Activities & Volunteer Engagement Manager
FarmEco Community Farm
Screveton, Nottinghamshire
Posted: 23 Aug 2024
Deadline: 6 Oct 2024
Compensation: Initially flexible and unpaid until funding can be secured for a salary/benefits package
Unpaid Part-time Permanent
Job description
We are seeking a confident and enthusiastic individual to join our team. The role is for 2 days/week, but could expand. The aim of this role will be to develop and deliver our volunteering and community engagement opportunities which connect people with farming, nature and each other. FarmEco volunteers currently participate in and support a wide range of activities such as hedge planting, fruit picking, apple juicing, tree planting and maintenance, building and maintaining habitats for wildlife, and caring for our flock of sheep. Our mission at FarmEco is to reconnect people to land and environment, promote sustainable farming, and engage as many people as we can from our local communities with playing a part for nature – working with and supporting our volunteers is integral to this vision.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in developing our community engagement and volunteer experience, expanding current partnerships to deepen our impact on volunteers and other groups visiting the farm, and engaging new groups to increase the reach and diversity of the FarmEco community. This will include, but is not limited to:
- Supporting the design, co-ordination and delivery of activities such as seasonal events, school visits, small group visits, community talks and workshops with the aim to connect and inspire communities to nature, sustainable farming, conservation, and health and wellbeing
- Managing and growing our team of volunteers, as well as deepening volunteer engagement and impact
- Managing the day-to-day administration of project activities and the volunteer programme, including responding to email queries and bookings
- Regularly monitoring and updating of activity and volunteer risk assessments
- Promoting the volunteer programme and activities at FarmEco.
Key Responsibilities
Volunteer Management:
- Manage the recruitment of volunteers, including developing volunteer role descriptions and facilitating DBS checks where required
- Direct groups of volunteers in carrying out activities identified in the annual plan
- Develop, inspire and motivate volunteers, recognising their strengths and matching them to opportunities at the farm
- Respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns by escalating concerns to the FarmEco safeguarding lead.
Project Planning, Administration and Delivery:
- Design and deliver an annual programme of volunteering opportunities linked to existing initiatives, activities, and partner organisations
- Manage all aspects of the day-to-day administration and supervision of volunteers including identifying appropriate training needs of volunteers and ensuring appropriate procedural documents are in place
- Risk assessing volunteer activities and ensuring effective risk management strategies are in place
- Acquire volunteer testimonials and support the Income & Sustainability Manager to produce impact reports for funders
- Produce quarterly reports on volunteer engagement and activity delivery for the wider FarmEco team
- Liaise with the Income & Sustainability Manager regarding opportunities to expand the volunteer programme and activities at FarmEco
- Support the management of projects at FarmEco, including budget management, evaluation, project reporting and participating in team meetings.
Promotion of Volunteer Programme and FarmEco Projects:
- Promote volunteering, community events and relevant work of FarmEco – this may include including writing articles for publication, e-newsletters, media/social media content, giving public talks, and representing the FarmEco at events
- Identify barriers to communities engaging with the farm and develop attractive and accessible new opportunities to engage new audiences.
Candidate Specification
Qualifications and Experience:
- Proven experience in volunteer management and community engagement, reaching a diverse audience
- Strong project management skills and experience of leading and delivering activities, managing project budgets, reporting and evaluation
- Experience of leading and delivering public talks such as presentations, guided walks, and other community events
- Experience of working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages
- Experience of working in partnership with a range of other organisations such as NGOs, volunteer groups, Local Authorities and Government Agencies
- Knowledge of the social enterprise sector and a passion for community development and environmental conservation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- IT literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media
- Current driving licence and vehicle which can be used for work purposes
- The ideal candidate would also hold licences/qualifications/training relevant to farming, tree management, land management and volunteer supervision (e.g. first aid, mental health first aid etc), and will have expertise/a working knowledge of farming, conservation or health and wellbeing.
Personal Attributes:
- Highly motivated and results oriented
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An awareness of safeguarding and health and safety in the content of volunteering, with a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Commitment to the values and mission of FarmEco.
Benefits
- Initially unpaid with an aim to raise funds for a salary and benefits package of around £18/hr
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- A supportive and collaborative work environment
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on the community and the environment.
Application information
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and contact information for three professional references to farmecoNG13@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. FarmEco is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs
About FarmEco Community Farm
The farm is predominantly a tree based farm, producing top fruit, nuts and berries. It is set up as a social enterprise but at present, little income is made from the produce. We are restructuring so that we can meet our aims in a sustainable way. The stated objectives are 1)Enhancing public knowledge about food and farming by the establishment and operation of a farm that provides facilities to improve health and wellbeing; 2)Furthering the conservation and protection of the farms' wildlife.
