Apple Recruitment are recruiting for a Parks Development Advisor on behalf of our client to be based in the Antrim area.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To work closely with the Parks Development Officer to develop strategic partnerships involving relevant government departments, the community and voluntary sector, educational organisations, charities, businesses, residents etc.
• To encourage the use of Council’s Parks and Open Spaces through planning promotion and activation programmes.
• To assist with the delivery of the Council’s biodiversity statutory obligations and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, to co-ordinate, develop, monitor and plan in conjunction with Parks Managers and Head of Parks Operations.
• To provide advice on environmental issues with respect to management plans, design and landscaping, facilitating management agreements and relevant documents.
• To coordinate, promote and develop a range of Parks projects/community initiatives, ensuring budgetary control, including the annual Best Kept Garden competition.
• To develop and support community and business groups with an interest in Parks or Town Centre improvements by providing training, networking, support with development plans, funding applications and events.
• To support Parks Managers in the development and implementation of Management Plans by liaising with local community/business groups.
• To assist the Head of Parks Operations in the delivery of capital projects including production of business cases, funding applications, project management and reports.
• To identify and pursue internal and external sources of relevant funding to assist with the development of associated projects.
• To coordinate Council’s involvement in various competitions and accreditations relating to Parks and Open Spaces such as Ulster/Britain in Bloom, Northern Ireland Amenity Council Best Kept Awards, Green Flag Awards etc.
• To work with the Park Development Officer, on a range of projects and schemes, aiming to improve and develop our outdoor spaces in line with Council priorities.
• To assist with the processing of all public right of way issues throughout the Borough and to advise Council with reference to the exercise of its duties and powers under the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983.
• To liaise closely with Council’s Marketing and Customer Services team to ensure that all initiatives are effectively promoted.
• To prepare reports and proposals for the Head of Service for the Parks and Open Spaces Sub Group, Council and Committee meetings as required.
• To assist the Head of Parks Operations in the coordination and development of the Environmental Management System (ISO14001).
• Understanding of sustainable practices and their application in parks and open space management.

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline Parker by clicking on the link below by Monday 4th November 2024.

You must also include a bullet pointed synopsis at the top of your CV demonstrating how exactly you meet the Essential Criteria below:

• Hold a relevant degree e.g. Horticulture, Business, Environmental Management (Consideration may be given to applicants who do not hold a degree qualification but who can demonstrate a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience as detailed below).
• Have a minimum of 1 years’ relevant work experience in Development Officer role to include at least 2 out of the following:
  1. Development of Business Cases
  2. Event Management
  3. Community Engagement
  4. Securing external funding
  5. Providing advice and support to key stakeholders
• Essentials skills and knowledge:
  1. Ability to establish effective working relationships
  2. Strong Communication Skills
  3. Ability work in a political environment
  4. Excellent administrative and organisational skills
  5. Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  6. Ability to work on own initiative
  7. Strong project management skills
  8. Competent in the use of Microsoft Office and Windows Applications
  9. Knowledge and understanding of Biodiversity
  10. Knowledge of relevant legislation and issues associated with the service
• Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.

Further Details:

• Hourly Rate: £17.59
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
• Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility of extension

If you wish to apply or would like more information, please email your CV in Microsoft word format to Caroline Parker by clicking on the link below by Monday 4th November 2024.

Applicants must ensure their CV is accurate and up to date. The CV should include your full employment history inclusive of dates, all academic achievements and full personal contact details.

Please note only applicants that match this criteria can be considered for the role.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.