Parks Development Officer

Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to our communities. To help us achieve our ambitions, we want the best possible team.

In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of benefits to support you in and out of work.

As a Parks Development Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the future of parks and green spaces across Kirklees.

You will provide support, technical expertise and guidance across a range of activities, initiatives and development programmes, with the overarching aim of improving our parks and the facilities within them, working towards a more successful and sustainable future for their management and maintenance.

You will work closely with community groups, organisations, ward members, residents and colleagues across the Council to strengthen the role that parks and green spaces play in our communities. You will also support the Council’s volunteering agenda, with an emphasis on encouraging residents and communities to take an active role in how their local spaces are cared for.

The role is currently involved in a range of development programmes and projects across Kirklees. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Working with Programme Managers and colleagues on district-wide initiatives, such as Playable Spaces, supporting the improvement of formal and informal outdoor play provision.
• Working with wider Council teams, community groups, ward members and residents to develop and deliver a broad range of parks and greenspace projects, reflecting local priorities, available funding and service objectives.

As a Parks Development Officer, you will have:

• A detailed understanding of green space agendas and the ability to develop sustainable programmes that support the Council’s vision.
• Experience of working within large organisations, managing relationships with managers, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Experience of managing capital and/or development projects, delivering outcomes to timescales and within budget, and providing guidance to staff or volunteers where required.
• Strong business and financial skills, including experience of sourcing third-party funding and managing or monitoring budgets.
• Experience of landscape development and management, and an understanding of the principles of green space regeneration.
• The ability to monitor progress against objectives for individuals and activities.
• A thorough understanding of health and safety and how it relates to this area of work, ensuring safe systems of work are in place.
  
  

Travel is an essential part of this role. It would be extremely difficult to carry out the job effectively without access to a car for all or most of the time, and you must therefore hold a full and valid driving licence.