Rhos Pasture Arts and Heritage

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Job description for Community Engagement Officer: Rhos Pasture Arts and Heritage Value Statement: The Trust expects its staff to carry out their duties in a way that consistently exceeds the expectations and regulations of society in matters ethical and environmental. Job Title: Community Engagement Officer: Rhos Pasture Arts and Heritage Responsible to: Rhos Pasture Restoration Project Manager Responsible for: Volunteers working with or for the post holder Job Purpose: To engage people and community organisations and help deliver the Rhos Pasture Restoration Project outcomes with emphasis on arts and heritage. Office base: RWT office in Llandrindod Wells Hours: 22.5 hours per week Evening and weekend work will be required periodically and a time-off-inlieu' system will be used to cover this. Salary: £13,768 (point 21 on RWT salary scale) for 22.5hrs/week. Holiday: 12 days per year plus bank holidays pro rata and the 3 working days between 27th - 31st December. Contract period: April/May 2020 to 31st December 2022, assuming successful completion of a 6-month probation period. This is a Welsh Government Sustainable Management Scheme (SMS) project delivered through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union. Description of the Rhos Pasture Restoration Project Rhos pasture is a priority habitat often formed of a mosaic of vegetation types and is a frequent component of the landscape of Mid Wales. Undervalued for its species richness and ecosystem services potential, it is often degraded. Focussed on the area surrounding Rhayader, where rhos pasture was once the haunt of the marsh fritillary butterfly, and where, in places, it still supports important populations of the small pearl-bordered fritillary and other invertebrates and avifauna, this collaborative project aims to restore biodiversity and raise the cultural value of rhos pastures with both landowners and communities. With support from staff, landowners, volunteers and contractors, the project plans to: Survey and monitor the restoration of rhos pasture Improve the biodiversity, soil structure, carbon and water storage of rhos pastures, primarily through controlled grazing using cattle in preference to sheep Survey and monitor the biodiversity and evaluate the management methods applied Help sustain farm businesses by investigating markets for products and developing tourism facilities Use arts and heritage activities to engage the public, create a positive identity for rhos pasture and provide educational, health and well-being benefits. Monitor and evaluate outcomes and use this information to inform others. The project already has a good level of support from landowners and local volunteers. The voluntary organisations Rhayader by Nature' and Community Arts Rhayader and District (CARAD)' are well embedded in the local community and have been part of the project development. The elements of community engagement, working with volunteers, raising the profile of rhos pastures and a wildlife experience' for visitors are as important as increased biodiversity and sustainable land management. The role of the Community Engagement Officer is to work with CARAD and other community organisations, tourism businesses and individuals to increase the cultural understanding of the value of rhos pastures, their wildlife and their role in a resilient, farmed landscape. You will be organised, have a keen interest in arts, heritage and wildlife and be great acommunicating your passion for the countryside. You will enjoy working with people from a variety of backgrounds and have experience working in diverse communities, organising events and engaging and supporting volunteers. Essential skills and experience Considerable experience of working with people in rural communities and organising community events for different groups of people. A keen interest in arts and heritage activities and experience in using them to raise awareness of different issues and present new ideas. Recruiting, engaging and working with volunteers, including writing risk assessments and taking responsibility for their health and safety. Leading activity and training sessions for a range of groups, particularly in arts and heritage. A broad knowledge of wildlife and a passion for communicating about the countryside. Excellent organisational and record keeping skills. Experience in monitoring outputs and writing reports for funders and other organisations. Good oral and written communication skills. Experience of giving talks to groups. Creating publicity material in a variety of media and using social media and a range of other channels to promote the project. Competent IT user with experience of MS Office packages including Publisher. A willingness to work with other staff and volunteers in a small team and in partnership with other organisations, attending external meetings and representing Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and the Project. A willingness to have a DBS check for working with children and vulnerable adults. A current driving license, the use of a vehicle and the willingness to purchase business insurance to enable you to drive as part of your work (a vehicle for staff-use is not provided but a mileage allowance of 40ppm is available). Desirable skills An ability to communicate in Welsh. A good understanding of farming and land management in upland Wales. Good knowledge of the habitats and their associated species in upland Wales Main responsibilities of the Community Officer Project Delivery Work with the Project Manager and other stakeholders to deliver the Rhos Pasture Restoration Project objectives and help ensure it meets targets. Work with the Project Manager to plan arts and heritage activities and events across the 3-yr project and lead on organisation and delivery within the allocated budgets. Maintain excellent records and evidence to use in reporting achievements to funders. Follow RWT's health and safety procedures, undertake risk assessments and follow best practice in delivery of activities and the safety of volunteers. Maintain a professional working relationship with other staff, partner organisations, stakeholders, volunteers and the wider community. Working with Communities Work with CARAD and other partner organisations to deliver and promote a variety of community arts and heritage activities and events that create educational opportunities and a positive identity for rhos pastures, upland farming and wildlife. Recruit and work with volunteers across a range of activities from wildlife surveying, community wildflower growing, species training and arts and heritage activities. Give talks to community groups, create written and digital communication content and use social media to raise awareness of the project and its aims and achievements. Work with the RWT Publicity Officer to promote the activities of the project via various pubic and Wildlife Trust press and publicity channels, website and media. Monitor the engagement of communities and individuals in the project, including people's attendance, wellbeing and learning of new skills. Working with consultants and contractors Support the work of consultants, local experts and partner organisations in developing appropriate tourism facilities and a rhos pasture wildlife experience'. Support the work of consultants, local experts and partner organisations in implementing a range of interpretation items that reach a wide audience of different interests and abilities. Support the work of consultants and partner organisations on a feasibility study to investigate rhos products' that can be marketed. Working with partner organisations, organise and market launch' events for products created during the project. Additional information This job description does not form part of the contract but indicates how this contract should be performed Interested? Don't hesitate Click "apply" now to download our application form