Oxfordshire County Council

National Trail Volunteer and Project Coordinator

Salary range: £32,076-£34,834 pa

Location: Sutton, near Oxford. Covering Thames and Ridgeway National Trails passing through Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.

Hours: 37 pwk

Contract type: Permanent

Closing date: Sunday 14th April 2024

Help us deliver our vision to make the Thames Path and Ridgeway wonderful trails for all to visit.

About us

The Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails are part of a family of sixteen National Trails. National Trails are managed to provide the public with high quality long-distance walking, cycling and horse-riding experiences. The Thames Path follows England's best-known river for 185.2 miles (298 km) as it meanders from its source in the Cotswolds through several rural counties and on into the heart of London. The Ridgeway is one of the most well-known historic routeways and runs through five counties, covering two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

About the role

We are looking to appoint an energetic, personable, and resourceful individual with experience of working with and supervising volunteers carrying out practical countryside work. The postholder is responsible for managing our Volunteer Scheme so that the two National Trails meet Trail Quality Standards and volunteers feel safe, motivated, and adequately trained and equipped.

The post involves working in scenic farmed countryside along the rural Thames Path from the source in the Cotswolds to the edge of London, and along The Ridgeway in the chalk hills of the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs AONBs. The postholder has use of their own work truck and manages a workshop space and equipment dedicated to the Volunteer Scheme. The role leads in attracting and retaining volunteers to promote, maintain and enhance the Trails. Tasks include surveys, making signs, clearing vegetation, installing gates, mowing and carrying out surface patch repairs. There will also be opportunities to develop new opportunities and contacts, such as attracting different types of people to volunteer with us and delivering broader objectives through practical tasks.

About you

This is a specialised role which requires a high level of organisation and people skills, combined with experience in maintaining and servicing small plant and tools. It is desirable that applicant have some knowledge and experience relating to countryside work, rights of way and working in a farmed landscape and near rivers.

For full details and to apply here

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Hannah Gutteridge, Thames Path Manager on 07704664299.

Closing Date: 14/04/2024  Location: Sutton, near Oxford. Covering Thames and Ridgeway National Trails passing through Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.