Community Engagement Officer (NTC)

Belfast Zoo; Belfast; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government authority in Belfast is looking for a part-time Project Support Officer for a fixed term until July 2028. The role involves community engagement within the Nature Towns and Cities project, working to develop new nature-positive practices and facilitate the involvement of local groups. Applicants should have strong communication and project management skills. The salary is between £39,862 and £42,839 pro rata to hours worked, with a commitment to equality of opportunity.

Benefits

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants

Equal Opportunities Employer

Qualifications

• Experience in community-facing roles, promoting nature's recovery.
• Ability to engage with diverse groups and facilitate training sessions.
• Strong understanding of biodiversity and environmental initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main contact for community and faith groups, landowners, and volunteers.
• Assist the Project Manager with the development of nature-positive practices.
• Promote and develop the use of parks and greenspaces for community wellbeing.

Skills

Community engagement

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Job description

City & Neighbourhood Services Department

Section:

Neighbourhood Services

Contract type:

Fixed Term Contract

Vacancy type:

Part‑time

£39,862 - £42,839 per annum (pro rata to hours worked)

This is a part time, fixed term contract post until 31 July 2028 subject to review.

As Protestants and males are currently known to be under‑represented in this job group, in Belfast City Council, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome.

And as young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are currently under‑represented in Belfast City Council, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome.

As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

Belfast City Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Reporting to the Project Manager the post will be responsible for all the people‑facing opportunities within the Nature Towns and Cities (NTC) project: To assist the Project Manager on the development of a blueprint for nature’s recovery within the project area, with a focus on establishing new nature‑positive practices within existing blue and green spaces in Belfast, as well as developing new initiatives and project plans to ‘green the grey’. , Responsible for:

• acting as the main point of contact for Community groups, faith groups, landowners of accessible space, public bodies, businesses and volunteers.
• working closely with other project staff and other Council Officers to remove barriers to participation by delivering community engagement in citizen science, training and project co‑design sessions, building the capacity of local communities in line with the Project Plan.

Work with other Council Officers in the promotion and development of the use of the city’s parks and greenspaces, maximizing their potential for biodiversity, climate resilience and positive mental and physical health outcomes for people, while ensuring alignment with the Council’s plans and long‑term vision.

About You

About the department

With over 1,400 staff the City and Neighbourhood Services Department delivers frontline services essential to the daily lives of Belfast residents. This includes:

• Open Space & Street Scene– Managing parks, green spaces, and street cleansing operations.
• Neighbourhood Development & Regeneration– Overseeingcommunity centres, health and wellbeing initiatives, active living, and community safety.
• Regulatory & City Services– Providing environmental health services, dog and pest control, port health, emergency planning, and bereavement services.
• Strategic Waste Management– Leadingwaste collection, recycling, and fleet management.

This department is committed to deliveringcustomer‑focused, cost‑efficient, and impactful servicesto enhance the quality of life in Belfast.