“Conservation & Community Garden Officer, H&H – apply by 17 Aug”

Salary: £28,945 per annum pro rata (£23,156 actual) for 28 hours (4 days) per week.

About the role

You will help people and nature thrive as you lead growing and volunteer activity from a Twickenham garden and across south and west London. Habitats & Heritage is the local charity caring for the natural and historic environment and climate across Richmond, Hounslow, Kingston, Wandsworth and Merton. They work with communities and partners to protect wildlife, improve habitats, safeguard heritage and help more people enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of local green spaces.

The charity is seeking a Nature Conservation and Community Garden Officer to coordinate their community garden and office site in Twickenham, and bring people together through food growing, gardening and practical conservation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a weekly volunteer group on site and care for and develop the site at Grimwood Road, Twickenham.
• Plan safe, welcoming sessions for young people, corporate volunteers and community organisations at other sites across Richmond, Hounslow and Kingston.
• Recruit, train and support members of the public to undertake water-quality sampling for the Bazalgette Heritage Project.
• Assist the Biodiversity Partnership Forums in Richmond and Kingston.
• Maintain accurate project, volunteer and monitoring records.

Requirements

• Experience of planning and leading practical nature conservation sessions or workdays.
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively.
• Strong interest in nature and the environment.
• Good Microsoft Office and social media skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

Experience of the following would be an advantage:

• Community gardening or food growing.
• Citizen science or water-quality monitoring.
• Biodiversity recording.
• Working with young people and corporate groups.
• A relevant conservation, ecology, horticulture or environmental qualification.

Skills

• Organised, practical and enthusiastic.
• Able to motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds.
• Confident communicator who can adapt their approach to different groups.

Schedule

• 28 hours over four days per week.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
• Based mainly at Grimwood Road, with work in parks, green spaces and community locations in varying weather.
• Fixed-term from mid-October 2026 to mid-May 2027, with a possible extension subject to funding.