Green Sparks Officer at Swansea Community Farm
Swansea Community Farm is the only city farm in Wales, focused on improving mental health and wellbeing by reconnecting people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities with their food, environment and each other.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Green Sparks Officer to manage and develop delivery of our National Lottery-funded Green Sparks adult and young person volunteer programme.
Job Description
The right candidate will take responsibility for managing every aspect of the programme, including evaluations and reporting to funders and stakeholders. They will also work outdoors alongside volunteers aged 10‑85, delivering farm-based practical activities and training that improve the health, wellbeing and confidence of participants.
This role involves:
* Management and delivery of volunteer opportunities for children, young people and adults at the Farm, based around the implementation, delivery and development of the National Lottery Community Fund Green Sparks project.
* Recruitment, support and management of new volunteers and existing volunteers and support staff.
* Promotion, marketing of the project, and supporting the development of volunteers as peer mentors.
* Monitoring and evaluation, liaising with other staff, trustees and stakeholders and developing the programme in a beneficiary-led manner.
* Writing funding reports and working on funding applications for the continuation of Farm projects.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
* Develop the Green Sparks volunteering project, promoting outdoor volunteering and attracting target volunteers (those facing a health and wellbeing challenge).
* Deliver weekly volunteer days on Tuesdays & Thursdays (age 16+) and Saturdays (age 10‑16). Work across the Farm site, including animals, gardens, grounds and Cadle Heath. Seek and implement volunteers ideas for site development (e.g., construction, signage).
* Train, induct, manage and support project sessional staff.
* Support volunteers with a wide range of support issues to engage in the programme.
* Deliver events and materials to engage the community with the key messages of the project.
* Provide opportunities for individual development of volunteers resulting from regular reviews of their needs/abilities.
* Monitor and evaluate the project and write reports for funders.
* Assist team in researching and preparing funding applications for the project and related activities.
* Take responsibility for health and safety issues relating to the programme activities and members of the public as appropriate, including preparation of activity site checks and risk assessments.
* Adhere to all policies and procedures at SCF, paying particular attention to Child and Vulnerable Person Protection Policy, Health and Safety, Code of Conduct and Equal Opportunities.
* Assist in the control of the project budget.
* Ensure handling of money and receipts in accordance with Farm financial procedures.
Working Relationships
* Co‑operation and collaboration with other staff.
* Negotiation with beneficiaries and volunteers to develop their potential.
* Participation in working groups, staff training events and meetings for the purpose of the project's development.
* Developing partnerships with other organisations which will strengthen the Farm and improve its work, producing publicity material and liaising with the media.
Statement of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer, seeking to avoid discrimination in all its forms, and to this end, we have a blind application process. We welcome applications from all areas of the community, including candidates with additional languages, lived experience and from diverse backgrounds.
Timeline of Recruitment
* You are welcome to visit the Farm on Saturday 10th January, 2‑4pm, to learn more about the work we do.
* Online Q&A, 1pm Monday 12th January.
* Application deadline 23:59 Thursday 15th January.
* We will contact you by Monday 19th January if you have been invited for interview.
* Interviews will be held at the Farm on Monday 26th January. The interviews will involve a formal interview and a 25‑minute practical session, which you will plan and deliver with a small group of volunteers.
Pay Scale
£23,914 (equivalent to £29,494 full‑time)
Hours
Contracted to 4 days/30 hours a week (potential for full‑time role, dependent on skills).
Contract Length
This is a fixed‑term post until September 2028, which we would hope to extend subject to performance and the candidate being involved in securing further funding.
Annual Leave
28 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays, pro rata.
Probation
This post is subject to a 3‑month probation period.
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