Location
Birmingham

Hours
Full Time - Some evenings and weekends as required

Salary
£35,565 per annum

About the Role
We are seeking a motivated Nature Engagement Officer to design and deliver inclusive and inspiring events and activities that encourage individuals and communities across Birmingham to connect with their local parks and green spaces. This role focuses on nurturing a love of nature, increasing awareness of the personal and community benefits of green space volunteering, and supporting individuals to build confidence, skills, and networks. Over time, you will guide emerging volunteers towards forming more structured and sustainable volunteer groups with a sense of custodianship for their local spaces and facilitate their integration into the Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) network.

Key responsibilities include designing and delivering a regular programme of accessible events in parks and green spaces across Birmingham, developing outreach strategies to connect with new communities, building relationships with individuals and informal groups, and actively promoting the benefits of green space volunteering. You will support volunteer groups to organise and communicate effectively, provide practical support and basic training, encourage peer learning, and collaborate with Birmingham City Council, friends groups, local organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure joined-up community engagement. Additionally, you will represent BOSF at community meetings, keep accurate records of events and volunteer engagement, collect feedback to evaluate impact, and promote events in collaboration with BOSF colleagues.

Experience
- Experience planning and delivering community events or engagement activities, ideally in outdoor or environmental settings.
- Experience working with volunteers or community groups, supporting people to take on new roles or responsibilities.
- Understanding of the benefits of access to green spaces for health, well-being, and community cohesion.
- Knowledge of barriers preventing involvement in community or environmental activities, particularly in diverse urban settings.

About you
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to build trust and rapport with diverse individuals.
- Ability to motivate and inspire people, including those with little or no previous volunteering experience.
- Organisational skills to plan and deliver multiple events and projects concurrently.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time and priorities effectively.
- Confident in maintaining basic records and monitoring outcomes such as attendance data, feedback, and case studies.
- Commitment to inclusion, equality, and community empowerment.
- Passion for nature, the environment, and the role of green spaces in urban life.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to working, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Willingness and ability to travel across Birmingham.
- A driving licence and access to a car.
- Willingness to obtain an enhanced DBS check.

Qualifications
- No specific qualifications are required; however, experience supporting the development or formalisation of community or volunteer groups is desirable.
- Knowledge of Birmingham's parks, green spaces, and local communities is advantageous.
- Practical skills relevant to working in green spaces such as nature education, basic conservation tasks, and health and safety are desirable.
- Experience working in or with small charities or grassroots organisations is a plus.
- First Aid awareness and understanding of safeguarding protocols are desirable.