Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator

NATIONAL TRUST; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization based in Northern Ireland is seeking a Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator. This role involves working closely with volunteers, managing outreach programmes, and supporting sustainable tree production at the Mount Stewart Tree Nursery. Applicants should have strong community engagement skills and practical experience in plant production. The position offers a competitive salary and a host of benefits, fostering a culture of inclusion and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Understanding of good community engagement and participatory practice.
• Practical experience in plant production, seed collection, and cultivation.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and daily operations of the Mount Stewart tree nursery.
• Deliver outreach programmes with schools and community groups.
• Assist with seed collection, plant production, and cultivation.

Skills

Community engagement

Volunteer management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Job description

**Important notice**

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

As a Community, Participation & Volunteering Co-ordinator, you’ll play a pivotal role in connecting people with nature and heritage. Based at the Mount Stewart Tree Nursery in Northern Ireland, you’ll support the Roots to Recovery Project by coordinating volunteers, delivering outreach programmes, and helping to develop sustainable tree production.

Salary:£26,793 per annum

Contract:Fixed Term Contract until24-Apr-2028

Hours/working pattern:Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

What it's like to work here

You’ll be part of a passionate and collaborative team within the Nature & Urban department, working closely with countryside managers, rangers, and volunteers across Northern Ireland. The role is based in the historic walled garden at Mount Stewart, with flexible working arrangements and travel to other properties. The culture is inclusive, people-focused, and driven by values such as caring for nature and history, welcoming everyone, and thinking sustainably for the future.

This role is central to the National Trust’s ambition to restore nature, increase access, and inspire civic action. You’ll work closely with the Tree Nursery Project Officer, the Trees & Woodland Advisor for Northern Ireland, and countryside teams across the region. Funded by the DAERA Nature Recovery Challenge Fund, the role contributes to key themes of Nature Recovery—including Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects—and supports the National Trust’s strategic goals of People & Nature Thriving and Restore Nature, as well as the 20 Million Tree strategy.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of our Roots to Recovery Project and the wider Nature & Urban team, you’ll support the development and daily operations of the Mount Stewart tree nursery, working alongside volunteers and countryside teams to grow high-quality trees with known provenance.

You’ll deliver outreach programmes with schools and community groups, helping to expand participation and foster environmental stewardship. Your responsibilities will include assisting with seed collection, plant production, and cultivation, maintaining accurate records, and promoting safe working practices.

You’ll also play a key role in increasing access to nature and heritage by removing barriers, supporting inclusive volunteering experiences, and building collaborative partnerships across properties and communities. This work directly supports the delivery of the National Trust’s 20 Million Tree strategy, contributing to Nature Recovery Networks, Species Recovery Networks, and 30x30 Projects.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• understanding of good community engagement and participatory practice
• understanding of good practice in engaging and managing volunteers
• delivers team priorities with excellent organisational and planning skills
• Practical experience in plant production, seed collection, and cultivation
• the ability to coach and support others, and to work collaboratively across teams.
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

You’ll bring:

• a strong understanding of community engagement, participatory practice, and volunteer innovation.
• experience in increasing community participation and developing inclusive opportunities.
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• the ability to coach and support others, and to work collaboratively across teams.
• confidence in using data and insight to guide decisions.
• knowledge of relevant legislation including safeguarding, GDPR, and equality.
• a proactive, empathetic, and inclusive approach.

The package

The 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