National Trails Volunteer and Project Coordinator

Job Introduction

About Us

The Thames Path and The Ridgeway are two of England’s sixteen National Trails—long-distance routes designed to offer exceptional walking, cycling, and horse-riding experiences through some of the country’s most beautiful and historic landscapes.

Our small, friendly team is passionate about protecting and enhancing these trails for everyone to enjoy. With the invaluable support of our dedicated volunteers, we maintain and improve trail infrastructure—installing and repairing signage, gates, and small bridges, and carrying out extensive summer mowing to keep paths clear and accessible.

We also work closely with local communities and partners to promote the trails and the diverse environments they pass through. Whether it’s launching new initiatives, engaging the public, or exploring innovative ways to enhance the trail experience, we’re always looking for ways to go further.

About the Role

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our National Trails team. We are seeking an energetic, personable, and resourceful person with hands-on experience in countryside management and volunteer coordination.

As the Volunteer Scheme Coordinator, you will head the delivery of our volunteer programme, ensuring that the Thames Path and The Ridgeway meet National Trail Quality Standards. You’ll play a vital role in making sure our volunteers feel safe, motivated, well-trained, and properly equipped to carry out practical trail work.

Key features of the role include:

• Managing and developing the Volunteer Scheme, including recruitment, training, and retention.
• Overseeing a dedicated workshop space, tools, and your own work truck.
• Leading and supportingvolunteers in practical countryside tasks such as:
  • Conducting trail condition surveys
  • Making and installing signage
  • Clearing vegetation and maintaining access
  • Installing gates and carrying out surface patch repairs
  • Mowing and seasonal maintenance
• Developing new initiatives to enhance the trails and managing small-scale work contracts.

About You

• Has experience supervising volunteers in a practical outdoor setting.
• Is assured using tools and equipment for countryside access work.
• Communicates well and enjoys working with people from all backgrounds.
• Is organised, self-motivated, and capable of managing logistics and resources
• Has good IT skills and some working knowledge of GIS systems.
• Has a passion for the countryside and public access.

 Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working 
• Technology to support agile working where role permits
• 28 days annual leave p.a. plus bank holidays (this can increase to 31 as your length of service increases)
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employers contribution of up to 19.9%
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk