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Updated January 2018

Job Description

Job Title: / ERDF Sunrise Biodiversity Senior Projects Officer
Department: / Conservation Delivery
Responsible to: / Rivers Team Manager (ERDF Sunrise Programme Manager)
Pay Band: / Senior Officer
Hours: / Fixed-term 3-year post initially. 35 hours per week.
Location: / Wolseley Centre, but expected to spend a minimum of 1 day per week at Stoke-on-Trent City Council offices for the period of the ERDF funded programme.
Background Information:
Our mission statement is:
“Staffordshire Wildlife Trust protects and enhances the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire and promotes understanding, enjoyment and involvement in the natural world.”
A registered charity established in 1969 we are one of 47 county Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK and are supported by over 15,000 members.
The Trust owns or manages 27 nature reserves covering an area of over 3,600 acres. Our 60 staff are based in six locations around the county including our Headquarters at Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, with our work divided up into five departments: Resources, Education, Conservation Delivery, Fundraising, Communication and Membership & CVLLP. The Trust has a diverse workforce including site wardens, wildlife surveyors, community and education officers, catering and administration staff.
In addition we have a trading company looking after the commercial side of our business including a café at Westport Lake Visitor Centre and Charity Shops in Leek & Rugeley.
The post is funded through the ERDF Sunrise project.
Job Purpose:
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Sunrise project aims to carry out a programme of works to link, buffer, restore and recreate wildlife habitats across the project area of Stoke and urban Newcastle, with a particular focus on riverside improvements and grassland restoration. This is a partnership project involving the Environment Agency, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Groundwork, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and The Wild Trout Trust.
The post holder is responsible for on-the ground-delivery of a number of wetland and grassland projects on sites across Stoke and urban Newcastle, working closely with the programme manager and project partners.
Responsibilities:

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Updated January 2018

1) To plan and deliver a programme of practical works on sites across the project area as outlined within the ERDF bid, including completing paperwork for any required consents and permissions.
2) To supervise external contractors on site and ensure compliance with contract conditions, H&S, welfare etc and maintain a high standard of works.
3) To be a point of contact for members of the public and ensure ongoing liaison with the local community throughout the works.
4) To work with volunteers and established community groups where opportunities allow.
5) To identify opportunities to promote the project, working with partner’s communications teams.
6) To work closely with the Trust's education Team to ensure adequate community engagement and support for each of the projects.
7) All staff should recognise the contribution that membership makes towards the running of the organisation. The postholder is therefore expected to understand the need for high standards of service to existing members and recognise their role in contributing towards ongoing membership recruitment, ensuring all team members play their part too.
8) All publicly available written information (e.g. leaflets, interpretation boards, e-newsletters) produced by SWT to be produced within SWT branding guidelines or within guidelines laid down by the partnership.
9) In order for the organisation to work effectively you may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore you should be prepared to undertake other duties, appropriate to the post, as delegated by your line manager.
10) All staff should recognise the contribution that membership makes towards the running of the organisation. The postholder is therefore expected to understand the need for high standards of service to existing members and recognise their role in contributing towards ongoing membership recruitment.
11) In order for the organisation to work effectively you may be required to assist with other areas of work and therefore you should be prepared to undertake other duties, appropriate to the post, as delegated by your line manager.
12) All staff are required to abide by organisational policies and procedures.

Person SpecificationJob Title: ERDF Sunrise Senior Project Officer

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / Assessment method *
Qualifications
A relevant higher level qualification in an environmental field. /  / QC/AF
Experience
Minimum of 3-years working in practical habitat management with a particular emphasis on wetland/rivers related projects /  / AF / I
Relevant experience of managing ground works contractors and implementing safe systems of working. /  / AF/I
Experience of working with local communities and volunteer/community groups to get them involved with supporting and delivering small scale works and ongoing management. /  / AF / I
Skills/knowledge
A sound understanding of nature conservation and land management. /  / AF / I
A good understanding of the techniques required to restore/create and improve wetland and grassland habitats, with a particular emphasis on river restoration. /  / AF / I
Good practical land management skills, covering a wide range of habitats and techniques. /  / AF / I
The ability to plan work programmes and prioritise workloads. /  / AF / I
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when dealing face-to-face with members of the public. /  / AF
Relevant knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and its application in overseeing ground works contractors. / 
Good IT skills (e.g. MS Office) /  / AF / I
Ability
Some evening and weekend working will be required and therefore a flexible approach is essential.
Significant outdoor working will be required in all weathers.
The post will require driving throughout the County and the postholder therefore needs a current driving licence.
The job involves some manual handling, such as:
Carrying items of equipment and machinery, often some distance from the nearest vehicle access point.

* Assessment method:

  • I = interview
  • QC = qualification certificate
  • AF = application form
  • T = test or assessment
  • P = presentation

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Updated January 2018