JOB DESCRIPTION
1. IDENTIFICATION OF JOB
Job Title: Living With Nature Volunteer Officer
Job number: LVO411
Responsible to: Living With Nature Co-ordinator
Responsible for: Volunteers/trainees.
2. OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB
The Living With Nature (LWN) Volunteer Officer will support delivery of a three year partnership
project working with communities to create multi-functional open spaces with high play value that
are rich in nature. The four main partners are Sheffield Homes, University of Sheffield, Sheffield
City Council and the Wildlife Trust for Sheffield and Rotherham. The postholder will need to be
committed to a community-led approach to open space development and willing and able to work
on the ground with volunteers on aspects of capital delivery. The postholder will support
consultation and engagement associated with the design of 24 spaces and implementation of 8
spaces. The Volunteer Officer will also support the projects research and evaluation work led by
the University of Sheffield and manage a small number of volunteers/trainees attached to the
project.
3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support the LWN Co-ordinator in meeting the project’s outcomes and milestones.
Liaise with the project partners as required.
events for 24 open spaces.
Plan, organise and deliver consultations with local groups, individuals, schools and
organisations for the 24 open spaces.
Support the preparation of funding bids in conjunction with project partners or community
groups to secure additional capital funding.
Plan, organise and deliver 60 volunteer workdays on open spaces within the project.
Support the University of Sheffield with the research and evaluation parts of the project as
required.
Line manage, support and train a small number of volunteers/trainees attached to the
project as necessary.
Contribute to the project’s conference and workshops as necessary.
Report to the project steering group on progress and planning.
To work to Trust policies (e.g. equal opportunities, environmental and Health and Safety
policies).
To promote the Living With Nature partnership project wherever possible.
To ensure all work is undertaken according to SWT's policies (e.g. environmental and
health and safety policies) and procedures.
To undertake other tasks as requested by the Head of Operations in line with the aims of
the project.
Support the Co-ordinator with financial claims and progress reports commensurate with
the requirements of the project funders.
JOB SPECIFICATION
The LWN Volunteer Officer will support the LWN Co-ordinator with consultation activities for
24 open spaces and contribute to capital delivery by holding 60 volunteer workdays.
The postholder will liaise closely with the project partners and in conjunction with the Co-
ordinator will report to the LWN steering group regularly.
Due to the nature of the job considerable evening and weekend work will be required. A
driving licence is preferable, but work should be accessed on public transport where possible.
The Volunteer Officer will have line management responsibilities for a small number of
volunteers/trainees.
The postholder will have at least 2 years relevant experience in community-led environmental
regeneration and/or conservation experience with an interest in natural play and a relevant
qualification equivalent to NVQ Level 4 or degree level.
The post holder is expected to carry out their work with little supervision from their line
manager – particularly the running of consultation and volunteer workday events. They will
work closely with community groups e.g. Tenants and Residents Associations, schools and
staff from the partner organisations throughout the lifetime of the project.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary: £20312.53 per annum (Project Officer 1)
Pension: Entry to the Trust's stakeholder pension scheme is available
immediately, with an entitlement to a 9% employer's contribution after
a six-month probationary period.
Working Hours: The working week for this post is 37.5 hours 9:00am – 5:30pm,
exclusive of lunch breaks. The post will involve regular evening work
and occasional weekend work for which time off in lieu can be taken.
Flexi-time does not apply although informal arrangements can be
made at the Chief Executive’s discretion.
Location: The post will be based at the SWT headquarters, Victoria Hall,
Stafford Road, Sheffield, S2 2SF.
Probationary Period: All new employees are required to undertake a period of probation for
6 months, in which they will be expected to establish their suitability
for the post.
Annual Leave: 20 days holiday, plus 3 days to be taken between Christmas and
New Year, plus bank holidays pro rata. Staff will also receive a
holiday bonus of 1 day per year for the first five years of full time
service up to a maximum of 25 days per year.
Length of Contract: The post is permanent subject to funding.
Transport provision: Trust staff are required to use public transport wherever practical.
(Please read SWT environmental policy for further guidance).
However the post holder will have use of a pool of Trust vehicles
when needed.
Equal Opportunities: Sheffield Wildlife Trust is striving to be an equal opportunities
employer and selection of applicants is based on merit. Please refer
to the enclosed policy document for further details.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Area A EXPERIENCE OF
Essential
At least 2 years substantial and relevant experience of community-led environmental
regeneration/conservation.
Or at least knowledge of ‘natural’ play
Project management
Community engagement including the planning, organising and delivering community
consultations/events
Line managing volunteers/trainees
Preferred
Experience of running volunteer workdays
Experience of working with tenants and residents associations (TARA’s)
Budget management
Area B KNOWLEDGE
Essential
An good understanding of the principles of community development and natural play.
A good understanding of community engagement techniques.
A good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
A basic understanding of ecology and open space management/maintenance issues.
Preferred
A good knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Sheffield area.
Area C SKILLS
Essential
Community engagement skills
Appropriate qualification to NVQ level 4 or degree level.
Ability to plan, organise and manage community events effectively to a high standard.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to put information across effectively to a range of audiences through a variety of
media.
Ability to use IT effectively (word-processing and spreadsheets).
Full driving licence
Preferred
Basic fundraising skills.
Area D PERSONAL QUALITIES
Friendly and approachable.
Ability to organise, manage and prioritise work without supervision.
Flexible and enthusiastic approach to work.
Ability to work supportively with a wide range of people on different levels.
Ability to liaise effectively and build good working relationships with a wide variety of
individuals and organisations.
Enthusiasm and ability to acquire new knowledge and develop new skills.
Mature, pragmatic and professional.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Interest in nature