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Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Wild Wantage Project Leader

Sustainable Wantage
Wantage, Oxfordshire

Posted: 21 Oct 2024

Deadline: 31 Oct 2024

Compensation: To be discussed dependent on experience / qualifications

Paid Part-time Flexible hours

Job description

Employment Type: Self-Employed Location: Wantage, Oxfordshire, and surrounding areas  Wild Wantage is a community-driven initiative focused on enhancing local biodiversity, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. Its aim is to enhance natural habitats, support wildlife, and engage the community in and around Wantage through practical programs and hands-on conservation efforts. 

Role Overview: As the Wild Wantage Lead, you will be the driving force behind our local initiatives. You will lead community projects, engage with local stakeholders, and champion environmental sustainability through innovative and hands-on approaches. You will be self-directing, dynamic and comfortable with strategic planning as well as on-the-ground action. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Project Leadership:
   • Develop, plan, and execute Wild Wantage projects and initiatives
   • Manage and coordinate volunteer teams and local partnerships to achieve project goals 2. Community Engagement:
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, schools, businesses, and local government bodies
   • Organize and lead educational workshops, nature walks, and community events to raise awareness and foster environmental stewardship
   • Advocate for Wild Wantage through means such as public speaking, newsletters, local and social media
   • Emphasise an inclusive approach that enhances well-being through improved connections to nature
   • Encourage and support our team of willing volunteers 
2.  Strategic Planning:
   • Create and implement plans to identify local conservation opportunities
   • Help identify and support fundraising opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and donations
   • Monitor and evaluate project outcomes, adjusting approaches as needed 
3. ​​​Administrative Duties:
   • Maintain records of project progress, volunteer team participation, and financial expenditures
   • Prepare reports for the Board of Sustainable Wantage & major grant funder
   • Manage day-to-day operations, including scheduling, communications, and logistics 
4.  Health and Safety:
   • Ensure all activities comply with health and safety regulations
   • Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to protect volunteers and participants 

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in community outreach and working with volunteer teams o Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
• Relevant experience in wildlife conservation, environmental management, or related fields
• Engaging leadership style and good project management skills, with the ability to inspire and encourage volunteers
• A passion for biodiversity and a good understanding of local ecological issues
• Ability to identify and advise on biodiversity improvement opportunities
• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed for community events and activities

Desirable Attributes:

• Relevant qualifications and/or practical experience in ecology, environmental science, or related fields
• Familiarity with local wildlife species and conservation challenges
• Experience in using social media & other platforms for outreach and engagement

Examples of current Wild Wantage activities:

• Green gym
• Nature walks
• Craft workshops
• Monthly newsletter
• Biodiversity survey
• Enhancement of public spaces
• Advice on enhancing biodiversity to local residents and organisations
• Outreach activities with local schools and other bodies

Compensation and hours of work: Compensation will be based funding availability and agreed hourly rates. As a self-employed individual, you will manage your own taxes and business expenses. The role is self-directing in terms of hours of work, but it is envisaged that approximately one day per week would be appropriate.  

Application information

Interested applicants should submit a CV with a covering letter to Jo Harvey at Jo@sustainablewantage@gmail.com

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