Enhancing Places, Inspiring Communities (EPIC) Project – Project Officer (Heritage Lottery Funded)

Full or Part Time position with a Fixed Term Contract until September 2021.

This position could suit people from a background in ecology, project delivery or community engagement, or candidates looking to develop a career in project management.

The Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust is looking for an enthusiastic, organised and dynamic person to assist in the delivery of a programme of activities, events and ecological monitoring developed as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Enhancing Places, Inspiring Communities project (EPIC).

The project aims to re-route the course of the Broadwater Brook, at Sompting, West Sussex, from its underground, piped course, to a new open channel across existing farmland, facilitating public access to the site for the first time along a new river trail. In addition, we are seeking to increase awareness of the unique and fascinating natural and cultural heritage of the area and its long association with water. The project aims to work with all sectors of the community to inspire long term guardianship of this valuable greenspace on the urban fringe of the Sussex coast. The successful applicant will be involved with all aspects of the project including delivery of the capital works, working with, and training, volunteers to undertake habitat enhancements and ecological monitoring on the site, co-ordinating events and activities for the community and supporting local groups in their delivery of certain elements. The successful candidate will be prepared to adopt a flexible working approach as some evening/ weekend/bank holiday working will be required , in return for time off in lieu.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a flagship project in the South East that is delivering a major capital works scheme as well as a whole range of smaller projects, training and learning opportunities. The post holder will work closely with the Project Manager and Project Volunteer and Engagement Officer to develop an active group of volunteers who participate in all aspects of the project with the aim of establishing a sustainable post-project legacy.

Main responsibilities:

• Assist with the co-ordination of a programme of ecological monitoring and training to include mammals, bats, reptiles, amphibians, birds, vegetation and selected invertebrate species.
• Support the Project Manager in indentifying and applying for additional funding streams to support the aims and objectives of the project.
• To organise practical works in a manner suitable for volunteer participation, including riparian and in-channel habitat creation and tree and hedgerow planting.
• Work with the Volunteer and Engagement Officer to co-ordinate a programme of community engagement activities to meet the aims and objectives of the project.
• Create risk assessments for activities, events and monitoring
• Collate information and feedback in line with the project Evaluation and Monitoring Strategy.
• Attendance and reporting at staff and Project Board meetings
• Liaison with consultants, contractors, partners and stakeholders as required ensuring the successful delivery of the project vision, aims and objectives.

Other Responsibilities

• Promote the vision and work of the EPIC Project, recognising and acknowledging the role of the project partners and funders.
• Ensure a high level of professionalism in all dealings with the public and local community
• Ensure continuous development of skills and knowledge required for the post, undergoing training as required for the position.
• Work with the Project Manager to manage implementation and administration of the project.
• Comply with all legal and contractual obligations of coordinating a team of volunteers
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post, as requested by the Project Manager or Project Board

Please send an up to date CV and covering letter detailing your preference as to a full time or part time position to epic@oart.org.uk, marked for the attention of Peter King, by 17:00 on the 22nd February. Interviews will be conducted w/c 4th March 2019.

A job description can be downloaded below.