Volunteer Coordinator

Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is passionate about providing high-quality services to our communities, residents and businesses. This means we must employ and retain the most talented and dedicated people. Situated within the heart of the Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Area, Huntingdonshire is a beautiful district that boasts thriving market towns and many attractive villages, each with its own identity. We are an innovative and forward-thinking local authority whose residents are at the heart of our decision-making. At HDC we want to employ staff who embody our icare values (Inspiring, Collaborative, Accountable, Respectful, Enterprising), all of which support our ultimate purpose of putting our customers first. Job details
Are you a people person with a positive outlook, who is also passionate about volunteers and community involvement? Do you have organisational and computer skills, with an eye for detail to manage volunteer enquiries? Also able to carry out interviews and inductions and gather records, as well as coordinate a team of volunteers to manage a busy nature reserve visitor centre? Are you a strong self-starter who could confidently engage with communities around the new and existing countryside and open spaces sites? To establish Friends Groups, and organise large corporate work parties, community planting schemes and litter picks? You will often be the first contact for offers of funding or sponsorship, so your excellent communication skills and creativity will be needed to develop relationships with companies and other stakeholders. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated person who enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds to become a Community Volunteer Coordinator on a permanent contract for 37 hours per week. This is a key role in recruiting, training and retaining volunteers to play an active role in all aspects of our parks, nature reserves and open spaces. Although you will be predominantly office-based, travelling to these sites to meet and induct volunteers and engage with community groups will be necessary. Each year around 6000 hours are worked by over 150 volunteers in numerous roles including the provision of refreshments at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, carrying out practical work, undertaking wildlife surveys, leading walks and talks or helping with events and school visits. We are looking for someone who can identify and work towards common goals, lead groups and influence their decision-making. The post holder needs to be self-motivated and have excellent time management skills, as they will need to be both part of a team but comfortable working on their own. Based at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, the successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring shop rotas are filled and communication between the volunteers is maintained through regular newsletters and volunteer training or socials. These excellent communication skills will also be essential in maintaining high standards of customer service when answering visitor's questions or providing training and educational opportunities. This position will suit an innovative, resourceful, outgoing "people person" with a flexible attitude to work. Weekend and evening work will occasionally be required; to meet with our bank of volunteers and carry out recruitment on sites and at events. A full driving licence is essential and this role is also subject to a DBS check Apply
To apply for this position please complete the application form. The closing date is 9am 13 March 2024 and interviews will be held the week commencing 25 March 2024
Should you have any additional questions regarding submitting an application, please contact the Recruitment Team at . Please note that the official closing date is as above, and will be the correct date. Some third-party websites may have different dates. Please refer to the HDC website for the official closing date to ensure you do not miss out on applying. Working for the council
As an employer who values diversity of thought, we seek to employ candidates from a range of backgrounds in order to make our organisation more innovative. We are seeking candidates who are looking for their next career opportunity and are supportive employers, enabling our staff to work in an environment that produces high standards of work in an employee-led environment. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment and along with our values we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we offer a range of benefits, including flexitime, to encourage a work-life balance.

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