Are you starting out or looking to switch into a career in conservation? Are you outgoing and like working with people? Do you have a flair for delivering engaging, creative learning experiences with young people and/or adults that break down barriers to accessing rivers and nature? If so, our placement role as a Community Engagement Trainee could be for you!
- Posted on: 12/01/2026
- Closing Date: 02/02/2026
- Salary: ÂŁ23,809.50 per annum pro rata (living wage)
- Contract: Paid placement: 6-month fixed term contract; full-time 37.5 hours per week
- Location: Penrith
About the role
This is a six-month paid training placement starting in spring 2026 and is designed to be a launch pad for someone at the beginning of their career in conservation and/or community engagement.
As the Community Engagement Trainee, you will have the opportunity to gain practical experience supporting the delivery of community engagement at our key project sites, our practical conservation volunteering programme around the Eden catchment and community events.
These key work programmes form part of our Access to Eden: Breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project, supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
About you
You will be a confident communicator who can make scientific concepts accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds and inspire them to take action to protect our waterways.
At home working outdoors, you’ll be outgoing and comfortable approaching and working with people. The role requires regular travel to sites around the catchment so you will need to have a current, full UK driving licence.
About us
Eden Rivers Trust is the conservation charity standing up for Eden’s rivers; changing perceptions of rivers, enhancing, and protecting the river environment so that people and nature in Cumbria can thrive.
Our vision is Clean and healthy rivers, providing a brighter future for all. We have been working with partners and volunteers since 1996, developing and carrying out innovative environmental projects that restore rivers, improve habitats, manage floods naturally, and promote water-friendly farming. These conservation activities are integrated with creative programmes for schools and community groups that promote awareness, access, and learning.
As a Trust we are Rethinking rivers. For good.
How to apply
Read the Community Engagement Trainee job description and the Guidance notes for completing an application.
For an informal discussion about the role, please call Rhian Ebrey, Access to Eden Project Manager, on 01768 866788.
Complete the Application Form.
Send your completed application form to office@edenrt.org with Community Engagement Trainee application as the subject of your email.
Alternatively, you can send the forms via post to:
c/o Rhian Ebrey, Eden Rivers Trust, 4 Cowper Road, Gilwilly Industrial Estate, Penrith. Cumbria. CA11 9BN.
Deadline for applications: 9 am, Monday, 02 February, 2026.
Interviews are planned for the week beginning 09 February 2026.
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