Wilder Schools Outdoor Learning Trainee (volunteer)
Lower Smite Farm,
Smite Hill Hindlip
, Worcester & Droitwich, Worcestershire, WR3 8SZ
Contact details
If you'd like to chat about this opportunity, email Lucy Thirkell, Wilder Learning Development Officer to arrange a phone call.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is championing outdoor learning, with a goal to see one in four schools take positive action for wildlife by 2030. Our new Wilder Schools project aims to embed outdoor learning within the everyday curriculum, increasing children's connection to nature as a result. Significant focus is placed on developing the skills and confidence of primary school teaching staff to deliver their lessons outside.
Our education trainee role will provide hands-on experience in delivering high-quality outdoor and environmental education. This placement will support professional development through mentorship, training and involvement in all aspects of the centre’s education programmes. We are looking for individuals who are seeking to begin a career in outdoor learning or science communication but may not have formal qualifications or experience in this area.
This is an unpaid position (though we can cover certain expenses) and you would need to be available three days a week. There are no minimum requirements in order to apply. Please note that this role will be subject to reference checks and an enhanced DBS check with child barred list.
Availability and duration: Three days a week for a six month period, January to July 2026
Tasks and responsibilities
- Helping to research, produce and curate materials alongside the Wilder Learning Development Officer
- Shadowing the Wilder Schools Officer with trips to Lower Smite Farm
- Accompanying Wilder Learning Development Officer when delivering outdoor sessions in schools
- Assisting with experiential learning for children and adults, such as nature walks, workshops and training sessions as part of the wider engagement team
- Joining meetings with colleagues and school staff, in person and online
- Contributing to social media, SharePoint, newsletters and magazines by gathering and researching appropriate images and text
- Collecting feedback and being involved with evaluation
- Helping to clean and maintain learning spaces and equipment
- Following all health and safety and safeguarding procedures
What you will gain
- Professional and pastoral support from a mentor
- Training in bushcraft skills
- Improved ecological knowledge
- Skills in risk assessing, safeguarding and behaviour management
- Practical insights into project work
- Experience in group management
- Experience of how to plan and facilitate outdoor sessions
- First Aid training
- DBS check
- Opportunities to work towards accredited qualifications
- Reference for future jobs
Responsible to: Wilder Learning Development Officer
Person specification
Essential
- Aged 18 or over
- Commitment to a six month programme
- A genuine interest in outdoor education and working with young people
- Willingness to develop environmental and ecological knowledge
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Reliability and enthusiasm
Desirable:
- Full UK driving license and willingness to travel
- IT skills
- Availability for occasional evening or weekend work
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!
How to apply
Please complete our volunteer enquiry form, explaining why you are interested in this role and what you hope to gain as well as details of any relevant training or experience you currently have. Please apply by 3rd December 2025.