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- Tasks: Lead community projects and support diverse groups in accessing nature.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to community development and environmental wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and impactful work until November 2027.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering communities and promoting outdoor activities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community development and working with diverse groups is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30833 - 30833 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.
Your lead projects will include:
- Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
- Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
- Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
- Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027
Alongside the team, you'll:
- Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
- Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
- Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
- Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
- Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
- Represent AirS at events and through social media
- Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects
About You
Essential:
- Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
- Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
- Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
- Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
- Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
- Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
- Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
- Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
- Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
- Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
- Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities
Desirable:
- Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
- Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
- Experience of line management or team leadership
- Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
- Experience using social media to promote projects
Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working
Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given)
Salary: £30,833 pro rata
Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027
Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution
AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.
Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker employer: Action in rural Sussex
Contact Detail:
Action in rural Sussex Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community you're applying to work with! Research Lost Woods and its projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you connect on a personal level during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Lost Woods on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in action! If you have any relevant projects or experiences, prepare to discuss them in detail. Use examples that highlight your community development work and how you've overcome barriers in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lost Woods team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lost Woods Senior Community Development Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in community development and asset-based approaches. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Passion for Nature: Since this role is all about connecting communities with nature, let your love for the outdoors shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to promoting wellbeing through nature.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Bullet points can help us quickly see what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action in rural Sussex
✨Know Your ABCD
Make sure you understand the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach inside out. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles and how it can benefit the Lost Woods projects. Bring examples of how you've engaged communities and helped them overcome barriers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience with nature-based activities and working with diverse groups. Highlight specific projects where you've made a difference, especially those involving vulnerable populations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with the community and lead initiatives effectively.
✨Data Matters
Since the role involves collecting and evaluating data, be prepared to discuss your experience with monitoring outcomes and writing reports. Bring examples of how you've used data to inform decisions or improve projects. This shows you're not just about action but also about results.
✨Engage and Inspire
Your interpersonal skills are crucial for this role. Think of ways you've motivated volunteers or influenced stakeholders in the past. During the interview, show your enthusiasm for engaging communities and share strategies you've used to inspire others to get involved in woodland activities.