Hop Spots Merseyside Education Officer

Environmentjob; Sefton; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Hop Spots Merseyside is seeking an Education Officer to lead delivery across Merseyside, developing a varied programme of classroom and outdoor activities to reconnect young people with nature. You will work with schools, volunteers and partners to deliver conservation skills days and build pathways into nature-related jobs.

Experience in UK amphibians and reptiles is helpful; training will be provided. The role is based in Merseyside with in-person interviews and deadlines in late 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering environmental education and engagement programmes.
• Interest in UK amphibians and reptiles is advantageous.
• Training in amphibian and reptile survey and conservation will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of the Hop Spots programme across Merseyside.
• Develop and deliver a varied programme of education and community activities.
• Build partnerships with schools, colleges, community groups and organisations.
• Coordinate with Green Sefton as lead delivery partner in Merseyside.

Skills

Environmental education

Conservation training

Partnership work

Volunteer engagement

Job description

Hop Spots, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is a four-year programme designed to reconnect children and young people with nature through environmental education, conservation training and wellbeing-focused engagement. The programme will work across three distinct regions – Dorset and surrounding areas, Merseyside and East Anglia.

As the Hop Spots Merseyside Education Officer, you will lead delivery of the programme across Merseyside. You will develop and deliver a varied programme of environmental education and engagement, from classroom-based learning and community activities to practical outdoor sessions and fieldwork within amphibian and reptile habitats. You will also deliver Conservation Skills Days designed to help young people build practical experience and explore pathways into jobs for nature.

You will work with schools, colleges, universities, community groups, volunteers, environmental organisations and other local partners to create engaging opportunities for children and young people to connect with nature and develop practical conservation skills. You will work particularly closely with Green Sefton, the project’s lead delivery partner in Merseyside, as well as developing relationships with organisations and communities across Merseyside and surrounding areas.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining environmental education, conservation, partnership working, communications, volunteer engagement and project delivery. Whilst an interest in UK amphibians and reptiles, and some existing experience of UK species identification, ecological surveying or monitoring would be an advantage, training in relevant amphibian and reptile survey and conservation skills will be provided.

Closing date: Midday on Friday, 27th November 2026.
Shortlisting: Throughout, to be completed by 4th December.
Interviews: Interviews are expected to be held in person at Ainsdale Discovery Centre during the latter half of December, with exact dates to be confirmed. Shortlisted candidates will be given as much notice as possible.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.