Parks Development Advisor

Our client a large public sector organisation requires a Parks Development Advisor based in Antrim

Role: Parks Development Advisor

Rate of Pay: £17.59

Location: Antrim

Hours: 37 hours

Duration: 3 Months

Main duties/Responsibilities:

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough has a wide range of popular parks, allotments, play parks and other outdoor facilities. This post will play a key role in the future of Parks and Open Spaces across the Borough. You will deliver and provide support, technical advice and guidance on a range of activities and initiatives, with the overarching aim being to improve our Parks and Open Spaces. You will work with community groups, organisations, elected members, residents and colleagues in order to strengthen the role that Parks and Open Spaces play in our communities

• 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.
• To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal office hours and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council's approved policies at the time.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a relevant degree e.g. Horticulture, Business, Environmental Management
• Have a minimum of 1 years' relevant work experience in Development Officer role to include at least 2 out of the following:
• Development of Business Cases
• Event Management
• Community Engagement
• Securing external funding
• Providing advice and support to key stakeholders