Environmental Education Learning Leader

Hampshire County Council; Ampfield Hill; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

World-class plant collections

Hands-on training

Professional development

Job summary

Hampshire County Council's Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Education team is seeking an organised, creative educator to deliver school sessions, family activities and community events during the spring and summer terms. The role uses the garden as a living classroom, bringing curriculum-linked learning to thousands of visitors.

Hours are 37 per week (term-time only with some extra hours by arrangement); on-site training provided; you will engage with children, teachers and volunteers to create

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent (First Aid and teaching qualification and science background desirable).
• Experience in educational or outdoor learning settings with children, families, volunteers and the public.
• Knowledge of National Curriculum (Early Years, KS1 & KS2) and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging educational sessions for schools, families, and visitors, bringing the Gardens to life through interactive workshops, events, and activities.
• Work closely with colleagues, teachers, and volunteers, helping create memorable experiences and develop fresh ideas.
• Prepare high-quality resources, support programme administration and ensure learning offers stay innovative and relevant.

Skills

Outdoor education experience

Engagement with children and public

Education

A-Level or equivalent

First Aid

Teaching qualification (Desirable)

Science background (Desirable)

Job description

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Job Reference: HCC625364
Salary Range: £26,018 - £27,111 pro rata, per annum
Work Location: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ampfield Nr. Romsey

Hours per week: 37 (part-time hours will be considered, 14.8 or 12)
Contract Type: Temporary Contract until 25 July 2027 (Term-Time only)
Closing Date: 24 November 2026

Interview Date: 2 December 2026

Inspire curiosity. Connect with nature. Shape future generations.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Education team, where we deliver a high-quality programme to over 12,000 school children each year.

Hillier Gardens is an exceptional plant collection of international significance. With a purpose-built Education Centre, Children’s Education Garden, and 180 acres of mixed garden, woodland and meadow, the site is also an important centre for education and conservation.

The Role:

We are looking for an organised, creative and adaptable individual with previous experience of using the outdoors as a living classroom to deliver school sessions, family activities and community events in our busy spring and summer seasons.

Following on-site training, you will be teaching, using the garden as a living resource. With a genuine enthusiasm for, and interest in how people use outdoor spaces, this post offers you the chance to make every visitor’s experience memorable for all the right reasons.

Ability to thrive and communicate effectively (with a smile) is essential. A recognised qualification in a related subject would be an advantage.

Essential hours expected to be Monday-Friday in term time, with additional hours by arrangement.

What you’ll do:

Join us in inspiring a love of learning and discovery! In this exciting and varied role, you will deliver engaging educational sessions for schools, families, and visitors, bringing the Gardens to life through interactive workshops, events, and activities. Working closely with colleagues, teachers, and volunteers, you will help create memorable experiences, prepare high-quality resources, support programme administration, and develop fresh ideas to keep our learning offer innovative, relevant, and inspiring for all.

What we’re looking for:

Qualifications:

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent (First Aid and teaching qualification and science background desirable).

Experience:

• Proven background in educational or outdoor learning settings, working with children, families, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to lead activities and special events.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of the National Curriculum (Early Years, KS1 & KS2).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic IT literacy.
• Ability to manage time effectively.

Personal Attributes:

• Flexible, proactive, and able to work independently.
• Physically capable for a full school day of outdoor activities.
• Desirable Extras: Ability to bring forward creative ideas and adapt quickly to new skills and conditions.

Joining the Education Service at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens means becoming part of an award-winning team that inspires learning in one of the UK’s most beautiful and biodiverse settings. You'll deliver engaging, curriculum-linked outdoor education that sparks curiosity and fosters environmental stewardship in thousands of learners each year. This role offers the chance to make a tangible impact, connecting communities, supporting inclusive learning, and promoting sustainability.

As part of Hampshire County Council, you'll benefit from a supportive, progressive workplace committed to professional development and equal opportunities. With access to world-class plant collections, hands-on training, and an innovative educational environment, you'll grow your skills while shaping the next generation’s understanding of nature.

If you're passionate about education, conservation, and making a difference, this is an opportunity to combine purpose with professional growth in an inspiring environment.

To find out more about what we can offer you in return, please see our benefits package.

Interviews will be in person and consist of a group session in the morning, and you will be expected to prepare a short (5- minute) session where you will teach us all a skill outdoors. This will be followed by an individual interview; some of these will be in the afternoon, depending on the number of candidates interviewed.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.