Training Officer - Conservation

The Advantage Foundation; Belfast; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Belfast seeks an individual to support the delivery of a training and work experience program in conservation. The successful candidate will deliver accredited training, maintain a thriving community nature reserve, and engage with marginalised youths. A qualification in conservation or environmental management is essential, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while developing practical skills in a supportive setting.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people, volunteers, or trainees in outdoor settings.
• Full driving licence and ability to meet transport needs.
• Experience in site management or biodiversity monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of accredited training and personal development to participants.
• Maintain relevant training materials.
• Supervise trainees and corporate groups during activities.
• Coordinate habitat enhancement and maintenance.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience delivering accredited training

Excellent written and oral communication

Passion for supporting marginalised young people

Education

Qualification in conservation, environmental management or similar field

Job description

The role will primarily be to support the delivery of the Ravine Training and Work Experience Programme in conservation and environmental management. Based at our South Belfast Community Nature Reserve this role includes supporting participants to achieve accredited qualifications, learn practical conservation skills and develop valuable employability skills alongside overseeing the wider conservation site. The postholder will also play a key role in supporting the conservation aspects of The Advantage Foundation's social enterprise activities, delivering both community benefit and real-world work experience opportunities for trainees.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Training Officer in Horticulture a key part of the role will be the delivery of accredited training and personal development to all Ravine participants
• Maintain relevant training materials
• Deliver workshops for skill development in the subject field
• Provide a tailored Work Experience to the young people on the Programme
• Support the management and development of the Ravine Community Nature Reserve, ensuring it remains a thriving, safe, and educational environment
• Coordinate habitat enhancement and maintenance activities
• Supervise and support trainees, and corporate groups during conservation and maintenance activities
• Work with other team members to ensure project practices align with biodiversity and sustainability goals
• Support wider Ravine site development in line with project and organisational goals
• Ensure conservation practices align with biodiversity and sustainability goals
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials to ensure safe and efficient operations
• The role will involve providing administrative support to the core business, the project and across Advantage’s suite of training

Skills and Qualifications

• Qualification in conservation, environmental management or similar field and/or experience working in a related field
• Experience delivering accredited training
• Experience working with young people, volunteers, or trainees in outdoor settings
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A passion for working with/supporting marginalised young people
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Full driving licence and use of own car or ability to meet transport needs in full
• Experience in site management, habitat enhancement, or biodiversity monitoring
• Youth/Community background
• Experience working in a social enterprise or VCSE organisation

Further Information

Location: Knockbracken Healthcare Park. This role is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

Application Information

To apply please email CV and Cover Letter to [e-mail]