Engagement Officer – Northern Ireland

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Engagement Officer in our Northern Ireland team, to deliver opportunities for audiences to connect with woods and trees through a range of engagement activities both on our own estate and in partnership with others. This role is responsible for providing communications support including the creation of physical and digital assets.

The role

• This is a key role in the Northern Ireland team and it will be responsible for improving the visitor experience on our estate and inspiring new and existing supporters to give time, voice and money to our cause.
• Lead on the public engagement aspects of our visitor offer at key sites across Northern Ireland, working with estate colleagues to plan activities, communicate key messages and improve visitor experience
• Plan and deliver an annual engagement plan for the country, identifying key audiences and activity (on and off our estate) to most effectively achieve our objectives
• Support the development of improved visitor experience at key sites including data collection, visitor monitoring, evaluation and interpretation planning
• This role is a full time, fixed term contract for 12 months.
• This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and DBS check as part of their pre-employment.

The candidate

• You’ll have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count

We are looking for candidates who have the following experience:

• Planning and delivering high quality face to face engagement activities ideally within a public facing visitor setting
• Planning and developing appropriate engagement materials for a variety of audiences including visitors and supporters
• Working with communities including young people, schools and community groups
• A working knowledge of what constitutes successful interpretation, ideally with experience of planning and implementing creative interpretation features to engage with visitors
• Understanding about Heath and Safety in public engagement and what constitutes a successful visitor experience
• You must have a proactive ‘can-do’ attitude, excellent communication skills, be commercially aware and able to build effective partnerships internally and externally.
• The role is based in Northern Ireland and will require the successful candidate to travel across the country with occasional UK travel. A full driving licence is required.

Benefits & wellbeing

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave – 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Buy and Sell Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About us

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to diversity & inclusion

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application advice

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable use policy – artificial intelligence (AI)

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

Apply now

If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on Monday 1st December & Tuesday 2nd December.

For queries relating to this new opportunity please email [email protected].