Project Officer Rivers and Coast - The Guardian : Job Details

The National Trust Purbeck team is working closely with local communities and partner organisations to address climate and ecological emergencies. We require a skilled project officer to deliver coastal change and river restoration project works, getting involved in everything from managing contractors, monitoring progress and community engagement. You’ll be a key part of the Purbeck team, working with lots of different roles within the organisation and across the Purbeck and Dorset landscape. 

What it's like to work here

The Purbeck area, famed for its beaches, castle and countryside, is one of the UK’s most biodiverse places and a flagship for landscape scale nature recovery. Working through partnerships as well as our friendly team, you will need a love of the outdoors for this hands-on role. This is an exciting time for nature recovery and working in Purbeck requires energy and commitment, but roles are fun and varied in this unique and special location. For more information about our property please visit purbeck-countryside

What you'll be doing

We are keenly aware of the urgency of reversing the decline in nature, as well as the challenges we face in Purbeck relating to climate change (increasing rainfall, erosion and sea level rise). As a member of the Purbeck Land and Nature team, you will be primarily working on projects to restore river catchments and wetlands. You will deliver Natural Flood Management works across six farmed project sites, including hiring and working with contractors on site, undertaking monitoring and coordinating volunteer involvement. 

You’ll support the Southwest Coast Advisor and the Studland Bay Marine Partnership in managing coastal change and delivering marine conservation projects. There will also be the opportunity to get involved in peatland restoration and beaver reintroduction projects, and the development of future wetland restoration projects.

You’ll coordinate regular collection and management of monitoring data for several projects, to build scientific evidence and to provide factual communication. You will have opportunities to engage and communicate about this work to ensure stakeholder groups are kept up to date and are involved in decision making.

This is a practical role, requiring you to work independently, outdoors in all conditions, in some hard to access places. You will work within the Purbeck Land and Nature Programme, alongside regional consultancy staff and operational project managers, to deliver ongoing areas of work. Support will be available, providing an opportunity to develop within this role. 

Who we're looking for:

• You’ve an understanding of natural processes and climate change affecting our rivers and coast, and you are passionate about nature recovery. 
• You have experience of managing or working on projects.  
• You’re an organised multi-tasker, self-motivated and able to work to tight deadlines without losing an eye for the details. 
• You’re an excellent team player, working alongside colleagues, volunteers and managing external relationships; sharing knowledge and information. 
• You’ll be professional in your approach and an advocate for the National Trust when engaging, influencing and communicating with people of all ages and backgrounds.  
• You have the ability to supervise volunteers and work placements, understanding the approach needed to reward, recognise and motivate. 
• Technology and PC literate, using MS and other software packages.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme 
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places