Natural Environment Officer ( Communities ) in Plymouth

Natural Environment Officers (2 positions) – Natural Environment Service, Communities Team

Green Communities is an exciting partnership project, connecting people and wildlife across Devonport, Central Park, Keyham and the west of Plymouth. Each Nature Neighbourhood is supported by a team consisting of a National Trust Urban Ranger and a Plymouth City Council Natural Environment Officer. These teams work alongside local residents, schools, community groups, businesses, and social enterprises to improve local green spaces and create thriving communities for both people and wildlife.

We are looking for 2 enthusiastic and motivated people to help deliver this ambitious programme and inspire local communities to become active, empowered custodians of their neighbourhood green spaces.

• Build local capacity to deliver improvements that benefit both people and wildlife, including rewilding, habitat restoration, access improvements and interpretation.
• Identify, support and connect existing environmental and community‑led initiatives.
• Develop and deliver nature‑based projects with local people, schools, children and young people, social enterprises, and community organisations.
• Promote nature connection as a tool for improving health and wellbeing.
• Support volunteering, work placements, traineeships and apprenticeship opportunities that develop environmental skills and awareness.
• Increase community participation in ecological monitoring and citizen science projects.
• Help develop a co‑design and co‑stewardship approach to Local Nature Recovery across the city.

• Engage and Empower Communities: Encourage and support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to become more involved with nature. Help shape and deliver nature‑based initiatives within neighbourhoods. Connect with other environmental and community projects across Plymouth to share learning and build networks.
• Deliver Innovative Nature‑Based Projects: Design and deliver an engaging programme of inclusive events, activities, outreach and citizen science opportunities. Develop projects that improve biodiversity while enhancing community wellbeing. Explore new approaches and test innovative ideas that increase participation and impact. Work collaboratively to overcome barriers and find practical solutions.
• Inspire and Communicate: Act as an ambassador for Plymouth's nature spaces and the Green Communities programme. Build strong relationships across communities and partner organisations. Develop and deliver communication plans, sharing stories, successes and opportunities through social media and other platforms. Confidently engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and audiences.
• Coordinate, Monitor and Evaluate: Manage and support project delivery from planning through to evaluation. Contribute to meeting minutes, shared spreadsheets and online forms. Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for partners and funders. Attend meetings and coordinate activities with a range of stakeholders. Lead, motivate and inspire volunteers and community groups.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Community‑Focused: passionate about people and place, empowering communities to take action for nature and supporting meaningful local involvement.
• Solution‑Oriented: enthusiastic about creating opportunities for people and wildlife, enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders to find creative ways to overcome challenges.
• An Excellent Communicator: confidently engages with diverse audiences, builds positive relationships, and inspires others through passion for the natural environment.
• Organised and Motivated: flexible and resilient, able to work on multiple community‑focused projects simultaneously.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an innovative partnership between Plymouth City Council and the National Trust, helping to shape the future of nature recovery and community engagement across Plymouth. You'll be part of Plymouth City Council’s ambitious Natural Environment Service, which brings together groundbreaking work across Communities, Trees, Marine, Nature Recovery and Environmental Operations. Plymouth is nationally recognised as a Nature City, with a strong track record of innovation across climate, nature, people and place.

• Disclosure & Barring Service Check: Children's & Adult's DBS Check.
• Working arrangements: Flexible employer; various working arrangements available.
• Equality & Diversity: Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. We offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.
• Not eligible for visa sponsorship. Only applicants with existing right to work in the UK will be considered.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity or have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Liz Cole, Natural Environment Manager (Communities).

Closing Date: Sunday 2 August

Expected interview dates: Wednesday 12th August 2026