Parks and Play Development Officer

Parks and Play Development Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
London Borough of Waltham Forest

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of exciting outdoor spaces for the community.
  • Company: Join a dedicated team in Waltham Forest focused on inclusive parks and playgrounds.
  • Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth while balancing work with personal commitments.
  • Why this job: Shape vibrant public spaces that inspire and engage residents of all ages.
  • Qualifications: Degree or vocational qualification in a relevant field and playground inspection experience.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

This is a pivotal role in shaping high-quality, inclusive outdoor spaces across Waltham Forest. As our Parks and Playground Development Officer, you will lead the planning, design and delivery of improvement projects for parks, playgrounds and green spaces, working collaboratively with local communities, contractors and key partners. You'll combine strong project management skills with creative problem‑solving to ensure our public spaces are safe, sustainable and inspiring for residents of all ages. You will also be part of a small, dedicated team responsible for the day‑to‑day infrastructure of our parks and open spaces.

Responsibilities

  • Experience in complex procurement processes and a solid understanding of play design and development.
  • Deliver Green Flag Management Plans, administer event applications and monitor the quality and performance of our parks.
  • Monitor playgrounds – carrying out maintenance, repairs and safety inspections.
  • Apply specific playground safety knowledge and guidance.
  • Deliver a portfolio of capital schemes from inception to completion.
  • Devise and implement management processes for Borough’s premier parks.
  • Write and deliver management plans.
  • Monitor grounds maintenance.
  • Deliver and procure infrastructure improvements and maintenance.
  • Develop and oversee event applications, including processing applications, risk assessments and presenting to the Security Advisory Group (SAG).
  • Monitor budgets for specific sites and/or projects.
  • Generate income for parks through fundraising bids and attract external funding.
  • Raise purchase invoices.

Qualifications

  • Degree or equivalent or vocational qualification in a relevant subject or area.
  • Experience or accreditation as an operational playground inspector to the RPII Standard.
  • Evidence of continuous professional development (required).
  • Full UK driving licence and use of own transport for Council business (required).

Terms and Conditions

  • Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
  • Satisfactory DBS check.
  • Suitable driver’s licence.
  • As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public‑facing roles are able to speak fluent English.

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Where possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual’s personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.

Parks and Play Development Officer employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest

As a Parks and Play Development Officer with Waltham Forest, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the quality of outdoor spaces for the community. The council prioritises employee well-being and offers flexible working arrangements, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. With opportunities for professional development and a commitment to sustainability, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their local area.
London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contact Detail:

London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Parks and Play Development Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the parks and recreation field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your passion for outdoor spaces! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your ideas on improving parks and playgrounds. Let them see your creativity and commitment to making a difference in the community.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in park development and safety standards. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially around project management and community engagement.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Parks and Play Development Officer

Project Management
Creative Problem-Solving
Play Design and Development
Procurement Processes
Playground Safety Knowledge
Maintenance and Repairs
Quality Monitoring
Management Plan Writing
Budget Monitoring
Event Application Processing
Risk Assessment
Fundraising and Income Generation
Communication Skills
Team Collaboration
Continuous Professional Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Parks: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor spaces shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to creating inclusive and inspiring parks and playgrounds.

Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to detail your project management skills and any relevant experience with play design. Use examples from past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully delivered similar projects, as this will really catch our eye!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your understanding of procurement processes and playground safety knowledge, as these are key for us.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest

✨Know Your Parks and Playgrounds

Familiarise yourself with the parks and playgrounds in Waltham Forest. Research recent projects, community feedback, and any ongoing improvements. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you discuss how you can contribute to enhancing these spaces.

✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills

Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you creatively solved them, as this role requires strong project management abilities.

✨Understand Safety Standards

Brush up on playground safety standards and maintenance protocols. Be prepared to discuss your experience with safety inspections and how you ensure compliance with regulations. This knowledge is crucial for the role and will demonstrate your expertise.

✨Engage with Community Collaboration

Think about ways you've worked with communities or stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share your approach to collaboration and how you would engage local residents in the planning and development of parks and playgrounds.

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