Curriculum Lead - Environmental Studies

PLUMPTON COLLEGE; Lewes; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

CPD & development

Relocation support

Staff discounts

Job summary

Plumpton College is seeking an inspiring leader to drive the Environmental Studies curriculum, introducing new courses and embedding sustainability across all provision.

You will build strong employer and academic partnerships, lead a multidisciplinary team, and champion green skills and outcomes for students in a rural, farm- and vineyard-rich setting.

Qualifications

• Must hold a degree (or higher) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation or related subject.
• Proven experience driving curriculum development in an educational setting.
• Strong industry connections across conservation and sustainability sectors.
• Confident with GIS, carbon footprinting, and digital tools in environmental science.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of environmental studies curriculum programmes.
• Introduce new courses and enhance existing provision to meet skills needs.
• Build partnerships with employers, universities, and conservation bodies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of specialist lecturers.
• Lead outreach activities such as Eco-Schools and green careers events.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Environmental science

GIS

Education

Degree in Environmental Science/Sustainability/Conservation or related (Geography/Science)

Tools

GIS

Job description

You will drive the design and development of our environmental studies curriculum programmes, introducing new courses (e.g. Level 3 and 4 qualifications in Environmental Studies and Sustainability) and enhancing existing provision to deliver outstanding outcomes for students and meet the evolving skills needs of employers, and future green careers.

You will take a lead role working with curriculum teams across the College to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded across all courses, ensuring every Plumpton College student develops green skills relevant to their future path.

Build partnerships with employers, universities, conservation bodies and sustainability organisations.

You will manage, support and develop a high-performing team of specialist lecturers in environmental and sustainability education to ensure high standards in teaching, learning and student progress.

Lead outreach activity such as Eco-Schools initiatives, sustainability summer schools and green careers events.

We are looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking leader passionate about shaping the future of environmental and sustainability education. You will hold a degree (or higher) in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Conservation or a related subject i.e. Geography or Science and have proven experience driving curriculum development in an educational setting. With strong industry connections across conservation and sustainability sectors, you will bring real-world relevance to our programmes. You are confident with GIS, carbon footprinting, and digital tools in environmental science, and keep ahead of emerging green skills, policies, and sustainability trends. Experienced in leading multi-disciplinary teams within education, you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and delivering meaningful impact for students and the wider community.

Are you ready to be at the forefront of green education and help shape the future of sustainability learning? Do you want to work in a stunning rural setting, surrounded by a working farm, vineyard, and conservation projects? Join a college with strong industry connections and a commitment to innovation, where your passion for sustainability can make a real impact. If this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Plumpton College is one of the country's leading providers of land-based, food, and environmental education. With our extensive 800ha estate, including working farm, ancient woodland, SSSI landscape and vineyard, we are uniquely positioned to build on the impressive work we have undertaken to improve our biodiversity and sustainability credentials which resulted in us winning a prestigious Green Gown Award last year. As part of our growth strategy, we are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive our Environmental Studies curriculum whilst working in a cross-college capacity to ensure all students leave with improved carbon and sustainability literacy.

Our approach is underpinned by our core values - Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising - which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 37 days' annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Teachers' Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.

New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in-house Level 5 trained coaches.

Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

In addition, support with relocation including possible accommodation in shared staff housing for up to the first six months of employment.

Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are unable to provide any visa sponsorship for this role.