Durham Wildlife Trust
Job description: Heathland Heartlands
Heathland Heartlands is an initiative between Durham Wildlife Trust,
communities around the Stanley area, Durham County Council and Natural
England.
The sites the project will focus on are ‘doorstep’ heaths on the edge of urban
areas which provide not only a valuable resource for wildlife but also an
amenity for people. These sites can play an important role in educating
society about our natural heritage and contribute to the health and well-being
of local residents. The Heathland Heartlands project will give people the
knowledge they need to ensure that their local heathland sites are cared for
and valued into the future.
The Heathland Heartlands project officer will engage communities across the
project area, including working with volunteers and delivering training events
on the sites, to show the real value the heathlands provide for people. The
participating individuals and communities will be encouraged to develop new
skills and knowledge to generate a feeling of local ownership and pride. The
post is subject to enhanced CRB disclosure.
Responsible to:
Employed by Durham Wildlife Trust and responsible to the Trust Director. The
project will be guided by a Steering Group made up of representatives from
Durham Wildlife Trust, Durham County Council, Natural England and
community based organisations.
Main Duties:
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to promote access to heathland sites across the project area;
to promote knowledge and appreciation of the natural heritage of the
heathlands;
to plan and lead practical volunteering tasks to enhance the value of
the heathland sites;
to promote the use of the sites as an educational resource by schools,
community groups and others;
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to assist with the planning, resourcing and delivery of events that
promote the importance of the sites for wildlife and people and promote
the work of the groups and organisations involved;
to ensure that the project complies with all Durham Wildlife Trust
requirements in relation to health and safety and welfare of vulnerable
persons;
to promote the work of the Heathland Heartlands project and active
participation in the project by volunteers;
to secure additional resources for the Heathland Heartlands project;
to take the lead role in communicating the work of the project to the
media and answering media enquiries.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Knowledge and
skills
Essential
Education to degree
level or equivalent in a
relevant discipline. Or
with a minimum of 2
year’s relevant
experience in a paid or
voluntary role.
Desirable
Qualifications in the
use of a chainsaw
and/or brushcutter.
A full driving licence.
The officer will use his
or her own car for
which an appropriate
rate will be paid.
D1 category driving
licence that permits
driving of a minibus.
Working knowledge of
ecology and
conservation.
An appreciation of the
concept of ecosystem
services.
Practical skills relevant
to working on a
lowland heathland site.
Experience of writing
grant applications.
Experience of
delivering projects with
community groups and
schools
Experience of effective
communication with
the public
Experience of
producing risk
assessments and
putting in place
Qualifications in the
application of
pesticides.
Experience of working
with contractors
Experience of
delivering informal
education to children
and adults
.
measures to control
risk.
An ability to plan,
organise and resource
projects.
An ability to organise
people and events.
Ability to work antisocial hours and
weekends.
Excellent verbal and
written communication
skills.
Personal qualities
Good working
knowledge of Microsoft
Office programmes.
A high level of selfmotivation and
enthusiasm.
An open and friendly
manner.
The ability to work on
their own initiative.
The ability to enthuse
others.
Ability to work flexible
hours, including early
mornings, evenings,
weekends and bank
holidays. The post
holder must be able to
regularly work at
weekends, up to 1 day
every other weekend
Hours
22.5 hours per week – 0.6 FTE
Salary
£21,000 per annum pro rata – actual pay £12,600 per annum.
Pension
After 6 months in post the successful candidate is entitled to join the DWT
pension scheme (minimum contribution 2% of salary) and will receive a 5%
employer’s contribution.
Period of appointment
The contract is for a two year period. Extension of contract period will be
funding dependent.
Probationary period
A six month probationary period applies to this post.
Hours of work
22.5 hours per week with no paid overtime. A flexible approach to working
hours will be required and a time off in lieu system is in operation. The post
holder will be required to work some evenings and must be able to regularly
work at weekends, up to 1 day every other weekend.
Annual leave
Twenty three days plus Bank Holidays.
Place of employment
Office base is the Trust’s premises at Houghton-le-Spring. Practical work will
be delivered at sites across the Stanley area.
Application process
Please complete an application form and provide a copy of your C.V. An
application form can be requested from Julie Anderson – 0191 5843112
janderson@durhamwt.co.uk
Please note, the application form and C.V. will be considered as evidence of
communication skills.