At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and create memorable experiences in East Devon's beautiful countryside.
- Company: Join the award-winning Countryside Team at East Devon District Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in local government and environmental engagement.
- Why this job: Shape exciting events and initiatives that connect people with nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement, event management, or volunteer coordination.
£32,597 to £35,412 per annum pro rata
Mobile throughout East Devon
3 Days pw, fixed term – 12 month Maternity Cover
Inspire People. Connect Communities. Champion Nature.
Are you passionate about helping people connect with the natural environment? Do you thrive on bringing ideas to life, engaging communities and creating memorable experiences? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity to join East Devon District Council's ambitious and award-winning Countryside Team.
As our Engagement and Participation Officer, you will play a vital role in connecting people with East Devon's outstanding countryside and nature reserves. Working alongside volunteers, rangers, local communities and partner organisations, you will help shape and deliver an exciting programme of events, activities and engagement initiatives that inspire people to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world.
This is a varied, rewarding and highly visible role where no two days are the same. You could be coordinating volunteers, leading community events, developing new engagement opportunities, promoting activities through digital and traditional media, or identifying innovative fundraising opportunities to support our work. Your creativity, enthusiasm and ability to motivate others will help ensure visitors have meaningful and memorable experiences across our countryside sites.
We're looking for someone with experience in community engagement, event management, volunteer coordination or a similar field. You'll be an excellent communicator, highly organised and confident building relationships with people from all backgrounds. Most importantly, you'll share our passion for people, place and nature, and be committed to making a positive difference.
Why Join Us?
This role offers an excellent opportunity to broaden your experience across engagement, participation, conservation, visitor experience, project delivery, marketing and partnership working. You'll be encouraged to bring forward new ideas, lead initiatives and develop innovative ways of engaging communities with nature. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise or take the next step in your career, you'll gain valuable experience working with a wide range of stakeholders while contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on both people and the environment.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone seeking to grow their career within local government, community development, environmental engagement or the conservation sector. Join us and help make East Devon's wonderful countryside accessible, welcoming and inspiring for everyone.
For more information about the exciting work of the team please visit www.wildeastdevon.co.uk or follow us on social media @wildeastdevon
Closing date: 30 August 2026
Engagement and Participation Officer employer: EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
East Devon District Council offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in the public sector. With a focus on employee growth and development, this role provides opportunities to enhance your HR skills while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid and part-time working arrangements. Join a team dedicated to serving the community in Honiton, where your contributions will make a real difference.
Contact Details:
EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engagement and Participation Officer
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Engagement and Participation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show EAST DEVON DISTRICT COUNCIL that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
