Marine Project Coordinator - North Devon Unesco Biosphere Foundation

Devon County Council; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking a proactive Marine Programme Coordinator for a 12‑month maternity cover with the North Devon Biosphere. You will lead marine initiatives, coordinate forums and workshops, and engage stakeholders across communities, fishers, businesses and public bodies.

The role focuses on marine conservation, coastal management and securing funding, with reporting duties to support environmental objectives during a fixed term period.

Qualifications

• Interest in marine, coastal or environmental issues.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating projects, events or partnerships.
• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver marine awareness initiatives and training.
• Organise the North Devon Biosphere Marine Forum twice annually.
• Lead meetings and workshop coordination with partners.
• Represent the Biosphere at meetings and share opportunities.

Skills

Marine conservation

Organisational skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Project coordination

Independent working

Education

Marine/environmental qualification

Job description

Expected Start Date:

December 2026 / January 2027

12 Month. Fixed-term to cover maternity leave

(January 2027 to December 2027)

Role Purpose:

To lead and coordinate the North Devon Biosphere’s marine programme during a 12-month maternity cover period, bringing together businesses, community groups, fishers, conservation organisations and public bodies to support marine conservation, sustainable coastal management and stakeholder engagement. The postholder will deliver key marine initiatives, facilitate forums, workshops and partnership working, promote marine awareness, monitor relevant sector developments, and support funding and reporting activities to help achieve the Biosphere’s environmental and nature recovery objectives.

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and deliver the Marine Wildlife Awareness Accreditation Scheme, including organising training and supporting participating businesses.
• Organise and facilitate the North Devon Biosphere Marine Forum twice annually.
• Coordinate and host the Marine Project Working Group meetings, gathering updates from partners and stakeholders and ensuring actions are followed up.
• Represent the Biosphere at relevant meetings, forums and events, sharing key information and opportunities with the wider team.
• Monitor developments in marine conservation, fisheries and coastal management, providing updates where relevant.
• Organise and facilitate at least one stakeholder workshop during the year, including engagement with the fishing community and other marine stakeholders.
• Coordinate marine-related workshops and activities at the Surf and Conservation Film Festival.
• Support the identification of funding opportunities and collaborate with colleagues to explore resources that can help deliver the marine programme.
• Maintain project records, stakeholder contacts and reporting requirements associated with the marine programme.

Essential Skills and Experience

• An interest in, and understanding of, marine, coastal or environmental issues.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including community groups, fishers, businesses, conservation organisations and public bodies.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and maintain project momentum.
• Experience coordinating projects, events, workshops or partnerships.
• Strong administrative skills and attention to detail.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• A qualification or professional experience in marine conservation, environmental management, sustainability, geography, ecology or a related field.
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops or stakeholder engagement activities.
• Knowledge of the North Devon marine environment, fisheries sector and/or coastal communities.
• Experience identifying and supporting funding applications.
• Experience working within the charity, public or environmental sector.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence engaging with a diverse range of audiences.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to quickly familiarise themselves with existing projects.
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently.
• Passion for environmental sustainability and nature recovery.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month maternity cover position at FTE (equivalent to 3 days per week). Subject to funding availability and organisational needs, there may be opportunities for additional hours and/or an extension beyond the initial contract period.

In line with GDPR, we will only retain your personal information for as long as necessary to complete the recruitment process.