Community Empowerment Officer (Oswestry Depave)

Shrewsbury / Oswestry area, Shropshire – Hybrid
35 hours per week
Fixed Term Contract – until March 2027

Shropshire Wildlife Trusts’ Oswestry Depave project is looking for a dynamic Community
Empowerment Officer to develop, coordinate and manage community depaving projects from start to
finish.

The Community Empowerment Officer will engage with local communities and Oswestry Town Council
to lead and coordinate community-centred design processes, report on progress and assist in the
development of new funding proposals. Supported by the multi-disciplinary Landscape Recovery
Department, the officer will also oversee and coordinate contractors and spearhead design and
permitting.

Depave aims to empower communities to adapt to climate change through urban re-greening. The
removal of impervious surfaces will reduce stormwater pollution and increase the amount of
urban space available for habitat and wildlife.

Delivery will provide evidence and learning that can be both transferable and expandable in
line with the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) and River Severn Partnership (RSP)
objectives.

Our office is based in Shrewsbury and the project based in the Oswestry area, Shropshire. You
will work on a hybrid basis but you will need to be able to travel to Oswestry on a regular
basis.

What we’re looking for:

You will be passionate advocate of community development and nature-based solutions for the
biodiversity / climate crises.

Have an understanding of the principles and practices that underpin effective community
organising and have several years’ experience implementing them.

A proven track record in collaborating with local communities, volunteers, landowners,
charities and statutory agencies.

A demonstrable ability to negotiate and persuade tactfully to secure stakeholder buy in.

A clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

It would be advantageous to have experience in project management, including budget management
and compiling grant claims, as well as experience of managing the delivery of work through
coordinating contractors.

Why work for us – benefits we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Salary sacrifice benefits
• Life assurance
• Generous pension – company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3%
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Employee away days
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere

No enquiries from agencies or for further advertising will be taken.

About us:

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire’s
wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological
emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine
projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to
restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50
staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are
increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our
local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

Closing date: Thursday 27th February
Interviews: Thursday March 6th (morning)