At a Glance
- Tasks: Support conservation management and engage with local communities on exciting countryside projects.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a people-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and the chance to work outdoors.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact on local wildlife and community engagement while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in conservation management and relevant certifications required.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
Fixed term/secondment opportunity for up to 8 months due to funding.
Salary: Band 7 - £32,061 to £36,363 per annum (£20,796 - £23,586 for 24 hours per week)
24 hours per week - 3 days per week - to be discussed at interview. Will be working on site at Fort Widley. Standard office hours apply, with occasional evening and weekend working when required for events such as evening talks.
Your new role:
Reporting to the Countryside Officer, the Assistant Countryside Officer provides support to assist with the conservation management of Portsdown Hill SSSI and adjacent sites. The role involves carrying out practical countryside management tasks, including fencing, tree felling, grassland management, waste removal etc. It also includes basic maintenance of vehicles, ensuring tools and equipment work, surveying and recording wildlife and monitoring livestock. You will also support volunteer programmes through training and ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
The postholder will supervise contractors and complete associated documentation, undertake administrative duties, lead walks, events and talks, and engage with local communities and interest groups. You will work closely with the wider countryside team and external partners to coordinate site management activities. You will deputise for the Countryside Officer when required and work independently in accordance with health and safety policies and risk assessments.
Who is the person summary:
With experience of working in practical conservation management, you will have a good general education or be actively studying towards a relevant degree. You will need a certification in chainsaw use, scrub cutter, tractor driving, pesticide application and first aid. With a familiarity with wildlife legislation, you will have experience of surveying, recording and mapping wildlife with the ability to identify key characteristics. You will be proficient in the use of IT and data collection, GPS/GIS mapping and using wildlife monitoring tools. An effective communicator, you will be a problem solver with the ability to work alone and manage competing priorities. Experience of leading and managing volunteers as well as holding a current driving licence and a tractor driving certificate as you will be required to drive various vehicles and will be moving equipment across the site.
About Portsmouth City Council:
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR):
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire. We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority. This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
Additional Information:
Will be working on site at Fort Widley. Standard office hours apply, with occasional evening and weekend working when required for events such as evening talks. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process:
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
Assistant Countryside Officer employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Countryside Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Portsmouth City Council through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Countryside Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Portsmouth City Council. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Portsmouth City Council. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
