Volunteer & Community Engagement Officer

About Us

Denton Reserve is a large estate near Ilkley consisting of extensive SPA (Special Protected
Area), SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) moorland, a variety of waterbodies, pastoral,
woodland, and agroforestry. We are dedicated to biodiversity conservation, sustainable food
production, and community engagement.

Our vision is to demonstrate how we can secure the future of the English countryside and
address the biodiversity crisis through net zero nature recovery, whilst enriching lives through
access to nature without detriment to the ecology.

What we need

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Community Engagement Officer to develop and
implement community outreach programs and initiatives at Denton Reserve. The role includes
building strong relationships and partnerships with community members and stakeholders,
organising events, and coordinating volunteers. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding
of community and nature conservation issues and is able inspire our local community and strengthen our brand, creating confidence in the project as well as yourself. Excellent communication
skills and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment is also essential as the role
will work closely with our ecologist and land team. The role requires someone who is well organised and experienced in administration, planning and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with our land team to identify opportunities for community engagement.
• Develop and implement community engagement strategies and programme.
• Build strong relationships with community groups, members and stakeholders.
• Recruit, train, coordinate and inspire passionate conservation volunteers.
• Coordinate ecology activities in partnership with our ecologist and land team.
• Plan, organise and manage community events and initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve our community engagement activities
• Coordinate administration, health and safety and risk assessments.
• Strengthen our brand and maintain a positive image within the community.

This role may require some weekend and evening work as and when required. This will be based
around coordinating access and participation for specific groups and events.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience working with diverse communities and the public.
• Good understanding of nature conservation issues (e.g., habitat restoration, endangered
  species).
• Ability to explain complex ecological issues and in a simplified and engaging way.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Offer and how to apply

This is initially a fixed term grant funded role until November 2025, for 16 hours per week. With the possibility to extend depending on if we progress to the next stage of funding.

Salary is up to £12,000 per annum (pro rata £30,000 FTE).

Please send your CV and a brief cover note explaining why you would be a good fit and the role
excites you to [email protected].

Closing date is Thursday 5th September. There will be an initial discovery day interview on
Monday 9th September, which is essential you can attend.