Volunteer & Community Engagement Officer

Our Why

Our earth is warming at an unprecedented rate and our climate is changing faster than
predicted. It’s humanities greatest challenge. In the last fifty years wildlife populations
have declined by 69% and there have been significant changes to nature. In the UK over half of
average adults’ diet includes Ultra Processed Food affecting our health and wellbeing.

But we still have time to change course.

Our ambition here at Denton Reserve is to combat climate change through repurposing our land.
We will capture CO2, increase biodiversity, embark on nature friendly farming and produce more
seasonal and sustainable food.

Our What

Denton Reserve is a reimagined rural retreat, sitting within the Nidderdale National landscape
(AONB) and consists of 2,500 acres of woodland, moorland, grassland arable land and a deer
park.

We will realise our ambition to help address climate change through adopting a new land
management model and establish a reimagined hospitality enterprise.

We are combining a landscape restoration project of national significance with food production
and the creation of a unique naturally inspired destination and wellness experience, with
sustainability at heart.

Who 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.

What You Will be Doing

• 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.

Your Skills 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.

How to Apply

This is initially a fixed term grant funded role until November 2025, for 16 hours per week. With the intention to extend dependent on us progressing 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.