Informing the general public and educating the next generation is a vital part of many jobs within the countryside sector. Environmental Education is a significant part of the sector and encompasses everything from pre-school tots groups to running training courses for higher education and adults; in addition most organisations and sites require some interpretation work taking the message of the group to the public in the form of talks, on site information panels and running stalls at events.  Each level brings its own challenges and an education officer who runs the toddler group will not be setting up higher education courses but may be required to run guided walks and events for an adult audience.

You'll find interpretation, field work tutors, public engagement, adventure activities instructors also higher and further education roles. Sometimes environmental education roles are combined with leading the more adventurous outdoor activities although this can be a career in itself.

Jobs and employment

Typical jobs include Field Studies Tutor, Environmental Education Officer, Tutor, Lecturer,  Engagement and Education Officer, Outdoor Activities Instructor  the National Careers Service has role profiles of all of these and many more (click the links)

See current vacancies advertised with CJS here.

To gain the experience required volunteering is frequently a good start.

See current volunteering opportunities advertised with CJS here.

Skills, training and CPD.

There is no one specific set of skills required to work in Environmental Education you need to be friendly, outgoing and able to convey difficult concepts in an easy to understand manner.  If you're working with school children then a great degree of patience is essential.  A background in teaching is often desirable but not always essential. For the Outdoor Adventure activities side an ability to swim is usually required and NGB Certificates in your chosen sport(s) e.g. rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking.

A DBS check will be required.

• Forest School qualifications
• Outdoor bushcraft training
• Activity leader training
• First aid
• Ability to undertake and report risk assessments
• Ability to drive a minibus

Unusual skills such as foraging for food, mindfulness or coracle making might be helpful in making your application stand out.

Information and in depth articles

From London to Lambs, Countryside Education Trust

Coming to know our natural community through education, Moray House School of Education, Edinburgh University

Hope in Nature, Where the Fruit Is

Supporting Environmental Education in Schools: the role of NAEE

Working towards WILDER lives, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Explore the shore, in the field and at home, with Beach Academy

Planning you environmental education programme, Wild Ideas

Outdoor Wellbeing for Teenagers and Adults, AndBreathe

Let’s Learn Moor, building partnerships through education in the uplands, BASC

Action for Conservation: Our work building the next generation of environmental leader

Striving to Deliver Opportunities within the Environmental Industry

Twenty Years of Education in Exmoor National Park

Spotlight on Environmental Education, NAEE

Get into LINE! (Learning In Natural Environments), Natural Connections

Useful organisations

Forest School Association

NAEE UK - the National Association for Environmental Education

Institute for Outdoor Learning

Field Studies Council