Huddersfield
Job Ref: KO2005122
Pay Rate: 27000
Hour Per Week: 22.2
Working Pattern: Initially, 3 days per week (22.2 hours). From July 2027, the role will increase to 37 hours per week. Included in the total hours, it is anticipated that you will be available for work with volunteer groups at weekends, roughly every 2 weeks.
Closing Date: 18 September 2026
Job Description:
- Do you enjoy practical outdoor work, care about the environment and like working with people?
- Denby Dale Parish Council is looking for somebody who can help look after and improve local green spaces while encouraging residents, volunteers, schools and community groups to get involved.
- This is a permanent position offering the opportunity to develop a long-term career with the Parish Council.
- During your first six to nine months, you will work alongside David Wilde, the council’s experienced Countryside Officer, to learn how the different projects operate and build relationships with the people and organisations involved.
- David is preparing to retire, so the aim is for you to gradually take on responsibility for leading the Countryside Project. There is also expected to be further salary progression as your responsibilities increase.
- This is not a typical desk-based council job. You could spend one day repairing a footpath or maintaining a community allotment, another supporting volunteers in local woodland, and another helping a school with an environmental project.
- Because Denby Dale is a parish council rather than a large county council, there is flexibility to develop new ideas, shape the role and make it your own.
- What you'll do
- Initially, you will work closely with the current Countryside Officer and support him with activities including:
- Organising and taking part in practical conservation work, such as maintaining footpaths, repairing stiles, planting trees and hedges, looking after ponds and improving wildlife habitats.
- Supporting the Churchfield Community Allotment and Well-Being Garden.
- Planning and running practical sessions with local volunteers and community groups.
- Encouraging more local people to volunteer and helping them have a positive experience.
- Working with schools and young people on environmental activities and Eco-Schools projects.
- Helping to look after local woodlands, green spaces, community gardens and other countryside sites.
- Monitoring local wildlife and waterways, including activities such as pond and river-water monitoring.
- Working with local charities, environmental organisations, council colleagues and other partners.
- Promoting activities and volunteering opportunities through social media and other local publicity.
- Attending relevant council and community meetings and providing clear updates on the work being delivered.
- Helping to organise events and activities that encourage people to enjoy and care for their local environment.
- Supporting the Parish Council Station Adoption Group in their work at Denby Dale rail station.
- As you gain experience and take over responsibility for the project, your work is likely to include:
- Planning the Countryside Project’s programme of work.
- Developing new environmental and community projects.
- Coordinating volunteers, work-experience students and placements.
- Producing straightforward plans for the management and improvement of local sites.
- Applying for external funding and managing funded projects.
- Monitoring budgets and making sure money is used effectively.
- Reporting to parish councillors and making recommendations about future work.
- Supporting the council’s response to climate change and its work with local schools.
- Building relationships with organisations that can support environmental work across the parish.
Person Specification:
- There are different ways you might have developed the skills needed for this role.
- You might be a recent graduate in environmental science, countryside management, conservation, ecology, horticulture, geography or a related subject who has also completed a significant amount of volunteering.
- Alternatively, you might have developed strong practical skills through employment, volunteering, community projects or looking after outdoor spaces.
- You do not need to arrive knowing how to do every part of the job. The council is looking for somebody with the potential, attitude and commitment to learn and eventually take responsibility for the project.
- You should be:
- Genuinely interested in the countryside, wildlife and the local environment.
- Happy doing physical work outdoors throughout the year.
- Practical, resourceful and willing to get stuck in.
- Confident speaking to members of the public and building relationships with different people.
- Able to encourage, support and organise volunteers.
- Comfortable working with children, young people, schools and community groups.
- Organised and able to balance several different projects and commitments.
- Able to communicate clearly in person and in writing.
- Comfortable using everyday computer programmes and social media.
- Willing and able to work regular weekends and occasional evenings.
- Keen to develop your knowledge and gradually take on more responsibility.
- Have a full, clean driving licence is essential because the work takes place at different locations across the parish. A vehicle is available for work purposes.
- Useful experience
- It would be helpful if you have experience in one or more of the following areas, although you are not expected to have experience in all of them:
- Countryside management or practical conservation.
- Horticulture, allotments or community gardening.
- Footpath maintenance, stile repair, tree planting, hedge laying or dry-stone walling.
- Working with volunteers or community groups.
- Environmental education or working with schools.
- Wildlife, pond or river monitoring.
- Organising community activities or events.
- Promoting projects through social media.
- Writing reports, applying for funding or managing small budgets.
- Experience gained through volunteering, university projects, placements or community activity will be valued alongside paid employment.
Training and support:
- You will receive a structured six-to-nine-month handover from the current Countryside Officer.
- This will give you the opportunity to:
- Visit and learn about the different sites and projects.
- Work alongside established volunteer and community groups.
- Meet the council, schools and partner organisations involved.
- Develop your practical countryside-management skills.
- Learn how activities, budgets and projects are planned and managed.
- Build the confidence and knowledge needed to lead the Countryside Project.
- The intention is for you to take increasing responsibility as your knowledge and experience develop.
- There is training available through Yorkshire Local Council Association First Aid training available Support given from the parish council Countryside Project Steering Group and Clerk.
Benefits:
- This is an opportunity to build a long-term career that combines practical environmental work with community engagement and project management.
- You will be able to see the direct results of your work in local woodlands, footpaths, allotments, schools and community spaces. You will also have considerable freedom to develop ideas and shape the future of the Countryside Project.
- The role starts at 30 hours per week and will increase to 37.5 hours per week from April 2027. Further salary progression is expected as you complete the handover and take responsibility for leading the project.
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Authority pension scheme.
- Next steps
- In your Cover Letter please explain:
- Why this particular opportunity interests you.
- Any practical, environmental or community experience you have.
- Any volunteering, university projects or placements that are relevant.
- Your experience of working with members of the public, volunteers, schools or community groups.
- An example of something you have organised, improved or taken responsibility for.
- Why you believe you could develop into leading the Countryside Project.
- You do not need to meet every point listed in the advert. Denby Dale Parish Council is interested in your potential, your practical approach and your commitment to the local environment and community.
