Volunteer Development Officer in Bishop Auckland

We are seeking to appoint a Volunteer Development Officer to join our busy North Pennines National Landscape team for 22 hours per week, initially on a temporary basis until 30 September 2027. We are looking for someone who will work with colleagues and partners to provide excellent support for our volunteers. We provide a range of volunteer opportunities across the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. The focus of the role will be centred on providing opportunities for people to engage with the nature and heritage of the North Pennines. The successful candidate will embrace the opportunities of the role to further develop their own skills and knowledge.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

• You will be the main point of contact for North Pennines National Landscape volunteers and volunteer-led community organisations.
• You will lead on volunteer recruitment and induction and will be responsible for the development of systems and standards that maximise volunteering benefits and welfare, optimising a positive experience.
• You will engage with local community networks, stakeholders and groups to widen participation and opportunities for volunteering.
• The role will include the need to travel across the North Pennines, and a work mileage payment scheme is included.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• You should be a professional team worker with a ‘can-do’ attitude and be creative, a problem solver and a great communicator.
• You should also be familiar with and accomplished in the range of skills and knowledge required to make a positive contribution to our work, including relevant experience in volunteer support.
• You should be educated to A level minimum 2 passes A-C, or equivalent qualification, or experience or formal training and experience in a relevant area of work over a period of years, or through previous education to graduate level.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

INTERVIEWS

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years' continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.