At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects to create a biodiverse community park with natural swimming ponds.
- Company: Join East London Waterworks Park, a volunteer-led charity transforming urban spaces.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and contribute to sustainable community development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local green spaces while collaborating with diverse community voices.
- Qualifications: Passion for environmental issues, community building, and collaborative decision-making required.
- Other info: Meet fortnightly on Zoom; flexible remote tasks available.
East London Waterworks Park is looking for community developers to lead projects in creating our community-owned park.
What difference will you make?
You will have a significant impact on the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. By leading research projects that explore how diverse professionals (architects, ecologists, inclusivity researchers, and more) collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that truly reflects the needs and desires of the local community. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
What are we looking for?
- Community Ownership & Governance - Ability to research & analyse successful models of community land ownership & governance globally. Experience in identifying & learning from best practices in community-led land stewardship. Understanding of legal & financial implications of different ownership models. Ability to advise on & implement governance structures that ensure community control & minimise individual risk. Experience with community land trusts & collective land ownership legal structures.
- Collaborative Decision Making - Proven experience in facilitating participatory decision-making processes. Excellent communication & interpersonal skills to engage diverse community voices effectively. Ability to translate complex information into accessible formats for community members. Familiarity with online platforms & tools for collaborative decision-making. Ability to leverage technology to increase community engagement & access to information. Experience with participatory grantmaking models & understanding of best practices in inclusive & equitable decision-making.
- Community Building - Proven experience in recruiting, training, & retaining volunteers for community projects. Understanding of volunteer motivation & best practices for creating meaningful & rewarding volunteer experiences. Ability to build strong relationships with volunteers & foster a sense of community within the volunteer team. Experience in building strong relationships with community members & understanding their needs & priorities. Experience in organising & facilitating community events & activities.
- Environmental & Community Development - Deep understanding of environmental issues & commitment to creating sustainable & resilient community spaces. Knowledge of ecological principles, biodiversity, & green infrastructure. Genuine interest in community development & desire to contribute to equitable & inclusive public spaces.
What will you be doing?
East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that won a 2024 New London Architecture award and has raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. We are looking for community developers to participate in our community-led working group who are growing support of the project. There is opportunity to lead on projects exploring how architects, ecologists, community researchers, political campaigners, fundraisers and communications professions come together to create community infrastructure in new green and blue spaces. The Governance Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Thursday evening on Zoom and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.
Volunteer Environmental community developers for creating new green and blue community spaces |[...] employer: East London Waterworks Park
Contact Detail:
East London Waterworks Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Environmental community developers for creating new green and blue community spaces |[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Get involved in local community projects or environmental initiatives before applying. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your understanding of community development but also demonstrate your commitment to the cause, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of community development and environmental sustainability. Attend local events, workshops, or online webinars to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights that could be beneficial during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and priorities of the East London community. Understanding local issues and how they relate to environmental development will help you tailor your approach and show that you are genuinely invested in the community's well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the East London Waterworks Park's existing volunteers and staff through social media or community forums. Building relationships with current team members can provide you with insider knowledge about the role and the organisation, which can be invaluable during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Environmental community developers for creating new green and blue community spaces |[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp what East London Waterworks Park is looking for in a Volunteer Environmental Community Developer. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in community development, environmental issues, and volunteer management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for community-led projects and environmental sustainability. Explain why you want to be part of this initiative and how your background aligns with their mission.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous volunteer work or community projects you've been involved in. Detail your role, contributions, and the impact of your efforts on the community.
How to prepare for a job interview at East London Waterworks Park
✨Show Your Passion for Community Development
Make sure to express your genuine interest in community development and environmental issues. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to creating sustainable spaces.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working with diverse groups, emphasise your experience in facilitating participatory decision-making processes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged different community voices in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Research Abilities
Prepare to talk about your research skills, especially in relation to community land ownership and governance models. Mention any specific examples where you've identified best practices or learned from successful community-led initiatives.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Volunteer Engagement
Discuss your experience in recruiting and retaining volunteers. Share strategies you've used to motivate volunteers and create meaningful experiences, as this will be crucial for building a strong volunteer team.