Community Engagement Officer - Riverwoods

Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS); London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000

Job description

Full time, fixed term until June 2028

Closing date: Sunday 30 March 2025

Interviews will be held on: We will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis. Please note that the application period may close early if we find the right candidate. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

About us:

For 60 years, the Scottish Wildlife Trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland’s land and seas. The Trust successfully champions the cause of wildlife through policy and campaigning work, demonstrates best practice through practical conservation and innovative partnerships, and inspires people to take positive action through its education and engagement activities. It also manages a network of over 100 wildlife reserves across Scotland and is a member of the UK-wide Wildlife Trusts movement.

The Riverwoods Initiative has a vision of creating a network of thriving riverbank woodlands and healthy river systems across Scotland. ‘Riverwoods: A Blueprint for River Woodland Recovery’ (the Blueprint Project) is a partnership project within the Initiative that will support the realization of the vision. The Blueprint Project is made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players.

The Role:

• Oversee the implementation of the Riverwoods Community Engagement Strategy and work with staff and partners to engage diverse communities and audiences in riparian activity.
• Coordinate and support a programme of engagement and skills-building activities for target communities, including citizen science training programmes, tree planting events, and other events with partners across Scotland.
• Develop four River Trails to encourage people to experience and enjoy river woodlands.
• Develop a Riverwoods educational pack for use by schools and youth groups.
• Support a programme of participatory workshops with communities to co-design a Riverwoods Blueprint for community engagement.

The candidate will ideally have:

• Ability to engage with and enthuse community leaders.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Previous success engaging with communities and individuals of diverse backgrounds, including disadvantaged and/or minority audiences.
• Experience leading a strategic programme of community outreach events and activities.
• Experience of engaging communities with nature, especially riparian and river systems.
• Experience of partnership working with key stakeholders.

What we offer:

• Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work & Pension schemes.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• One Wellness Hour per week.
• Enhanced Pension rate upon completion of probation.
• Sick Pay Allowance.
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity Leave.
• Training and Development.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and an inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Scottish Wildlife Trust
Harbourside House
110 Commercial Street
Edinburgh
EH6 6NF