Help tell our story! Life on the Edge project is on the lookout for great communicators who can passionately tell people about the great nature on their doorstep. If you are a keen storyteller, and able to articulate key messages in fun and eye-catching ways, the Life on the Edge team are keen to hear from you!

We are looking for a recent graduate to promote the awareness and understanding of the Life on the Edge (LotE) project: South Devon National Landscapes’ (SDNL) flagship nature recovery project. LotE is centred around the restoration and enhancement of habitats along the South Devon coast which will aid the conservation of 30 rare and threatened invertebrates.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational and IT skills and a keen interest in the natural environment and community engagement. You should be a team player with good people skills, be proactive, enthusiastic, confident, self-motivated with a strong level of creativity and innovation.

Involving people in the conservation of the LotE target species is core to the project, and our Communications Assistant will support in the delivery of our comms strategy to engage with local communities in South Devon and build our profile nationally. The postholder will assist in managing existing communication channels and media, whist also helping develop innovative ways to enable the project to improve engagement with existing supporters and increasing reach to new audiences.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, LotE is a landscape scale project led by South Devon National Landscape (with South Hams District Council as its accountable body), in close partnership with Buglife, National Trust, Southwest Coast Path & Doorstep Arts. The Communications Assistant will assist in forging strong relationships with collaborative messaging and partnership working, whilst developing skills in communication experience on a dynamic multi-partner project.

This will be a 12-month contract at 0.5FTE, employed by South Hams District Council, the host of South Devon National Landscape, and based at our offices in Totnes. It will involve flexible working, with scope for some agile working and assisting with onsite project delivery so a full driving licence is essential.

If this sounds like the opportunity you have been waiting for and you meet the scheme requirements, we encourage you to apply!

You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).

For an informal discussion you can contact Rob Skinner, Life on the Edge Project Manager, on 01803 229346 (or email [email protected]).

All interested candidates are encouraged to join an online webinar session to learn more about the Life on the Edge project, this opportunity and ask any questions in a short Q&A session. This will be held on Zoom at 1800 on Tuesday 30 September (note the new date). Please get in contact [email protected] for the link.

Closing date Midnight Sunday 5 October 2025.

Interviews will be held Wednesday 15 October 2025.

For further information on the project, go to this webpage.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job Purpose

Life on the Edge (LotE) is a multi-partner project, led by South Devon National Landscape, with main partner, Buglife, along with South West Coast Path Association, National Trust and Doorstep Arts. With support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, LotE aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest insects living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and  Wembury.

Supported by the South Devon National Landscape’s Communications Officer, the Communications Assistant will be involved in the promotion of a wide range of LotE project activity. This postholder will assist in managing existing communication channels and media, whist also helping develop innovative ways to enable the project improve engagement with existing supporters and increasing reach to new audiences.

Involving people in the conservation of the LotE target species is core to the project, and our Communications Assistant will support in the delivery of our communications strategy to engage with local communities in South Devon and build our profile nationally.

The postholder will be able to learn from project staff and have opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge through formal courses, as well as work under their own initiative with support from project team.

This will include:

• Hands-on experience in various aspects of communications and marketing
• Exposure to different areas of communication, such as public relations, internal communications, and event management
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where you can contribute to real projects and initiatives
• Direct experience of working in environment/conservation sector

Role Profile

During the 12 month Graduate scheme you can expect to learn techniques and expand theoretical knowledge on the
following topics and themes:

• Work with the Life on the Edge Project Manager and South Devon National Landscapes Communications Officer to assist in the development and delivery the LotE Communications Plan
• Provide advice and guidance to the LotE team on communications methods, techniques and channels
• Assist in the input, management and retrieval of data via social media analytic systems and to establish and update monitoring systems for indicators and outputs
• Collate and present quarterly analytical data information for National Lottery Heritage Fund reporting (and other funders  when required)
• Produce, maintain and improve the range of communications media and promotional material as required, including printed  publications, e-newsletters, press releases, annual report, events programme and exhibition displays
• Assist in the development of project website pages
• Assist with uploading LotE events to the SDNL website
• Review and maintain a significant social media presence on, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels
• Maintain a positive press profile in printed and digital media
• Respond to LotE general enquiries and ensure key messages and information is accurate and appropriate for the target  audience

