As you gain experience and take over responsibility for the project, your work is likely to include:

• Planning the Countryside Project’s programme of work.
• Developing new environmental and community projects.
• Coordinating volunteers, work-experience students and placements.
• Producing straightforward plans for the management and improvement of local sites.
• Applying for external funding and managing funded projects.
• Monitoring budgets and making sure money is used effectively.
• Reporting to parish councillors and making recommendations about future work.
• Supporting the council’s response to climate change and its work with local schools.
• Building relationships with organisations that can support environmental work across the parish.

Person Specification:

There are different ways you might have developed the skills needed for this role.

You might be a recent graduate in environmental science, countryside management, conservation, ecology, horticulture, geography or a related subject who has also completed a significant amount of volunteering.

Alternatively, you might have developed strong practical skills through employment, volunteering, community projects or looking after outdoor spaces.

You do not need to arrive knowing how to do every part of the job. The council is looking for somebody with the potential, attitude and commitment to learn and eventually take responsibility for the project.

You should be:

• Genuinely interested in the countryside, wildlife and the local environment.
• Happy doing physical work outdoors throughout the year.
• Practical, resourceful and willing to get stuck in.
• Confident speaking to members of the public and building relationships with different people.
• Able to encourage, support and organise volunteers.
• Comfortable working with children, young people, schools and community groups.
• Organised and able to balance several different projects and commitments.
• Able to communicate clearly in person and in writing.
• Comfortable using everyday computer programmes and social media.
• Willing and able to work regular weekends and occasional evenings.
• Keen to develop your knowledge and gradually take on more responsibility.
• Have a full, clean driving licence is essential because the work takes place at different locations across the parish. A vehicle is available for work purposes.

Useful experience:

It would be helpful if you have experience in one or more of the following areas, although you are not expected to have experience in all of them:

• Countryside management or practical conservation.
• Horticulture, allotments or community gardening.
• Footpath maintenance, stile repair, tree planting, hedge laying or dry-stone walling.
• Working with volunteers or community groups.
• Environmental education or working with schools.
• Wildlife, pond or river monitoring.
• Organising community activities or events.
• Promoting projects through social media.
• Writing reports, applying for funding or managing small budgets.
• Experience gained through volunteering, university projects, placements or community activity will be valued alongside paid employment.

Included in the total hours, it is anticipated that you will be available for work with volunteer groups at weekends, roughly every 2 weeks.

Training and support:

You will receive a structured six-to-nine-month handover from the current Countryside Officer.

This will give you the opportunity to:

• Visit and learn about the different sites and projects.
• Work alongside established volunteer and community groups.
• Meet the council, schools and partner organisations involved.
• Develop your practical countryside-management skills.
• Learn how activities, budgets and projects are planned and managed.
• Build the confidence and knowledge needed to lead the Countryside Project.

The intention is for you to take increasing responsibility as your knowledge and experience develop.

First Aid training will be provided and there will also be various training courses available through the Yorkshire Local Council Association in addition to support from the parish clerk and Countryside Project Steering Group.

Benefits:

This is an opportunity to build a long-term career that combines practical environmental work with community engagement and project management.

You will be able to see the direct results of your work in local woodlands, footpaths, allotments, schools and community spaces. You will also have considerable freedom to develop ideas and shape the future of the Countryside Project.

The role starts at 22.2 hours per week and will increase to 37.5 hours per week from July 2027. Further salary progression is expected as you complete the handover and take responsibility for leading the project.

• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Authority pension scheme.
• Flexible working hours
• TOIL offered

Next steps:

In your Cover Letter please explain:

• Why this particular opportunity interests you.
• Any practical, environmental or community experience you have.
• Any volunteering, university projects or placements that are relevant.
• Your experience of working with members of the public, volunteers, schools or community groups.
• An example of something you have organised, improved or taken responsibility for.
• Why you believe you could develop into leading the Countryside Project.

You do not need to meet every point listed in the advert. Denby Dale Parish Council is interested in your potential, your practical approach and your commitment to the local environment and community.