Wilder Communities Officer (Isle of Wight)

About the Role

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is actively engaged in creating a wilder future by safeguarding unique habitats, restoring environmental balance, and encouraging community involvement in nature conservation. As part of this mission, we are searching for a Wilder Communities Officer based in the Isle of Wight to join our team on a part-time, fixed-term contract of 12 months, working 14 hours per week.

This role involves working primarily at the newly acquired community garden at Quarr Abbey, helping maintain and develop it as a vibrant space for both nature and people. It is a job share position, requiring strong collaboration with the co-officer to plan and implement diverse activities aimed at engaging communities and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage and support individuals, local groups, and volunteers within the community garden setting on the Isle of Wight.
• Promote connection with nature to alleviate social isolation, improve wellbeing, and encourage proactive responses to ecological challenges.
• Lead community growing initiatives involving cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Facilitate skill building and knowledge sharing to empower community members to create and advocate for wildlife-friendly environments.
• Initiate projects such as greening public spaces, wildlife gardening, habitat development, and supporting species like pollinators, bats, swifts, and hedgehogs.
• Support formation of community groups addressing environmental issues like litter or pollution.
• Collaborate with local government and businesses to encourage nature-positive actions.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and alignment with the Trust’s mission.
• Friendly, approachable demeanor with empathy and cultural sensitivity toward diverse communities and partners.
• Commitment to high professional and ethical standards.
• Experience or interest in horticulture is essential for this role.

Inclusion and Diversity

The Trust embraces inclusivity and actively encourages applications from all segments of society, especially underrepresented groups such as Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic individuals and people with disabilities. We participate in the Disability Confident Scheme, committing to interviewing qualified disabled candidates who meet the basic criteria.

Additional Information

• Location: Little Duxmore Farm, Rowlands Lane, Havenstreet, Ryde, PO33 4DF.
• Salary: £30,344 pro rata annually, equating to £12,137.60 actual salary for 0.4 FTE.
• Contract Duration: 12 months, part-time at 14 hours per week.
• Closing Date for Applications: 2 August 2026.
• Interview Date: 20 August 2026.
• Perks include competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, contributory pension scheme, life assurance, learning & development opportunities, 24/7 employee assistance program, discounted staff travel via corporate partners, free parking onsite, and more.