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Education to degree level, ideally in a relevant subject. You will also need to have graduated in the last 3 years
• Full current UK driving licence

Knowledge / Experience

Essential

• Working knowledge and experience of using communication methods and techniques to articulate keys messages
• Good working knowledge and experience of using desktop publishing and digital marketing / e-newsletter platforms
• Good working knowledge and experience of effectively using Microsoft 365 suite

Desirable

• Keen interest in the natural environment, land use, ecosystem services/natural solutions and community engagement

Skills / Abilities

Essential

• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborations
• Ability to communicate in a lively and persuasive manner through a range of media including publications, press, events, the  Web, social media, newsletters and presentations
• Express good interpersonal skills – Approachable, professional and courteous, with an ability to engage positively with a wide range of groups and individuals
• Ability to express complex issues clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing
• Ability to effectively use digital media such as photographic and video apps or equipment

Desirable

• Ability to work with teams across the various partner organisations in the Project
• Ability to work with a range of audiences adapting actions to meet their needs
• Ability to manage and edit website content

General / Other

Essential

• Ability to self-motivate
• Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Aptitude for learning and personal development
• Ability to access transport and travel to sites

The list above is not exhaustive; this role profile sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such details may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility involved.

Job details

• Salary  £24,413 per annum (pro rata)

• Contract  Part time – 18.5 hours a week

• Package Fixed Term Contract, Local Government Pension Scheme

• Department South Devon National Landscape

Do you enjoy inspiring people, being part of a community, and building relationships? Do you have passion for nature and South Devon’s incredible landscape? If you have a genuine desire for a career in community engagement and/or the environment sector but haven’t yet got the qualifications or experience you need, then one of our Life on the Edge trainee posts might just be for you!

We are excited to offer two new trainee posts as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported, Life on the Edge Project (LotE), one focused on community engagement and one on ecology and conservation.

Our trainee scheme enables people with no previous experience or qualifications to work alongside our staff and volunteer teams, to develop hands-on practical experience and vital professional skills to help take that first step to a career in community engagement and conservation.
Life on the Edge aims to restore species-rich grasslands to secure a positive future for some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast, while improving people’s nature-connectedness. We are looking for someone who shares our passion and enthusiasm for impactful landscape scale nature recovery for the benefit of people and wildlife. This entry level position is aimed at progressing important skills and gaining invaluable experience in the environmental sector and suitable for someone who has not had paid work in this field before.

Day-to-day work of the Communities Trainee will be varied. Working alongside the engagement team, you will assist with a broad range of activities with target groups, schools, communities and the public. You will be directly involved in tasks ranging from craft workshops, planning a community celebration, staffing an information stand at a community event, backmarking a group walk, networking with partner organisations and working on practical conservation tasks. You will additionally be part of wider Life on the Edge project delivery.

Trainees will be employed on a 6-month contract at 0.5FTE by South Hams District Council, the host of South Devon National Landscape. Given the nature of the role, weekend and evening work is sometimes required, and flexible working will be necessary. If you have a keenness to learn about effective community engagement, supporting people to overcome barriers to involvement, and connecting people to their landscape in a way that inspires them to take action, and you meet the scheme requirements, then we’d urge you to apply and we look forward to hearing from you.

All interested candidates are encouraged to view a recording of the online webinar session that was held on 28th July, to learn more about the Life on the Edge project, the trainee scheme and hear attendees questions answered.

View the webinar on the South Devon National Landscape YouTube channel.

Due to policies and procedures, we are only able to accept applications from candidates over the age of 18 years old.

This is an entry level position aimed at individuals who have not previously had paid work in this field.

For an informal discussion you can either contact Nicky Bailey, Life on the Edge Volunteering and Learning Officer, up to 4th August on 01803 229334 (or email [email protected]) or after 4th August contact Rob Skinner, Life on the Edge Project Manager, on 01803 229346 (or email [email protected]).

Closing date – Midnight Thursday 7 August 2025

Interviews will be held Tuesday 19 August 2025.

For further information on the project, go to this webpage.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job Purpose

Life on the Edge (LotE) is a multi-partner project, led by South Devon National Landscape, with main partner, Buglife, along with South West Coast Path Association, National Trust and Doorstep Arts. With support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, LotE aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest insects living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury.

