Summary

As the Castlefield Viaduct Volunteering and Community Involvement Officer, you’ll play a key part in our plans to bring this Grade II listed viaduct back into use, transforming it into a green oasis created by and for the benefit of local people. For several years, local people and organisations in the community have been passionate about finding a future for Castlefield viaduct. We’re excited to be working with them to try to make this a reality.  

The vision is to transform Castlefield viaduct into a free-to-access park and meeting place for people and nature. Imagine a hidden oasis sitting above this busy city. It will be a space that respects the listed structure, celebrates the nature, beauty and history of the viaduct, and fits in with existing plans for the city.  

To enable us to test ideas and get some feedback about the space, we plan to open the viaduct as a temporary park from June 2022 – July 2023. Working with Twelve Architects we have designed a light-touch, temporary Pilot scheme to invite members of the public up into the space safely to hear their views. As the Volunteer and Community Involvement Officer you will be responsible for great volunteering and community involvement at the viaduct and the creation of new offers and approaches. 

First Interviews: Tuesday 8th March (9-4)

Second Interviews: Wednesday 16th March (9-11/2-4)

What it's like to work here

Probably not what you think. We work with passionate people in inspiring places and have the opportunity to make a difference every day. We have big ambitions, value creativity and diversity and want to work together in new, dynamic, and innovative ways. We look after special places for ever, for everyone. We know the positive impact they have on people’s lives because places matter, to our wellbeing, our spirit, and our relationships. 

What you'll be doing

You will be responsible for creating plans and initiatives that build a great volunteer experience at Castlefield Viaduct. You will map connections with the local community and then plan and develop opportunities for local people and groups to get involved in our work, creating mutually beneficial partnerships and understanding. You will be a pivotal point of contact for local residents, communities and groups within the city and you will enable their interests to shape future plans for the site.  

Who we're looking for

• We're looking for someone with demonstrable experience of developing volunteering offers and programmes. You will be confident in working with community groups and developing community involvement to grow support.  
• You will have experience in working with volunteers and with a volunteer framework to support the volunteer journey.  
• You will be confident in representing the viaduct at local groups and championing the National Trust and the viaduct to the local community, partners and stakeholders.  
• You will have excellent people skills enabling strong relationships to be built and maintained.  
• You will be passionate about the work of the National Trust to deliver its charitable objectives in urban areas. You will be keen to problem solve and think innovatively as we explore new models and new ways of doing this. 

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