Project Officer

The National Trust is seeking a Project Officer in Faringdon, UK, to lead nature restoration projects, engage volunteers, and build community partnerships. The role involves delivering nature recovery initiatives across a 3000ha estate, designing wetlands, and managing volunteer activities. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and experience in nature conservation. The position offers a flexible working arrangement but is primarily based at the Estate Office.
Join us as a dynamic Project Officer to drive nature restoration, engage volunteers and communities, and build partnerships. You’ll help deliver two key nature recovery projects: one with farm tenants at Buscot and Coleshill estate, and another in the wider catchment. Are you inspired to use innovative ways to protect and enhance the landscape for people and wildlife amidst the climate emergency?

What it’s like to work here:Join our passionate team at the historic Buscot and Coleshill Estate Office, now the National Trust’s first Heritage and Rural Skills Centre. Nestled within 400 acres of parkland, you’ll be based primarily at the Estate Office.

The Estate comprises three villages and 11 complete farms. The landscape includes both the River Cole and the River Thames. It already features historic woodland, recently restored parkland, and a mix of farming operations, but there remains significant opportunity to deliver more for nature.

We are a friendly and social team. We offer flexible working arrangements, which we’ll discuss further at the interview stage.

What you’ll be doing:You’ll play a key role in scoping, shaping, and delivering nature recovery across the 3000ha Estate and beyond. You’ll work closely with the project and countryside teams to drive nature recovery on the estate and in the wider Cole and Thames Catchment. Your time will be dedicated to specific projects such as designing wetlands, restoring grasslands, and improving hedgerow management. You’ll support the team on all project elements, with opportunities to lead and develop your own priorities.

You’ll represent the Trust at external meetings, develop the Trust’s profile in Swindon, and build relationships with community groups and eNGOs. You will lead the Nature Recovery Volunteer Community, organise regular gatherings, and ensure volunteers feel part of our work. You will support the project ecologist in finding the right opportunities for volunteers and develop new engagement and volunteering opportunities.

Who we’re looking forWe’d love to hear from you if this sounds like you:
• an effective communicator and influencer, able to work collaboratively, building good working relationships
• good at listening, building trust and giving a high-quality service to colleagues
• someone with an eye for detail, good organisational skills and able to work at pace and keep to time
• experience using initiative and problem solving as part of project delivery
• experience working with volunteers with the ability to manage and motivate.
• Knowledge of the nature conservation sector and its issues.
• Understanding the importance of inclusion and diversity to support everyone to feel welcome.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw for 12 mo)