Involving people in the conservation of these special species is core to the project, not least, through a programme of upskilling, empowering and training within the ‘Learning with LotE’ workstream.

The LotE Communities Trainee will gain specialist hands-on experience with project team and project partners. They will directly assist with project delivery, working alongside the Community Officer, assisting in engaging under-served groups of both young, and older people in activities increasing their connection to nature and gaining the health and wellbeing benefits of being active outside. Trainees can expect to assist in delivering target audience activities, public events, schools programmes, volunteer activities and other interactions with the general public explaining the importance of the project target species and the promotion the project. Engaging people with the LotE target species is intrinsically linked and therefore the communities workstream is developed to complement the conservation programme.

LotE trainees must be able and willing to work outdoors, in sometimes challenging conditions, in a variety of locations along the South Devon Coast, which in some cases may be remote. Trainees will be able to learn from project staff and will have opportunities to develop their own initiatives with support.

Role Profile

During this 6-month trainee scheme you can expect to learn techniques and expand theoretical knowledge on the following topics and themes:

You will assist with the delivery of the following elements of the project, and receive both on the job and formal training in the skills required to do this:

• Participate and aid delivery of public, target group, school and volunteer activity programmes
• Promote Community engagement through Life on the Edge project delivery
• Engage with wider LotE project activity, working across all workstreams, as well as with partners and landowners
• Work under the direction of the Community Officer, LotE project staff and other senior South Devon National Landscape staff to assist in the delivery of the project
• Understand and follow South Devon National Landscape & South Hams District Council internal procedures including Health and Safety, information management systems, site protocols etc.
• Work closely and constructively with your manager and project colleagues in all areas of your responsibility
• Undertake other duties as the Senior Management Team may require from time to time

The list of duties is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive; there will be other duties and requirements associated with the post, and you may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you.

Qualifications

Essential

• A specific qualification is not required but applicants should have a desire to pursue a career in the environment or community engagement sectors
• Full current UK driving licence
• Basic knowledge of environmental issues and/or nature conservation
• Experience of being involved in assisting your community
• An appreciation of the breadth of the voluntary and community sectors
• Interest in engaging communities to make landscape or environmental change
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• Good interpersonal skills – approachable, professional and courteous (assessed at interview)
• A keen interest in artistic and/or creative expression
• Aptitude for learning and personal development
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills
• Not previously had paid work in this field
• Ability to attain agreed standard of high-quality work
• Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Desirable

• Knowledge of invertebrates and British wildflowers
• Ability to work with teams across the project, organisation and partnerships
• Ability to work with a range of people adapting actions to meet their needs
• Practical arts and craft skills
• Ability to self-motivate

Job details

• Salary  £12.26/hr – £23,656 per annum (pro rata)

• Contract  0.5FTE on 6 month Fixed Term Contract

• Department South Devon National Landscape Team

Do you enjoy inspiring people, being part of a community, and building relationships? Do you have passion for nature and South Devon’s incredible landscape? If you have a genuine desire for a career in community engagement and/or the environment sector but haven’t yet got the qualifications or experience you need, then one of our Life on the Edge trainee posts might just be for you!

We are excited to offer two new trainee posts as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund supported, Life on the Edge Project (LotE), one focused on community engagement and one on ecology and conservation.

Our trainee scheme enables people with no previous experience or qualifications to work alongside our staff and volunteer teams, to develop hands-on practical experience and vital professional skills to help take that first step to a career in community engagement and conservation.

Life on the Edge aims to restore species-rich grasslands to secure a positive future for some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and plants living along the South Devon coast, while improving people’s nature-connectedness. We are looking for someone who shares our passion and enthusiasm for impactful landscape scale nature recovery for the benefit of people and wildlife. This entry level position is aimed at progressing important skills and gaining invaluable experience in the environmental sector and suitable for someone who has not had paid work in this field before.

Day to day work of the Conservation Trainee will be varied; Working alongside the Conservation Officer, they will assist with specialist species surveying, working with volunteers, land management advice and assisting on our nature focused events, as well as being part of the wider Life on the Edge project delivery along the South Devon coast.

Trainees will be employed on a 6-month contract at 0.5FTE by South Hams District Council, the host of South Devon National Landscape. Given the nature of the role, weekend and evening work is sometimes required, and flexible working will be necessary. If you have a keenness to learn more about the natural world, how to conserve it and engage people along the way, and you meet the scheme requirements, then we’d urge you to apply and we look forward to hearing from you.

