At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Cannock Chase Country Park, ensuring safety and leading conservation projects.
- Company: Join Staffordshire County Council, a community-focused organisation with a passion for nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and great work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in preserving wildlife and history while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Degree in countryside management and practical site management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join the team managing Cannock Chase Country Park. Staffordshire County Council look after 1,300ha of heath and woodland on Cannock Chase. Most of this land is designated SSSI and SAC and is in a Higher-Level Stewardship Agreement. A wealth of wildlife lives here including nightjars, small pearl bordered fritillaries, Welsh clearwing, adders, woodlarks and 8 bat species to name a few. There is fascinating history connected to the site including remains of vast WW1 training camps. Millions of visitors enjoy spending leisure time here and a small herd of cows join us each summer.
Main Responsibilities
- The Countryside Officer role is responsible for a wide variety of tasks to manage the site.
- Countryside Officers lead on projects, including parts of the Stewardship Scheme delivery to move the site back into Favourable condition.
- Ensuring the site is in safe condition for visitors through site checks and ensuring remedial work is completed.
- Achieving these work areas is carried out by a mixture of hands-on work, leading volunteers and contractor management.
- No two days are the same in this role. One day you will be removing dangerous trees, the next managing contractors, applying for SSSI assent or running a volunteer work party. All this alongside site checks and repairs.
This role is full time, 8am-4pm, Tuesday - Saturday. Occasional flexibility to work outside of these hours is required and will be arranged in advance.
The Ideal Candidate
- Degree or equivalent in countryside management or appropriate discipline.
- At least two (four desirable) of the following and knowledge of others (essential): NPTC Level 2 qualifications in chainsaw use & maintenance; strimming; mowing (pedestrian); brush cutters and trimmers; pesticides / spraying; off road driving; winching; tree safety management; ATV handling; digger driving; use of trailers; tractor driving and related operations; tractor mounted mowers; topper (rotary and flail); firearms licence; protected species licences; level 1 deer management qualification.
- Sound understanding and experience of countryside management policy and practice and managing public sites.
- Significant experience of practical site management and safe use of tools and equipment.
- Knowledge and experience of surveys and conservation requirements of key species and habitats and general management of historic features.
- Current driving licence (Manual) and ability to drive off-road vehicles.
- Physical fitness including ability to walk reasonable distances and undertake physical work outdoors in all weathers.
- Knowledge and experience of health and safety management, inspection procedures, emergency procedures and risk assessment.
Interviews are expected to be held in person on-site, Tuesday 27th October.
Countryside Officer in Cannock employer: WMJobs
Worcestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for Social Workers in the picturesque Malvern Hills area. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are recognised and where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Countryside Officer in Cannock
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
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✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
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Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
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We think you need these skills to ace Countryside Officer in Cannock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at WMJobs.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. WMJobs will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Countryside Officer at WMJobs. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at WMJobs, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show WMJobs that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
