Parks Engagement Officer

Merton Council; Wimbledon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Merton Council is seeking a Parks and Greenspaces Engagement Officer to join its Public Realm directorate in Wimbledon. You will lead community engagement across parks and arboriculture and support social value initiatives with our contracted services.

You'll manage day-to-day communications with ward councillors and cabinet members, and build relationships with Friends of Parks groups, Residents associations, Tree Wardens and other stakeholders, expanding outreach to harder-to-reach areas.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing volunteers and reporting for public services.
• Ability to secure funding and manage risk in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead community engagement across parks and arboriculture within Public Realm.
• Manage day-to-day communications with ward councillors and cabinet members.
• Develop relationships with Friends of Parks, Residents associations, Tree Wardens and other groups.
• Expand network to harder-to-reach areas and support social value initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Volunteer management

Risk management

Reporting

Funding acquisition

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Merton's newly formed Public Realm directorate as the Parks and Greenspaces Engagement Officer
The role will lead on improving community engagement across the departments Parks and Arboriculture service areas as well as nurturing the Social Value support offered by the services current service contractor for both grounds maintenance and arboriculture services
Managing day to day communications with ward councillors and cabinet members as well as managing relationships with services network of Friends of Parks groups, Residents associations, Tree Wardens and other stakeholder groups as well as expanding the network of such groups into harder reach areas of the borough
The successful candidate will possess effective communication skills with the ability to work to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment and with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be experienced in managing volunteers , risk management, reporting as well as securing funding.