Post:
TCV Natural Networks trainee: Site Management Trainee
Bursary:
£11,900
Location:
Stave Hill Ecology Park, London
Duration:
12 MONTHS
Start date:
25th January 2016
Closing date for Applications: 30th October 2015
Thank you for your interest in the TCV Natural Networks Training Programme. Natural Networks is a new project
funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It will develop skills to facilitate the 'green network' of sites considered essential
for the effective conservation of biodiversity, creating a UK wide web of expertise in managing and engaging people
in ecological networks. The project will develop the skills of 32 trainees and hundreds of communities across the UK
to understand, value, protect and increase the biodiversity of their local green places.
Project Background
This project will create and enhance links between greenspaces by promoting and enabling inter-site volunteering.
The trainee will be supported to work with 6 local schools, 1 community woodland, 1 ecology park, 2 housing blocks
and 1 local farm to co-design and install conservation features and in some sites refurbish existing features. The
trainee will recruit a team of project volunteers who will work together to promote TCV & conservation volunteering
by designing and delivering 4 pop-up events.
Learning Outcomes
The Trainee will be supported to identify and achieve a range of learning outcomes, including filling skills gaps and
opportunity to gain an accredited qualification. During the placement, the trainee will achieve a range of Green
Network and Community Development learning outcomes, as follows.
Green Network Learning Outcomes

Developing and improving ecological networks: The trainee will work with the project team across nine sites
to actively encourage cross fertilisation between green spaces. The team will be using a landscape rather
than a site based approach, which will strengthen all sites and improve connectivity. This type of approach
will also build connections between each site owners, managers and the users.

Surveying, managing and improving local greenspace: The trainee will identify and survey for target species,
and develop management strategies to improve habitat for these target species across the nine sites.

Engaging and supporting local communities to understand and protect local green places: The trainee will
recruit a project team of volunteers and promote/celebrate their work via displays at community events and
forums. There will be four pop-up events to showcase the project, inspire community conversation, give
people an opportunity to take part in a themed activity, give feedback, and sign up as a volunteer. The use of
social media and leaflets will inform, consult and invite feedback.
Community Learning and Development Learning Outcomes

Enabling others to identify needs, plan and take action to protect and improve local green places: The
trainee will be supported to work on each site and will start with local consultation and inclusion in the
planning/design process. Each site will actively support local participation, take thought of long term
management needs, and demonstrate a range of volunteer opportunities.

Enabling others to develop skills: The trainee and project team volunteers will have access to a range of task
specific workshops and training sessions as well as TCV staff knowledge and skills. Volunteers within the
project team will be able to aquire transferable skills as well as task based skills. By being landscape rather
than site based, volunteers will gain a greater understanding of ecological/community networks and
relationships. This could provide a better progression route in personal/career development. Owners /
managers / users of the sites will gain a better understanding of their sites needs and it’s position in the
landscape.

Working with individuals & communities to achieve change: By working with the nine sites, the trainee will
have the opportunity to inspire and work with volunteers across the community. The small actions at
individual sites will link together to create positive change in both the ecological and community landscape
The trainee will also:

Identify underrepresented groups / communities that do not traditionally engage with the environment in
Stave Hill. Through engagement with community workers community, group leaders and individuals the
trainee will identify opportunities to include these communities in participating in the project and improving
their input to developing the biodiversity of the area.

Work with school groups, teachers, parent / teacher associations in classes and on site.

Assist site manager with promotion of The SHED visitor centre and ecology park.
Person specification
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications:
Candidates will need to possess at least a basic
 Educated to secondary level, including qualifications in
knowledge of the environment, conservation and English and maths
biodiversity.
ALL
Experience:

A personal interest in natural history



Some experience of natural history identification

Working with individuals and groups from a wide range
 Experience of working outdoors (e.g. on a nature
of backgrounds and abilities
conservation project)

Strong leadership skills
Public speaking experience


Skills:
Excellent communication skills
Experience of working with volunteers and community
groups
Good numeracy and literacy skills, with NVQ 1 level (or
equivalent) to demonstrate these skills
Experience delivering environmental education

Basic competency in use of IT

A knowledge of health and safety issues relating to
outdoor activities


Personal Qualities:
A motivated individual with a passion, commitment and A willingness to learn and share what is learned
enthusiasm for protecting and a commitment to

conserving our natural environment


Applicants must have the dedication and drive to work
 Organisational skills and excellent time management
on their own initiative with community groups,
individuals and volunteers.
Self-confidence, reliability and the ability to work with
minimal supervision. Applicants must be able to work
on their own initiative or as part of a team
Other:
An aptitude for engaging people and an interest in
 Clean driving licence and 1 year’s (minimum) driving
natural heritage are the most important qualities in a experience
potential applicant.
A Standard Disclosure Check will be required
Some evening and / or weekend activities will be
required