Name: Tanya Eyre
Employer: Fylingdales Moor Environmental Stewardship Scheme (FMESS) Company formed to support the Higher Level Stewardship Project supported by Natural England
Location: Fylingdales Moor on the North York Moors
Job Responsibilities:
I develop and lead curriculum appropriate outdoor activities to enthuse school groups to come and learn and develop an appreciation of our moorland. Plus other groups eg Guides, adult naturalist groups…
Occasionally I hold stands at local nature related events.
Time is spent both indoors (admin from home, no office) but the majority is outdoors teaching and reccieing.
There is some seasonal variation: Administration, contacting teachers, developing/updating activities during winter months. Main teaching season March-November with busiest time May and June.
Qualifications needed:
Biology degree. Teaching qualification. Many conservation jobs require a car to reach them easily at the times needed, ironically.
Additional training:
DBS but that’s typically done by the employer. First Aid for the outdoors paid for by the employer.
Skills needed:
Enthusiasm. Adaptable especially to the weather. Knowledge of my site, identify plants and other wildlife, and most importantly wow factors about them.
Advice to anyone looking at similar roles:
Volunteer to get a range of experience, gives you lots to talk about at interview with concrete examples. Doesn’t have to be five days a week for months, just helping an evening a month could help.
Seek this work if you get a buzz about sharing your interest in the natural world with others. I did work long hours at field centres earlier in my career and it’s not well paid. But the fact after teaching outdoors for 26 years I still look forward to sharing nature with groups, says it all (when the sun’s shining).
If you have any queries about this role or would like to ask a question of the job holder please contact Tanya on fylingdaleseducation@gmail.com