At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire volunteers to maintain beautiful parks and open spaces.
- Company: Dover District Council, committed to first-class public services and community engagement.
- Benefits: Generous leave, healthcare membership, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while enjoying stunning natural landscapes.
- Qualifications: Experience with volunteers and horticultural knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. The Dover District covers approximately 121 square miles and is steeped in history, with wonderful coastline and countryside, lush valleys and beautiful parks and gardens, including the Green Flag Awarded Kearsney Parks, which encompasses a Grade II Thomas Mawson formal gardens. This makes Dover such an attractive place to live and work.
With amazing natural landscapes, parks and gardens, we’re looking for an enthusiastic Open Spaces Officer to join the Parks and Open Spaces Team.
The Role & Responsibilities:
- You will lead on motivating and engaging an established group of volunteers who maintain Council owned open spaces.
- You will seek opportunities to grow volunteer activity, lead on horticultural tasks, and support wider Council events and activities at Council parks and open spaces.
- You will also work closely with the Principal Open Spaces Officer to develop and deliver wider open space strategic objectives through data collection and liaising with local stakeholders.
Who We Are Looking For:
- You must have experience of working with volunteers.
- You must have experience of working in a similar role for at least a year.
- We are looking for somebody with a good breadth of horticultural knowledge, and with strong communication skills for dealing with people at all levels.
- A valid UK driving license and access to a car is required for this role.
What Can We Offer?
- We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in.
- We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:
- Generous annual leave provision
- Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme
- Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre, days out and entertainment
- On-site parking (site dependent)
- Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
- Cycle 2 Work scheme
The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.
What Next?
If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Grace Dennis (Principal Open Spaces Officer) at grace.dennis@dover.gov.uk. Interviews to be held on week commencing 9th March 2026 TBC.
Open Spaces Officer in Dover employer: Dover District Council
Contact Detail:
Dover District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Spaces Officer in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Dover District Council and the Parks and Open Spaces Team. Understanding their projects and values will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your volunteer experience! Since this role involves working with volunteers, be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated and engaged them in the past. We want to see your passion for community involvement!
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge! Make sure you can discuss various plants, gardening techniques, and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just a people person but also a plant person!
✨Tip Number 4
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 our friendly and supportive environment at Dover District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Open Spaces Officer in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Open Spaces: Let us see your enthusiasm for parks and gardens! Share any personal experiences or projects you've been involved in that highlight your love for open spaces. This will help us connect with your application.
Highlight Your Volunteer Experience: Since we’re looking for someone with experience working with volunteers, make sure to detail your past roles. Talk about how you motivated and engaged volunteers, as this is key to the role!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dover District Council
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and how they relate to maintaining open spaces. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Engage with Volunteer Experience
Prepare examples of your experience working with volunteers. Think about how you motivated them and any successful projects you led. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to foster community engagement.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you would explain complex ideas to different stakeholders, as this will be crucial in your interactions.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for the Role
Let your passion for parks and open spaces shine through during the interview. Share why you want to work for Dover District Council specifically and how you can contribute to their mission of providing first-class public services.