Open Spaces Officer

Scotlink; Dover; On-site; GBP 80,000 - GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking an enthusiastic Open Spaces Officer to lead a team of volunteers in maintaining Council-owned open spaces. The successful candidate will have strong horticultural knowledge and experience working with volunteers. This role involves motivating volunteers, conducting horticultural tasks, and collaborating with Council events and stakeholders. The position offers a supportive work environment along with employee benefits such as generous annual leave and a local government pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave provision

Healthcare Membership

Discount scheme for local leisure activities

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in a similar role.
• Proven ability to motivate and engage volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and engage volunteers in maintaining open spaces.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders on strategic objectives.
• Conduct horticultural tasks and support Council events.

Skills

Experience working with volunteers

Horticultural knowledge

Strong communication skills

Job description

Dover District Council

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.

The Dover District covers approximately 121 square miles and is steeped in history, with wonderful coastline and countryside, lush valleys and beautiful parks and gardens, including the Green Flag Awarded Kearsney Parks, which encompasses a Grade II Thomas Mawson formal gardens. This makes Dover such an attractive place to live and work.

With amazing natural landscapes, parks and gardens, we’re looking for an enthusiastic Open Spaces Officer to join the Parks and Open Spaces Team.

The Role & Responsibilities

You will lead on motivating and engaging an established group of volunteers who maintain Council owned open spaces. You will seek opportunities to grow volunteer activity, lead on horticultural tasks, and support wider Council events and activities at Council parks and open spaces. You will also work closely with the Principal Open Spaces Officer to develop and deliver wider open space strategic objectives through data collection and liaising with local stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

• You must have experience of working with volunteers.
• You must have experience of working in a similar role for at least a year.
• We are looking for somebody with a good breadth of horticultural knowledge, and with strong communication skills for dealing with people at all levels.

What Can We Offer?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:

• Generous annual leave provision
• Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme
• Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre, days out and entertainment
• On-site parking
• Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• Cycle2Work scheme

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

Please apply through Dover District Council's jobs portal.

Interviews are scheduled to be held week commencing 9th March 2026 TBC.