Summary

Join the Skell Valley Project team as our Senior Volunteering and Community Officer – Heritage Research. 

This is a part-time opportunity working to help us deliver the ambitious and broad-ranging Skell Valley Project, based at Fountains Abbey in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project is working to protect the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens and to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and heritage of the wider Skell Valley.

This is an important role for our project, which will focus on delivering the historic environment elements of the project. By working with the project team and other partners the postholder shall: research the cultural heritage of the Skell Valley and Ripon, support archaeological surveys and implement historic environment learning, volunteering, access and training projects. The role will be part of the Skell Valley Project team reporting to the Project Manager.  

This part-time role can be worked flexibly, and with the opportunity for some home working which strikes the right balance for both you and the Trust. We also encourage internal applicants.

Internally you will be known as 'Senior Volunteering & Community Officer'

What it's like to work here

The Skell Valley Project’s aim is to make the Skell Valley a healthy landscape for nature and heritage, that is resilient to the effects of climate change and an enjoyable place for people to live, work and explore. The Project is co-led by National Trust and Nidderdale AONB, and is supported by a partnership of organisations, businesses and private landowners.

The Skell Valley Project will be spending £2.5 million over 4 years to protect and enhance the 12 miles of the Skell Valley, from the moorland of Dallowgill where the Skell rises, through rolling farmland and forestry, the designed landscapes at Eavestone, Grantley and Fountains, down to the cathedral city of Ripon.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary environment with a hard-working team who set and achieve ambitious targets. 

Click here for more information about this location

What you'll be doing

The post holder will:

• develop and support new volunteer groups

• support local community groups, volunteers and consultants to deliver archaeological surveys and building recording projects across the project area

• work with partners to deliver heritage learning, access and heritage skills training

• collate research findings to inform development of interpretation and walking trails

• oversee heritage contractors with support from Area Ranger and Regional Archaeologist 

Who we're looking for

• Understanding and good practice of volunteer management.

• Understanding of good practice in community engagement and involvement, as well as broader participation and partnership working.

• Practical and successful experience of recording and researching built and landscape heritage

• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

• Ability to coach and support those managing, supervising and working alongside volunteers and community partners.

• Strong communication skills.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.