Community Engagement Officer

Job Title: Community Engagement Officer

Location: Edinburgh / Hybrid. Based at the Forth Rivers Trust offices at
Hillend with regular travel to Bathgate, West Lothian and the option of some home working

Contract Type: Fixed-term until 20th March 2025, with potential for
continuation subject to funding.

Salary: £27,274 (pro rata) (with a one off bonus of 5% of the annual salary at
the end of the advertised contract period)

Benefits: 9% employer pension contributions (or 4% with NEST if default
chosen), Bike to Work scheme.

Working arrangements: Due to the community based nature of this post some
evening and weekend work will be required.

Hours: 35 hours per week (0.9FTE)

Annual Leave: 32 days per year (pro rata) plus 5 discretionary fixed days
leave at Christmas.

Reports to: Community Engagement Officer

Project Overview: Bathgate Meadows Nature Park Project is an ambitious
multi-million-pound restoration initiative aimed at revitalising the Bathgate Water and the
surrounding greenspace. This transformative project is a collaboration between West Lothian
Council, SEPA, Sustrans, Green Action Trust, and Forth Rivers Trust. The project will enhance
the local environment, create vibrant community spaces, and provide new opportunities for local
residents.

Role Overview: We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Community
Engagement Officer to support the final stages of the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park project. The
successful candidate will play a key role in engaging with a key audience of those aged 16-25,
facilitating community involvement, ensuring that local voices are heard and reflected in the
project outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community and Youth Engagement:
  • Support the organising and delivery of community engagement activities, including
    workshops, public meetings, and events, to gather input on project designs and plans.
  • Collaborate with local community groups, schools, and other stakeholders to
    encourage participation in the project, with a particular focus on those aged 16-25
  • Develop and distribute communication materials, such as newsletters, social media
    content, and flyers, to inform the community about project progress and opportunities
    for involvement.

• Consultation on Design Elements:
  • Support consultations on the design and implementation of various project
    components, including wildflower meadow creation, active travel pathways, community art
    installations, and heritage interpretation.
  • Gather and analyse feedback from the community to inform design decisions, ensuring
    that the project meets the needs and aspirations of local residents.

• Support for Employment Scheme Development:
  • Assist in the development of an employment scheme for young people, including
    liaising with potential partners, local businesses and young people.
  • Contribute to the creation of opportunities for youth engagement and skills
    development within the project.

• Project Planning and Funding Application Support:
  • Work closely with the Community Engagement Project Manager to develop detailed
    project plans and timelines.
  • Assist in preparing materials and documentation for a funding application to the
    National Lottery Heritage Fund.
  • Contribute to project reporting and monitoring, ensuring that key milestones and
    objectives are met.
  • Supporting the Trust Directors and line manager in other tasks as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in community engagement, consultation, or public outreach roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse community
  groups including young people.
• Experience in organising and facilitating workshops, events, or public consultations.
• Knowledge or interest in environmental conservation, urban regeneration, or community
  development projects.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including local authorities,
  NGOs, and community organisations.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
  effectively.
• Experience in preparing materials for funding applications or project reporting is
  desirable.
• The ability to drive with a full UK drivers license

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about community engagement and environmental sustainability.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Creative and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Committed to delivering high-quality work with attention to detail.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover
letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for applying to
[email protected] by 5pm on 03/10/2024. Applications should be made out to Merlin
Planterose. We are only able to receive applications from those with a right to work in the UK

03/10/2024: Applications must be received by 5pm on Thursday the 3rd of October

04/10/2024: Shortlisting and notification of interviews

07/10/2024: Interviews. Preferably in person at Hillend, Edinburgh.

Role to commence as soon as possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating an inclusive
environment for all employees and welcome applications from all qualified candidates,
regardless of race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We follow
The Scottish Governments fair work first policies.

This position is being made possible with thanks to support from the Bathgate Meadows Nature Park project partners and funders.