Job Title: Trent Valley Way Project Officer

Responsible to: Trent Rivers Trust Senior Catchment Manager

Responsible for: Delivering the Trent Valley Way

Salary: £23,790 pro rata

Hours: 26 hours per week for a 18 month fixed term contract

Based: At partnership offices within the Trent Valley landscape in Rugeley. Home based during Covid lockdown.

Background information Transforming the Trent Valley (TTTV) is a Landscape Partnership Scheme lead by Wildlife Trust, partnered by a diverse range of statutory and voluntary organisations and quarry operators and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. TTTV is a 5-year scheme which started in April 2019 and will complete in March 2024 and will deliver a series of projects aimed at engaging communities, promoting sustainable access and enhancing our natural and cultural heritage.

Purpose

“Transforming the Trent Valley” celebrates the waterways, industries and the communities that are the life-force of this rapidly evolving river valley landscape and which have shaped and continue to influence its form and use. Wildlife-rich rivers, waterways and wetlands are at the heart of a revitalised, resilient and beautiful landscape that is connected and accessible for local communities and visitors to enjoy and explore as well as providing many opportunities to inspire and re-connect people to the river valley by revealing it’s cultural, industrial and natural heritage.

The vision for the landscape is for “Wildlife-rich waterways and wetlands at the heart of a resilient, accessible, beautiful and culturally rich landscape. Creating a brighter future for people, business and wildlife in the Trent Valley”.

The Trent Valley Way This is a long distance walking route starting at the source of the Trent in north Staffordshire and ending at the Estuary where the reaches the North Sea. The TVW Project Officer role to delivering the TVW within the TTTV project only. This is a length of 51km starting at Colwich in Staffordshire and finishing at Shardlow in .

The planning and development of the TVW within the project areas has already been completed. The next stage is to deliver a range of capital and interpretation works on the ground so that that route is visible and safe.

Circular routes off the Trent Valley Way In addition to the main TVW route, the TTTV project will also deliver a series of circular routes linking to the main route. Most of these routes have been identified but do need further work to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose.

Job Purpose:

The post holder will act as ambassador for the Transforming the Trent Valley (TTTV) Landscape Partnership Scheme and work with the landscape partnership team to deliver the Trent Valley Way in line with the aspirations of the Trent Rivers Trust and the TTTV scheme.

The project officer will work with partners, volunteers and contractors to develop and improve the Trent Valley Way on the ground and promote the route to communities. They will support a range of volunteers to survey the route. They will supervise contractors to install interpretation and deliver capital works.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Work alongside the Senior Catchment Manager and the TTTV project team to deliver a key project that connects communities and visitors with the wider landscape. 2. Coordinate work with partners and volunteers to survey and finalise sections of the main route, circular routes and spurs. 3. Liaise with landowners and other organisations as necessary to secure permission for the installation of all the walk infrastructure including way markers, posts and finger posts. 4. Work with project partners, contractors and volunteers to install all walking infrastructure and agreed capital works. 5. Work closely with the Senior Project Manager, Interpretation Officer and Comms Officer and assist in the creation and installation of interpretation panels along the route to add interest and engage communities with their landscape. 6. Create walk leaflets and online information to help support and promote the project. 7. Work with other projects where there is a cross-over to find opportunities for added value. One example is the conversion of a pillbox into a walker’s refuge alongside the River Trent. 8. With support of the wider team, organise a Trent Valley Way walking festival as part of wider celebration events. 9. Help to set-up and support local volunteers to maintain sections of the footpath and infrastructure. 10. Provide information and reports as required for reporting to funders, and evaluation and monitoring. 11. Maintain a good record of activities for evidence including invoices, photographs, press cuttings etc. 12. Work with the Scheme Manager and other officers to deliver an effective project as part of the partnership and meet the outcomes of the scheme. Comply with the procedures of the scheme including comms and branding guidelines and participate in relevant scheme meetings and activities as required. 13. Undertake any other duties as determined by the line manager.

All work to be supported by a Senior Catchment Manager from TRT.

All staff are required to abide by organisational policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Job Title: TVW Project Officer

Criteria Essential Desirable Assessment Method * Qualifications Full Driving Licence Yes Application A level/GSCE Maths and English or equivalent Yes Application at grade A-C A degree or similar in a subject appropriate to Yes Application the role

Experience Delivering and overseeing small scale capital Yes Interview works Working with volunteers Yes Interview Working with contractors Yes Interview Liaising with landowners Yes Interview Skills/knowledge Skilled and knowledgeable in the use of Yes Interview Microsoft Office suite An understanding of natural and cultural Yes Interview heritage. An understanding of rivers, water and Yes Interview floodplains. Experience using GIS Yes Application Abilities Working to deadlines Yes Interview Managing a series of simultaneous work Yes Interview streams. Working independently. Yes Interview Good working with different types of people Yes Interview (famers, community groups, contractors etc.).

* I = interview QC = qualification certificate AF = application form T = test or assessment P = presentation