All interested candidates are encouraged to view a recording of the online webinar session that was held on 28th July, to learn more about the Life on the Edge project, the trainee scheme and hear attendees questions answered.

View the webinar on the South Devon National Landscape YouTube channel.

Due to policies and procedures, we are only able to accept applications from candidates over the age of 18 years old.

This is an entry level position aimed at individuals who have not previously had paid work in this field.

For an informal discussion you can either contact Nicky Bailey, Life on the Edge Volunteering and Learning Officer, up to 4th August on 01803 229334 (or email [email protected]) or after 4th August contact Rob Skinner, Life on the Edge Project Manager, on 01803 229346 (or email [email protected]).

Closing date – Midnight Thursday 7 August 2025

Interviews will be held Wednesday 20 August 2025.

For further information on the project, go to this webpage.

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job Purpose

Life on the Edge (LotE) is a multi-partner project, led by South Devon National Landscape, with their main partner, Buglife, along with South West Coast Path Association, National Trust and Doorstep Arts. With support from National Lottery Heritage Fund, LotE aims to restore viable populations of some of the UK’s rarest insects living along the South Devon coast between Berry Head and Wembury.

Involving people in the conservation of these special species is core to the project, with a programme of upskilling, empowering and training through the ‘Learning with LotE’ workstream. LotE is committed to engaging people to make a difference for nature and the trainee roles assists in forming that important link between communities and conserving species along the south devon coast.

The LotE Conservation Trainee will assist with events, specialist invertebrate ecological surveying and practical tasks involving volunteers and interacting with the public explaining the importance of the project target species and promoting the project. Trainees will also assist in meeting with farmers and landowners to develop landscape enhancements plans, which will involve bespoke conservation interventions to benefit project species. There is significant overlap between the conservation and communities workstreams, involving people in all areas of project activity. The Conservation Trainee can expect to be involved in works which will complement the community engagement programme.

LotE trainees must willing to work outdoors, in sometimes challenging conditions, in a variety of locations along the South Devon Coast, some of which may be remote areas. Trainees will be able to learn from project staff and will have opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge as well as work under their own initiative with support from project team.

Role Profile

During this 6-month trainee scheme you can expect to learn techniques and expand theoretical knowledge on the following topics and themes:

You will assist with the delivery of the following elements of the project, and receive both on the job and formal training in the skills required to do this:

• Specific species monitoring – both directly and development of volunteer opportunities
• Participate and aid delivery of land management to benefit project target species – both through land management advice in group workshop sessions and on-farm advice, and practical habitat management, working with partner organisations to facilitate monthly volunteering sessions.
• Engage with LotE project activity as a whole, working across all workstreams – working with target and general audiences.
• Work under the direction of the Conservation Officer, LotE project staff and other senior South Devon National Landscape staff to assist in the delivery of the project
• Understand and follow South Devon National Landscape & South Hams District Council internal procedures including Health and Safety, information management systems, site protocols etc.
• Work closely and constructively with your manager and project colleagues in all areas of your responsibility
• Undertake other duties as the Senior Management Team may require from time to time

The list of duties is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive; there will be other duties and requirements associated with the post, and you may be required to undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required of you.

Qualifications

Essential

• A specific qualification is not required but applicants should have a desire to pursue a career in the environment or community engagement sectors
• Full current UK driving licence
• A keen knowledge of nature conservation and species recovery
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• Good interpersonal skills – approachable, professional and courteous
• Aptitude for learning and personal development
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to self-motivate
• Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Not previously had paid work in this field

Desirable

• An understanding of Countryside Management in a rural sector environment
• Knowledge of a range of invertebrate groups and some botanical knowledge of British wildflowers
• Some knowledge of working with groups to deliver practical conservation activities – working safely in a practical conservation setting
• Ability to effectively motivate colleagues at all levels to work collaboratively
• Ability to work with teams across the project, organisation and partnerships
• Ability to work with a range of people adapting actions to meet their needs

Job details

• Salary  £12.26/hr – £23,656 per annum (pro rata)

• Contract  0.5FTE on 6 month Fixed Term Contract

• Department South Devon National Landscape Team