Job Introduction
Assistant Countryside Officer - fixed term/secondment opportunity for up to 8 months due to funding.
Salary: Band: 7- £32,061 to £36,363 per annum (£20,796 - £23,586 for 24 hours per week)
24 hours per week - 3 days per week - to be discussed at interview. Will be working on site at Fort Widley. Standard office hours apply, with occasional evening and weekend working when required for events such as evening talks.
Your new role
Reporting to the Countryside Officer, the Assistant Countryside Officer provides support to assist with the conservation management of Portsdown Hill SSSI and adjacent sites. The role involves carrying out practical countryside management tasks, including fencing, tree felling, grassland management, waste removal etc. It also includes basic maintenance of vehicles, ensuring tools and equipment work, surveying and recording wildlife and monitoring livestock. You will also support volunteer programmes through training and ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
The postholder will supervise contractors and complete associated documentation, undertake administrative duties, lead walks, events and talks, and engage with local communities and interest groups. You will work closely with the wider countryside team and external partners to coordinate site management activities. You will deputise for the Countryside Officer when required and work independently in accordance with health and safety policies and risk assessments.
Who is the person summary:
With experience of working in practical conversation management, you will have a good general education or be actively studying towards a relevant degree. You will need a certification in chainsaw use, scrub cutter, tractor driving, pesticide application and first aid. With a familiarity with wildlife legislation, you will have experience of surveying, recording and mapping wildlife with the ability to identify key characteristics. You will be proficient in the use of IT and data collection, GPS/GIS mapping and using wildlife monitoring tools. An effective communicator you will be a problem solver with the ability to work along and manage completing priorities. Experience of leading and managing volunteer as well as holding a current driving licence and a tractor driving certificate as you will be required to drive various vehicles and will be moving equipment across the site.
For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Additional Information
Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. You will be working on site at Fort Widley. Standard office hours apply, with occasional evening and weekend working when required for events such as evening talks.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
