Project Development Officer - A Network for Nature

WORCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST; Whitby; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental charity in Whitby seeks a Project Development Officer to lead a significant landscape-scale project. The successful candidate will engage with landowners and communities, fostering a love for wildlife while managing project development. Applicants should possess strong project management and communication skills, with experience in nature conservation and community engagement. The role is full-time on a 15-month fixed term contract, offering hybrid working arrangements and competitive benefits including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Salary Sacrifice pension scheme

Enhanced parental leave/pay

2 x volunteer days per year

Health cash plan

Life assurance policy

Qualifications

• Excellent project management skills with experience in delivering complex projects.
• Strong communication skills to engage with diverse audiences.
• Ability to inspire and motivate community and local stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development phase of the landscape-scale project.
• Engage with landowners and promote nature-friendly farming.
• Support local communities in wildlife engagement initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Community engagement

Knowledge of nature conservation

Education

Experience with the Heritage Fund

Job description

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Project Development Officer - A Network for Nature

Closing date: Wednesday 17 December 2025

Salary: c£30,000 per annum

Contract type: Fixed term / Working hours: Full time

Location: Lower Smite Farm, Smite Hill Hindlip, Worcester & Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ

Do you want to play a key role in our most ambitious project yet?

Does the idea of delivering landscape-scale nature's recovery excite you? Are you a good communicator who is comfortable dealing with a range of audiences? Are you an accomplished project manager?

We're looking for someone to work on the development phase of our large landscape-scale project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, who is equally at home talking to landowners about farming with nature in mind and creating contiguous landscapes as they are inspiring local communities and schools. A motivated self‑starter who from day one will be working with all teams at the Trust and tapping into the wealth of in‑house experience and expertise in order to support the project development. Previous experience of working with the Heritage Fund through a development phase would be advantageous for this exciting and demanding role.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is the county's leading nature conservation charity. Supported by our 23,000 members, we’re restoring nature and working with others to value and help wildlife.

We need your help to ensure that Worcestershire's wildlife is thriving and abundant by inspiring the east of our county to love wildlife and to act for nature and be onboard with our biggest landscape‑scale project yet.

We're Wild About Inclusion. To us, this means inspiring, empowering and engaging people from all backgrounds, cultures, identities and abilities, to change the natural world for the better. It also means cultivating inclusive workspaces that are free from discrimination, where differences are valued, everyone can be themselves and flourish, just like nature!

This post is full‑time (35hrs) on a fixed term 15‑month contract. The role will be based at the Trust's main office, Lower Smite Farm, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8SZ. Hybrid working arrangements are in place.

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Salary Sacrifice pension scheme with generous employer contribution
• Enhanced parental leave/pay
• 2 x volunteer days per year
• Health cash plan
• Life assurance policy (3 x annual salary)

Deadline: 9am 17th December 2025

Interviews: 6th and 7th January 2026

Details and application form below. Please send completed application forms or any queries to [e-mail]. CVs will not be considered.