Countryside Project Officer

Job Introduction

The starting salary for this role is £29,291 per annum, based on working 36-hours per week. This is a 2-year fixed term contract.

Are you looking for a varied role in the countryside working with the local community to enhance biodiversity?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new role as a full time Project Officer on a two-year contract in the well-established Surrey Countryside Partnerships team. In this role you will be responsible for setting up and leading volunteer groups, from the local community and corporate groups, as well as carrying out primarily heathland management in the Guildford and Woking area. You will also oversee work by contractors carrying out heathland management.

The Surrey Countryside Partnerships team sits within our Environment, Transport and Infrastructure Directorate, and runs an extensive programme of volunteer activity and a conservation grazing service. This role will be line managed by the Senior Partnership Officer at the Lower Mole Partnership, based near Epsom, but will operate in the Surrey Heathland Partnership area and be jointly funded by Guildford Borough Council and Woking Borough Council.

The Surrey Countryside Partnerships are hosted by Surrey County Council and core funded by 7 Surrey Boroughs/Districts, plus 3 London Boroughs.  In 2023 it will be 40 years since the team was first established. Last year over 23,000 volunteer hours were contributed, making the team one of the largest and longest standing countryside volunteer providers in the region. There are 10 members of staff in the team, split between the Lower Mole Partnership, Downlands Partnership and Surrey Heathland Partnership.

About you:

We are seeking an enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for biodiversity and engaging others in understanding its importance. You will be organised, with good IT and communication skills, and be able to liaise with the public, partner organisations, and contractors to ensure work is carried out safely to a high standard. Ideally you should have practical knowledge of heathland management techniques.

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence:

• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, biodiversity and heathland management
• The skills and experience necessary to plan, organise and lead teams of volunteers carrying out countryside management tasks
• Ability to drive or otherwise visit inaccessible locations, with equipment and sometimes at short notice. Therefore, a valid driving license is required and ideally access to a car, although a Land Rover is available for volunteer task days
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and sometimes in difficult terrain
• Flexibility to occasionally work weekends and evenings.

At Surrey, our values and behaviours are just as important as our skills and abilities. They shape who we are as an organisation. Find out more about the values we follow.

For more information, please find the full job description below and refer to this before submitting your application. We also invite you to read our Life at Surrey handbook to see insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Additional Information

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 03/01/2023.

Interviews will take place on 11/01/2023.

This is a 24-month fixed term contract.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Helen Cocker on 07805 792760 or by e-mail at helen.cocker@surreycc.gov.uk.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.