors. Your role will include getting involved in outdoor education and activities that focus on sustainability themes such as waste reduction, active travel, healthy eating and environmental stewardship.

By fostering meaningful connections with schools and communities, you will play a key role in empowering learners to embrace sustainable practices and make a lasting impact on their local environment.

Employer: PECT

Location: This role is hybrid, with 2 days per week based at PECT’s office, Ham Lane House, Ham Lane, Peterborough PE2 5UU, and 3 days working from home (pro rata)

Salary (per annum pro rata): £24,500 – £27,000 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience

Application Deadline: Rolling recruitment process; apply by Friday 3rd January 2025

Interview Date: Ongoing

Start Date: ASAP

Working Hours:Full-time, 37 hours per week. Flexible or part-time arrangements, including term-time-only hours, will be considered

Work outside normal hours: Occasional evening and weekend work may be required

Key responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate educational and community projects that align with organisational objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, schools, and stakeholders
• Organise and deliver workshops, events, and training sessions for diverse audiences
• Act as a point of contact for community feedback and collaboration
• Design educational materials and programmes focused on environmental sustainability
• Facilitate interactive sessions for schools, families, and community members
• Promote learning outcomes that align with national and organisational priorities
• Adhere to safeguarding policies to ensure the welfare of children and vulnerable adults during projects​
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in all activities, ensuring accessibility for all participants​
• Collect data and feedback to assess project impact and effectiveness
• Prepare reports for funders and internal stakeholders
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to align projects with strategic goals
• Represent PECT at external events, conferences, and meetings

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, and can work effectively with diverse audiences
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent word processing and IT skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office software package
• Excellent administration and customer service skills
• Ability to problem solve and research the best solution to individual needs
• Willing to undertake training where required
• Flexible and able to deal with changing priorities
• Ability to travel to events

Desirable:

• You have a passion for environmental issues and a commitment to PECT’s vision and values
• Knowledge of the local environmental context and challenges
• Experience of working with schools or communities
• Experience of using monitoring and evaluation tools and methods
• Experience of using social media and digital platforms for communication and engagement

Variation Clause:

This is a description of the job, as it is constituted at the date shown. It is the practice of the Trust periodically to examine job descriptions, update them and ensure that they relate to the job performed, or to incorporate any proposed changes. The appropriate Manager in consultation with the post holder will conduct this procedure.

In these circumstances it will be the aim to reach agreement on reasonable changes, but if agreement is not possible management reserves the right to make changes to your job description following consultation.

The Job Description was compiled by Stuart Dawks on 4^th December 2024.