Environmental Education Learning Leader

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens; Romsey; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Education team is seeking an organised and creative educator to deliver school sessions, family activities and community events. The role uses the garden as a living classroom with on-site training, Monday–Friday during term time, plus additional hours by arrangement.

You will work with schools, families and volunteers to create memorable experiences, prepare high-quality resources, and develop fresh ideas to keep learning innovative and inclusive for all visitors.

Qualifications

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent (First Aid and teaching qualification and science background desirable).
• Proven background in educational or outdoor learning settings, working with children, families, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to lead activities and special events.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging educational sessions for schools, families, and visitors using interactive workshops, events and activities.
• Prepare high-quality resources and support programme administration.
• Develop fresh ideas to keep learning offers innovative, relevant and inspiring for all.
• Follow on-site training and teach using the garden as a living resource.

Skills

Strong communication

Educational delivery

Outdoor learning

First Aid

Teaching qualification

Science background

A-Level or equivalent

Basic IT literacy

Time management

Curriculum knowledge

Education

A-Level or equivalent

First Aid certification

Teaching qualification

Science background

Tools

Basic IT tools

Job description

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

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.,

Experience

• Educated to A-Level or equivalent (First Aid and teaching qualification and science background desirable).
• 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.
• Sound gardens/nature/wildlife knowledge.

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.

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.

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.