Open Country is an inspirational Yorkshire-based charity with Hubs in Wakefield and Harrogate. We seek to enable people with any form of disability to access and enjoy the countryside. We achieve this through a diverse programme of countryside activities and the provision of information and advice.

Following a recent successful bid to the National Lottery, we wish to develop our Wakefield offer. You would be working at the heart of this dynamic charity, within a small, professional and above all, friendly team. 

There will be certain events or activities which will require you to work at weekends or evenings. A full driving licence is essential.

The successful candidate will ideally have previous countryside experience, but we will also consider candidates who can demonstrate that they have transferable skills from other sectors. They should be self-reliant, resilient and have excellent verbal, written, social media and people skills.

The successful applicant will continue the work of our Wakefield countryside activities programme. You must be a team player with a great capacity for personal creativity and flair. You would have responsibility for developing our walking, conservation and weekend outings activities in Wakefield, including volunteer management on the activities, plus vehicle management. The role is mostly hands-on-get-stuck-in activity delivery with weekly time to allow for project development and admin. You will work alongside adults with all sorts of disabilities. You will be out in all weathers, in all manner of countryside settings. There would normally be a need to work two weekends each month, plus some evening work. We can (we hope!) guarantee you will find the work fun, respected and rewarding.

JOB PROFILE: Wild about Wakefield Countryside Activities Officer  (full-time)

JOB PURPOSE: To help maintain and extend the Open Country countryside activities programme in Wakefield.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Wild about Wakefield Project Officer and Chief Officer (also Open Country Trustees)

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Promote the work of our ever-growing Wakefield activities, including co-ordinating the volunteers for your activity group sessions.
2. Co-ordinate and lead a weekly Wakefield Walking Group.
3. Co-ordinate and lead the Weekend Outings Group.
4. Co-ordinate and lead the Wild Things Group, carry out nature conservation tasks and wildlife study at our base at Thornes Park, and occasional trips further afield.
5. Maintain the Wakefield-based minibuses and trailer in good condition.
6. Provide occasional staff cover for our other weekly Wakefield activity groups, including the Tandem Clubs and Nature Force Group.
7. Undertake training as required, such as MiDAS, Safeguarding and First Aid.
8. Undertake whatever duties are allocated by the Wakefield Project Officer and Trustees, to ensure that Open Country offers a high quality and caring service at all times. This may include providing staff cover for holidays and illness.
9. Abide by all our policies, paying particular attention to Health & Safety.

Successful candidates will receive a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

To apply, email [email protected] for an application pack. For further details, you can also email Ella Dixon, Project Officer, at the same email address or ring on 07426 716677.