Senior Countryside Partnership Officer

In this role you will be responsible for managing the work of the Lower Mole Partnership, including two project officers, as well as supervising the Surrey Heathland Partnership project officer. Both teams have large groups of volunteers, carrying out practical work across mid Surrey and South London, focusing on biodiversity enhancements and public access improvements., We are seeking an enthusiastic self-starter with a passion for biodiversity and engaging others in understanding its importance. You will be organised, with good IT, report writing and communication skills, and be able to liaise with the public, partner organisations, and contractors to ensure a year-round programme of work is planned, organised and carried out safely to a high standard. You should have practical knowledge of countryside management techniques and experience of leading volunteers.

• Understanding of, and enthusiasm for, biodiversity and best management practices.
• Understanding and experience of project management, preparing specifications, costings, tendering, financial control and the management of volunteers and contractors.
• Experience of coordinating and leading a team to deliver a countryside work programme, ensuring it supports wider partner, community and county council priorities.
• Experience of working with a wide range of partner bodies including national agencies such as the Natural England, district and parish councils, consultants and contractors and voluntary bodies.
• Ability to drive or otherwise visit inaccessible locations, with equipment and sometimes at short notice. Therefore, a valid driving license is required and access to a car, although a vehicle is available for volunteer task days.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and sometimes in difficult terrain.
• Flexibility to occasionally work weekends and evenings.
  
  The Surrey Countryside Partnerships team sits within our Land and Property Directorate and runs an extensive programme of volunteer activity and a conservation grazing service. This role will be line managed by the Surrey Countryside Partnerships Operations Manager.
The Surrey Countryside Partnerships are hosted by Surrey County Council and core funded by 7 Surrey Boroughs/Districts, plus 3 London Boroughs. The team was first established in 1983, last year nearly 32,000 volunteer hours were contributed, making the team one of the largest and longest standing countryside volunteer providers in the region. There are 11 members of staff in the team, split between the Lower Mole Partnership, Downlands Partnership and Surrey Heathland Partnership., Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council Our Commitment

The starting salary for this role is £36,873 per annum, working 36 hours per week. Are you looking for a varied role in the countryside working with the local community to enhance biodiversity? An exciting opportunity has arisen for the role of full time Senior Partnership Officer in the well-established Surrey Countryside Partnerships team. Our Offer to You
• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents