Hop Spots Dorset and Surrounds Education Officer

Hop Spots is a four-year programme, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, designed to reconnect children and young people with nature through environmental education, conservation training and wellbeing-focused engagement. The programme will work across three distinct regions of England – Dorset and surrounding areas, Merseyside and East Anglia.

The successful candidate will lead delivery of the programme across Dorset and the surrounding area developing and delivering a varied programme of environmental education and engagement, from classroom-based learning and community activities to practical outdoor sessions and fieldwork within amphibian and reptile habitats. They will also deliver Conservation Skills Days designed to help young people build practical experience and explore pathways into jobs for nature. They will work with schools, colleges, universities, community groups, volunteers, environmental organisations and other local partners to create engaging opportunities for children and young people to connect with nature and develop practical conservation skills. The role will also include working closely with key delivery partners, as well as developing relationships with organisations and communities across the region.

An interest in UK amphibians and reptiles and a willingness to develop practical ecological skills will be important, while some existing experience of UK species identification, ecological survey or monitoring would be an advantage. (Training in relevant amphibian and reptile survey and conservation skills will be provided).

To download the application form and read full details about the role, responsibilities, person specification and organisational relationships click the Find out more & apply button.

Closing date: Midday on Friday, 13th November 2026.
Shortlisting: Throughout, to be completed by 20th November
Interviews: Interviews are expected to be held in person at ARC’s Boscombe office in the latter half of November, with exact dates to be confirmed. Shortlisted candidates will be given as much notice as possible.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.