National Trails Volunteer and Project Coordinator

Oxfordshire County Council; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Oxfordshire County Council as a Volunteer Scheme Coordinator to lead and manage our volunteer program for the Thames Path and The Ridgeway. This role ensures trail quality standards are met while working with a dedicated team, overseeing practical tasks, and fostering a passion for public access in the countryside.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising volunteers in an outdoor setting.
• Assured using tools and equipment for countryside work.
• Good IT skills and some working knowledge of GIS.

Responsibilities

• Managing and developing the Volunteer Scheme.
• Overseeing a dedicated workshop space and tools.
• Leading volunteers in practical countryside tasks.

Skills

Volunteer supervision

Outdoor tool usage

Communication

Organization

IT skills

GIS knowledge

Passion for countryside

Job description

About Us

The Thames Path and The Ridgeway are two of England’s sixteen National Trails—long-distance routes designed to offer exceptional walking, cycling, and horse-riding experiences through some of the country’s most beautiful and historic landscapes.

Our small, friendly team is passionate about protecting and enhancing these trails for everyone to enjoy. With the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers, we maintain and improve trail infrastructure—installing and repairing signage, gates, and small bridges, and carrying out extensive summer mowing to keep paths clear and accessible.

We also work closely with local communities and partners to promote the trails and the diverse environments they pass through. Whether it’s launching new initiatives, engaging the public, or exploring innovative ways to enhance the trail experience, we’re always looking for ways to go further.

About the Role

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our National Trails team. We are seeking an energetic, personable, and resourceful person with hands-on experience in countryside management and volunteer coordination.

As the Volunteer Scheme Coordinator, you will head the delivery of our volunteer programme, ensuring that the Thames Path and The Ridgeway meet National Trail Quality Standards. You’ll play a vital role in making sure our volunteers feel safe, motivated, well-trained, and properly equipped to carry out practical trail work.

Key features of the role include:

• Managing and developing the Volunteer Scheme, including recruitment, training, and retention.
• Overseeing a dedicated workshop space, tools, and your own work truck.
• Leading and supportingvolunteers in practical countryside tasks such as:
  • Conducting trail condition surveys
  • Making and installing signage
  • Clearing vegetation and maintaining access
  • Installing gates and carrying out surface patch repairs
  • Mowing and seasonal maintenance
• Developing new initiatives to enhance the trails and managing small-scale work contracts.

About You

• Has experience supervising volunteers in a practical outdoor setting.
• Is assured using tools and equipment for countryside access work.
• Communicates well and enjoys working with people from all backgrounds.
• Is organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing logistics and resources
• Has good IT skills and some working knowledge of GIS systems.
• Has a passion for the countryside and public access.

For more information and to apply,click here