1. Identification of Role

1. IDENTIFICATION OF ROLE

ROLE TITLE - VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT

FUNCTION - EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY

RESPONSIBLE TO - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

2. OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE

To work with the Skylarks Team on the Skylarks-“Not a Blott on the Landscape” Heritage Lottery funded project. Developing and delivering community engagement activities and events.

Through this project NWT are aiming to provide an inspirational natural space that is accessible for people with disabilities and from deprived communities in Nottingham and Rushcliffe. We are investing in accessible paths, viewing screens and interpretation, much of which is being developed in conjunction with community and user groups. Working with Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Archaeologists, we aim to provide thousands of people with the opportunity to engage through delivering three years of activities, events and training sessions. The project is exploring the natural and human heritage of the site and providing an insight into the way in which natural materials, which are still produced on our nature reserves today, were used by people that have inhabited the Trent Valley over the centuries.

This post will be based at The Old Ragged School in Nottingham and will involve mostly working at Skylarks Nature Reserve, West Bridgford.

3. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

a)  Community Engagement

i)  To work closely with the Community Engagement Officer and Young Persons Engagement Officer as well as the Skylarks project team to develop and deliver engagement initiatives at Skylarks Nature Reserve and in the wider communities of Rushcliffe and Nottingham City.

ii)  Organising inspirational events and activities for young people and community groups.

iii)  Leading in elements of development and delivery in areas such as creation and implementation of education resources or community events

b)  PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

i)  Maintaining accurate computer and paper records of work activities including data capture, session plans and survey forms.

ii)  To comply with all Health and Safety and other procedures implemented by the Trust.

c)  OTHER ACTIVITY

i)  Where required assisting the Skylarks Trainee with practical habitat management and site maintenance at Skylarks Nature Reserve.

ii)  Where required there will be the potential to work with Notts County Council Community Archaeology team helping to deliver a program of experimental activities.

iii)  To assist in the preparation and writing of site and task risk assessments.

Working closely with the Skylarks project team, other volunteers and local community groups and schools, the post-holder has responsibility for aiding in and learning about the effective planning and implementation of project delivery for the HLF Skylarks “Not a Blott on the Landscape.

Some unsociable hours will be required in the evenings and weekends to ensure the effective implementation of this post.

This post is subject to reference checks as it will involve working with children and vulnerable adults.

A full driving licence is desirable as the post-holder will often need to travel within the city and other nature reserves.

The post may include periods of work with other members of staff if the necessity arises, such as the Conservation or Communications team. 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 the Skylarks Project team/ Community engagement officer.

All volunteers are required to abide by organisational policies and procedures and to contribute to the smooth administration of the office.

ROLE TITLE - VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT

FUNCTION - EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY

This section details the experience, skills, knowledge and personal qualities required for the post. Essential marked (E). Desirable marked (D).

Area A EXPERIENCE

Experience of working with a range of people from different ages and backgrounds (E).

Experience in encouraging people to make the most of their local green space (D).

Experience in developing engagement activities for community groups and schools (D)

Area B KNOWLEDGE

A basic knowledge of and interest in wildlife and environmental issues (E)

Clean driving licence. (E)

An understanding of the issues involved in working with young people and different groups including Health and Safety (D)

Area C SKILLS

Efficient administration and organisation skills (E)

Ability to work independently and as part of a team (E)

Experience of communicating with people at all levels, good presentation skills (D)

A Professional approach to working with young people, volunteers and the public (D)

First aid certificate. (D)

Area D PERSONAL QUALITIES

High level of enthusiasm, self-motivation, self-discipline and initiative. (E)

Good level of physical fitness. (E)

Commitment to environmental issues. (E)

Willingness to learn. (E)

A communicative and personable manner. (E)

A Creative approach (D)

·  The role will cover many aspects of community engagement (training on this will be provided), with the expectation that the post holder will be leading sessions independently by the end of the placement.

·  This is a diverse opportunity, and will provide experience of working with schools, community groups and young people from many different backgrounds.

·  You will be encouraged to provide ideas for content and promotion of sessions, with the Young Persons Engagement Officer

·  The Skylarks team will support and train volunteers in all relevant aspects of the role. There will also be opportunity to participate in additional training, as part of the Skylarks Heritage Lottery Funded Project, or wider NWT activities.

·  You will be part of a dynamic Skylarks team, and work within the wider Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust as well. You will meet like-minded volunteers and staff members on a frequent basis.

·  You will be involved with working with partnership organisations including Nottinghamshire County Councils Archaeology team, The National Watersports Centre, Nottingham City and Rushcliffe Friends Groups and many community, school, and youth groups.

·  1st Aid training could be provided where appropriate.

·  As part of the education sessions you will learn about Nottinghamshire Wildlife from NWT experts.

This post is for 3 days a week (the days can be flexible depending on the outreach program) and is for 6-12 months.

Please note that for the selection process for this role there is the potential you may be invited to an interview.

At Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust we depend on the invaluable help of our 600 volunteers to achieve our aims to protect and enhance local wildlife and habitats. Volunteering is a rewarding experience; you can develop skills and interests, enhance your CV, meet new people and above all, contribute to the conservation of some of Nottinghamshire's most valuable natural areas.

We aim to encourage people from all walks of life, with a variety of life experiences to come and volunteer and become involved in our work. You can make a difference.