Post:
TCV Natural Networks trainee: Natural Networks Natural Learning Trainee
Bursary:
£11,900
Location:
St. Joseph’s Academy, Grassyards Rd, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
Duration:
12 MONTHS
Start date:
25th January 2016
Closing date for Applications: 30th October 2015
Thank you for your interest in the TCV Natural Networks Training Programme. Natural Networks is a new project
funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will develop skills to facilitate the 'green network' of sites considered essential
for the effective conservation of biodiversity, creating a UK wide web of expertise in managing and engaging people
in ecological networks. The project will develop the skills of 32 trainees and hundreds of communities across the UK
to understand, value, protect and increase the biodiversity of their local green places.
Project Background
Natural Learning is a new and innovative programme designed to encourage whole school and community action for
the local environment. It aims to promote learning about biodiversity, the environment, health & wellbeing and
sustainable living through “hands on” practical sessions in school grounds and nearby greenspace areas. The trainee
will work with TCV’s Natural Learning Team in supporting the delivery of a school grounds and community
greenspace programme that provides pupils with opportunities to build skills and experiences. The projects key aims
are to:
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Assist in the delivery of The Natural Learning Programme to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools
in East Ayrshire including the delivery of School Green Gyms, natural play, accredited learning, teacher
training and practical conservation sessions.
Deliver Natural Learning programmes and activities in conjunction with Curriculum for Excellence.
Work with staff and children in East Ayrshire schools to promote biodiversity, the natural world,
environmental behaviour and outdoor learning.
Offer a wide range of CPD training to East Ayrshire Education staff.
Assist and support East Ayrshire staff to source and apply for funding for school projects.
Learning Outcomes
The Trainee will be supported to identify and achieve a range of learning outcomes, including filling skills gaps and
opportunity to gain an accredited qualification. During the placement, the trainee will achieve a range of Green
Network and Community Development learning outcomes, as follows.
Green Network Learning Outcomes
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Developing and improving ecological networks: The trainee will work with communities supporting schools
in East Ayrshire to improve their grounds and local greenspace areas to improve biodiversity and local
wildlife. Staff, pupils, parents and the local community will be encouraged to get involved in creating areas
for nature e.g. wildlife meadows, wild areas, planting native trees and hedgerow plants, insect homes and
wildlife corridors. Schools will have the opportunity of liaising with other environmental organisations in the
area for advice and support in developing their environmental areas e.g. RSPB, SWT, Ranger Service, SNH.
Schools will establish partnerships with other schools through input to and developing our Lead Teacher
programme, in creating wildlife corridors connecting schools and the environment together to improve
overall biodiversity in the area.
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Surveying, managing and improving local greenspace: The trainee will support and assist staff and pupils in
East Ayrshire Schools to get involved with TCV Scotland’s Citizen Science and Scotland Counts programme. A
programme that allows schools the opportunity to get involved in “hands on” environmental monitoring
programmes which contribute to national scientific data. The citizen science programme works with both
primary and secondary schools and uses Curriculum for Excellence to encourage environmental recording
and better awareness of local flood risk, river processes, climate studies and soil quality. Through practical
“hands on” conservation sessions, the trainee will help pupils to improve their local environment, their own
wellbeing, develop new skills and make their local community a better place to live in. Through citizen science
pupils become better connected to nature and participate in activities which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Schools can establish productive links with the local environment and the community, working with local
people to learn and use new skills.
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Engaging and supporting local communities to understand and protect local green places: The trainee will
work with parental involvement in schools to establish volunteering communities for the protection of local
greenspaces for children to access. Progressing through to communities understanding, valuing and
protecting local green places for their biodiversity value.
Community Learning and Development Learning Outcomes
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Enabling others to identify needs, plan and take action to protect and improve local green places:
Community and school capacity building to establish personalised attachments to local green spaces across
EAC.
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Enabling others to develop skills: Support the school community by ensuring pupils and young people gain
and develop skills through practical conservation tasks and activities in their local area. Engage with pupils
and young people through outdoor games, activities and team building exercises.
Young people, their parents and school staff will have the opportunity to develop their practical skills, gain
confidence, improve self-esteem, improve health and wellbeing, increase their social contact and are working
towards making a positive contribution to their local community by developing environmental areas within
the school grounds and beyond.
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Working with individuals & communities to achieve change: By Trainee supporting schools participating in
The Natural Learning Programme, pupils, staff and the whole community can take positive action to improve
their local environment. By pupils getting involved in environmental projects this can inspire young people to
become successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. Pupils and
the whole school community will be inspired and engaged about biodiversity and conservation in their local
environment through practical environmental activities and sessions.
The trainee will also:
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Identify underrepresented groups / communities that do not traditionally engage with the environment in
Ayrshire. Through engagement with community workers community, group leaders and individuals the
trainee will identify opportunities to include these communities in participating in the project and improving
their input to developing the biodiversity of the area.
Person specification
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications:
Candidates will need to possess at least a basic
knowledge of the environment, conservation and
biodiversity.
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Educated to secondary level, including qualifications in
English and maths
ALL
Experience:
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A personal interest in natural history
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Some experience of natural history identification
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Working with individuals and groups from a wide range
of backgrounds and abilities
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Some experience of working with young people
Experience of working outdoors (e.g. on a nature
conservation project)
Strong leadership skills
Public speaking experience
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Skills:
Excellent communication skills
Experience of working with volunteers and community
groups
Good numeracy and literacy skills, with NVQ 1 level (or
equivalent) to demonstrate these skills
Experience delivering environmental education
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Basic competency in use of IT
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A knowledge of health and safety issues relating to
outdoor activities
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Personal Qualities:
A motivated individual with a passion, commitment and
enthusiasm for protecting and a commitment to
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conserving our natural environment
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Applicants must have the dedication and drive to work
on their own initiative with community groups,
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individuals and volunteers.
A willingness to learn and share what is learned
Organisational skills and excellent time management
Self-confidence, reliability and the ability to work with
minimal supervision. Applicants must be able to work
on their own initiative or as part of a team
Other:
An aptitude for engaging people and an interest in
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natural heritage are the most important qualities in a
potential applicant.
A Standard Disclosure Check will be required
Some evening and / or weekend activities will be
required
Clean driving licence and 1 year’s (minimum) driving
experience