Community Development Officer - Mourne Park

The successful candidate will undertake the successful delivery of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project. The Community Development Officer will work closely with the Project Manager, Conservation Officer and the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Team in order to achieve this. The Community Development Officer will report to the Project Manager.

The Role

• To have diversity and inclusion at the heart of engagement at Mourne Park, to learn from new audiences and inform the project team of improvements to activities across the project as a whole.
• To achieve the targets agreed with the Project Manager, based on targets set within the project programme of works.
• To develop and deliver a volunteer programme that will engage communities in practical biodiversity and environmental projects and programmes of work.
• To develop and deliver an extensive training programme in heritage and conservation skills for volunteers and public events.
• To develop and deliver a community engagement programme which will engage local people in the history of Mourne Park, biodiversity and environmental practical programmes of work.
• To resource, develop and deliver a calendar of environmental events/activities to promote heritage and biodiversity within Mourne Park through developing close working arrangements with other relevant bodies.
• To work with all relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate programmes and activities, including youth groups, schools and other educators in building heritage and biodiversity awareness and participation.
• To ensure that all programmes and activities are compliant with child welfare and safety practices.
• To undertake site specific Risk Assessments for all activities/events to ensure compliance in line with Health & Safety practices.
• To actively engage partners, interested organisations and local people to secure consensus, community ownership and involvement in the delivery of the project.
• Carry out data collection, surveys, research, appraisals and information gathering, producing monitoring reports as required.
• To assist the Project Manager to compile reports and claims and support the Conservation Officer with practical activities (recording, conservation works etc.) as required.

The Candidate

• You’ll have experience delivering projects, along with extensive experience of complex, multi-disciplinary projects bringing together a variety of skills from both within and outside the organisation to plan, monitor and deliver projects on time and to budget.
• You’ll be experienced in Environmental Education (especially woodlands and rivers), including experience of volunteer and community engagement.
• You will have experience developing and delivering training programmes (preferably including accredited training through a recognised body) directly and/or through procured providers in environmental or countryside skills.
• You will have experience working with, developing and managing land management and owning partners.
• You will have previous experience in roles involving public facing communications, including public consultation, media work, lobbying and event management.
• You’ll be experienced in delivering community led projects and activity plans (Heritage Fund or other) and the creation and management of volunteer groups e.g. “Friends of Groups”.
• You will be qualified to HND/Degree level in environmental/heritage related, community development, volunteer management and project delivery or related field is desirable.
• A full driving licence and ability to undertake travel across a wide area. Overnight stays may be required.
• Successful candidates will be subject to Right to work check, standard reference check/enhanced reference check, as well as an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits & Wellbeing

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers; we do not ask for your CV at application stage OR so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI): We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications—for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams w/c 23/2/36.