Community Engagement officer

Essex Waterways Limited; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% employer pension contribution

Job summary

Essex Waterways navigation Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Engagement Officer to develop and deliver an exciting programme of community events, educational activities, volunteer projects and public engagement initiatives along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

This is a permanent role based at Paper Mill Lock in Chelmsford, 35 hours per week, with significant outreach and a salary of £26,500 plus 8% employer pension contribution.

Qualifications

• Develop and deliver a programme of community events, educational activities, volunteer projects and public engagement initiatives along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

Responsibilities

• Support visitor services by handling enquiries, processing bookings and assisting customers using the Navigation.

Job description

Spend your days by our waterway and work for the beautiful 14-mile Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation.

Much of the work on the Navigation is untaken by our dedicated team of volunteers, without whom we could not manage. We always welcome new volunteers to help maintain the Navigation and operate our trips. Find out more here.

Essex Waterways navigation Trust is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Engagement Officer to develop and deliver an exciting programme of community events, educational activities, volunteer projects and public engagement initiatives along the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

This unique role focuses on education with community outreach and volunteer coordination. You’ll work with schools, families, community groups, local authorities, emergency services and waterway users to increase awareness and enjoyment of the Navigation while promoting safe, respectful and sustainable use of this important Essex asset.

This is a permanent role, working 35 hours per week based at Paper Mill Lock and including significant outreach. You will design and deliver a programme of engagement activities that encourages people to discover, enjoy and help protect the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. You will work closely with schools, volunteers, community organisations and public sector partners to increase participation and strengthen community connections. Alongside community engagement responsibilities, you will support visitor services by handling enquiries, processing bookings and assisting customers using the Navigation.

Salary – £26,500 plus 8% employer pension contribution

Closing Date: 7th November 2026
Interview Date: to be confirmed
Location: Paper Mill Lock, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 4BS.

Accountability

Essex Waterways Ltd is a non-profit-making trading subsidiary company of Essex Waterways Navigation Trust, a registered charity, set up by The Inland Waterways Association, which campaigns for the preservation, conservation, restoration and development of the inland waterways of Great Britain.

Ownership of Essex Waterways Ltd was transferred from The Inland Waterways Association to Essex Waterways Navigation Trust on 31st March 2025.

As a private company, Essex Waterways Ltd is bound by the requirements of the Companies Acts, although it also tries to act in the best interests of the waterway and for the benefit of the public. Any surplus funds that are passed up to the parent charity will be spent on the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, as part of Essex Waterways Navigation Trust’s charitable purposes, in future years.

Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.