Volunteer Officer (Richmond Park & Bushy Park)

The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity that manages over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

We are now looking for a Volunteer Officer to join us on a 12-month fixed term contract, working 36 hours per week including minimum of 1 weekend per month. Please note this role will require the delivery of 3-4 sessions per week on-site at both Richmond and Bushy Park. You will be expected to travel between the two sites.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Volunteer Officer with experience in leading and training conservation volunteers to join us, in some of the most stunning green spaces in London.

We are committed to tackling the increasing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, and this role will be vital in achieving this. You will be working in some of the best green spaces that London has to offer visitors alongside a passionate and friendly team of staff and volunteers.

The Role

As a Volunteer Officer, your main focus will be to manage volunteers to carry out important habitat management tasks at regular conservation group sessions and develop one-off flexible volunteering opportunities. This role is varied and will see the successful applicant working primarily in the Richmond and Bushy Park, but with work in all of the parks when support is required.

This role involves a lot of in park time, working with and supporting volunteers on the ground in physical conservation work. The ideal applicant will be friendly, open, enjoy spending time outdoors and have experience working with and managing volunteers, in a hands-on conservation or park setting.

This role will also be responsible for the line management of the Volunteer Assistant role. You will support their development and training. The Volunteer Assistant role is a funded entry level role, which works to support you across activities in Richmond Park and already has a staff member in place.

You will champion volunteering best practice, inclusivity and diversity across the organisation, develop volunteer resources and ensure the appropriate support and training is in place for volunteers, partners and the staff who manage volunteers.

Additionally, you will:

• Work with the Volunteer and Programmes Manager to plan, develop, deliver and evaluate other volunteer projects and programmes
• Write volunteer role descriptions, work plans, policies and robust risk assessments
• Ensure appropriate and accurate data on volunteers and associated activities are recorded
• Be aware of safeguarding children and adults at risk, and follow guidelines at all times

About You

To join us as a Volunteer Officer, you will need:

• Proven experience of working with, managing, and training volunteers, especially conservation volunteers. With a strong knowledge of safe use and maintenance of all hand tools.
• In depth knowledge and practical skills in conservation, park, horticulture or nature reserve management
• Awareness of equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding
• Excellent people skills including team working, negotiating, problem solving and the ability to be calm and decisive in challenging situations
• Excellent operational use of Microsoft Office, CRM systems and other IT solutions to support the planning, delivery and evaluation of the volunteer programme.
• Commitment to The Royal Parks’ values of being responsible, excellent, inclusive, open and respectful, and a commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive teams
• A flexible approach to work including significant evening and weekend working.
• A valid and current clean UK driving licence is essential.

A First Aid Certificate would also be desirable

The Benefits

• Salary £34,743 - £37,500 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays
• Hybrid/ agile working options available
• Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
• Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
• Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
• Learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Offices in a beautiful location

Safeguarding Notice

The Royal Parks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk from harm, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and follow the organisation’s policies and procedures. The Royal Parks provides an awareness training programme on Safeguarding for all staff, and further in-depth training for those working with children, young people or adults who may be at risk of harm.