Accessible Green Space Development Officer

About Portsmouth City Council

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We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Job introduction

We are looking for an Accessible Green Space Development Officer to join our Nature Positive Portsmouth project team to deliver nature recovery at scale, climate resilient green infrastructure and improved connection to nature for health and wellbeing in the City. This is a part time role based at the Civic Offices, but will involve some travel around locations within the City and some opportunities for hybrid working depending on business needs, as well as some evening and weekend working for attendance to meetings and events.

Your new role

The Accessible Green Space Development Officer will lead efforts to improve access to existing green spaces and play parks across the city, using evidence from key strategies and assessments to address barriers, enhance climate resilience, and promote multifunctionality.Working closely with local communities and Council Officers, they will consult through community hubs, identify access challenges, and deliver engagement programs to embed inclusive park use.The role includes developing volunteer guidance, creating a playbook for diverse space utilization, and building a pipeline of costed projects to secure future investment.Additionally, the officer will support nature-based interventions, green social prescribing, and partnerships with organizations like the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, while exploring opportunities to link green spaces with cultural initiatives and assist community groups in unlocking hidden green areas for public benefit.

This post is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund through Nature Towns and Cities, a partnership between the Heritage Fund, Natural England and the National Trust.

Who is the person summary:

The role requires a relevant professional qualification and experience in managing parks and open spaces, with strong skills in community engagement, stakeholder management, and volunteering.You’ll need expertise in biodiversity, green infrastructure, and ecological concepts, alongside the ability to develop costed plans, analyse data (including GIS), and communicate clearly through reports and consultations.Strong collaboration and influencing skills are essential, as well as an organized approach and flexibility.Knowledge of green space benefits for health, climate change risks, and frameworks such as the Green Infrastructure and Green Flag Award is important.Understanding local social and economic issues and supporting community groups is desirable but not essential.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post. We offer hybrid working with the expectation to attend the office 2 days a week (pro rata for part time) depending on the role and business needs.

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a successful applicant.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.ukor call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail with the hiring manager, please contact Felicity Harris, Strategic Lead Climate Resilience and Natural Environment: felicity.harris@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage:Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Interview date: 30th January 2026