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.

WORCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

1 role available

Wilder Schools Outdoor Learning Trainee (volunteer)

Lower Smite Farm,

Contact details