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- Tasks: Lead a community project focused on river health and engage volunteers in citizen science.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading global university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Degree level education or significant relevant experience in project management and community engagement.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for career progression and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35608 £ per year.
Position Details
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Part Time (22.5 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to 2 years from start date (expected March-April 2026)
Closing date: 14th January 2026
UK travel may be required for this role
Our offer to you
People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector‑leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.
Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme.
Role Summary
The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and delivering the new Rugby River Champions citizen science initiative – a community‑based project focused on river health monitoring. They will support volunteer networks, provide training and resources, develop communications, and glean community feedback to enhance participation and impact. The volunteer engagement officer will be expected to display strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise, and deliver activities, while also representing the project within the University of Birmingham and Rugby Borough Council.
Main Duties
- Identifying and connecting with potential volunteer networks across the Rugby area.
- Deliver training on ecological and water chemistry citizen science techniques related to river health monitoring.
- Supporting volunteers in their monitoring activities via field supervision and email communications.
- Communicate project developments and volunteer achievements via different social media platforms.
- Gathering volunteer perceptions and feedback via basic social science research.
Project Reporting and Delivery
- Determine short term priorities for own work, ensuring you maximise quality, efficiency and continuity.
- Supporting the analysis of citizen science outputs and research by preparing spreadsheets and calculating basic statistics.
- Preparing progress reports for project leads or other meetings.
- Disseminating project updates to volunteers via newsletters and community events.
- Act as main point of contact for project related procurement, contracts and invoicing.
Project Management and Administration
- Monitor progress on volunteer numbers and fulfilment, identifying potential issues, and recommending improvements to processes.
- Support budgetary monitoring and management, including reporting.
- Assessing and escalating issues and risks with project managers as appropriate.
Other responsibilities
- Assist with stakeholder management, developing and maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements.
- Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications).
- Significant practical experience in a project management and/or administrative role(s).
- Experience working with community groups, volunteers, or citizen science initiatives.
- Experience in project coordination, including administration, scheduling, and resource management.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage and motivate volunteers.
- Highly proficient IT skills, including the wider MS Office suite of programmes including Excel and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions when supporting volunteer field activities.
- A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility, and a self‑motivating approach.
Informal enquiries to James White, email: j.c.white.1@bham.ac.uk
Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...] employer: The University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
The University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the University of Birmingham and its values. When you’re networking or chatting with potential colleagues, drop in some knowledge about their projects or initiatives. It shows you’re genuinely interested and can help you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up! Reach out to people in the field, especially those involved in community projects like Rugby River Champions. A friendly email or a quick chat can open doors that aren’t even on the radar yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills in real-time! If you get the chance to volunteer or attend events related to river health or community engagement, jump at it. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment and gain hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply through our website, make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experiences. Use specific examples that align with the role of Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer to really make your application shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer (Rugby River Champions) - School of Geography, Earth a[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the role and how you communicate. Avoid using too much AI; we’re looking for your unique voice.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Show us how your background fits with the Project and Volunteer Engagement Officer role!
Showcase Your Passion: We love seeing enthusiasm for community engagement and environmental issues. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to these areas, especially in relation to river health monitoring.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is super important for this role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Rugby River Champions initiative. Understand its goals, the importance of river health monitoring, and how community engagement plays a role. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Engagement Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with volunteers or community groups. Highlight your ability to motivate and train others, as well as any specific techniques you've used to enhance participation. This will demonstrate that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Project Management
Since this role involves project coordination, brush up on your organisational skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed projects in the past, including budgeting, scheduling, and reporting. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your experience with social media and outreach materials. Consider preparing a brief presentation or summary of your relevant work to showcase your communication style during the interview.
