Hedgerow Heroes Project Officer

Hedgerow Heroes Project Officer - fixed term contact, 9 months

Closing date: 9am, Monday 1st September 2025.

Interviews: Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th September (online).

Start date: ASAP.

Hours: 4 days per week (with one day per week worked remotely)

Salary: £15,000 plus contributory pension for a 4-day week based upon a 9-month FTE of £18,750.

About the role This is an exciting time to join CPRE Hertfordshire as we look to initiate our work across the county protecting and restoring the county s hedgerows. You will be the lead in this ambition to plant over 2km of hedgerow in Hertfordshire.

It is a big project funded by a CPRE corporate sponsor, but the Hedgerow Heroes Project Officer (HHPO) will have excellent allies and advice every step of the way.

Knowledge and experience in conservation would be an advantage, but the main attributes which this person will bring to the role will be top quality organisation and communication skills.

CPRE Hertfordshire will be working alongside another environmental group who will offer guidance and support on choosing hedgerow plants for planting. This role requires working with volunteers to support with hedgerow planting.

The person in this role will be expected to reach out to bring all the networks and ambition together for the hedgerow planting experience.

Good communication will be key at every stage with the partners, the participants, the landowners and the funder.

Key responsibilities include:

Communications and Project Management

• Develop a database of volunteers, partnerships and stakeholders to recruit for the planting of 2km of hedgerows.

• Develop criteria for planting locations for the hedgerows and engage landowners in identifying / agreeing sections of hedgerow for planting.

• Use these criteria to develop a best practice guide for hedge planting and after-care, to support landowners, community groups and others in maintaining their newly planted hedgerows.

• Communicate with wider supporters/stakeholders such as schools, colleges, parish councils and community groups with an invitation to plant hedgerows.

• Contribute to the production of a detailed publicity programme aimed at publicising the Hedgerow Heroes project, recruiting support, securing additional plants, acknowledging partners and the funder.

• Provide a monthly report for partners, the funder, trustees and colleagues.

• Attend regular project meetings with our National Office (online).

Planning and Delivery

• Timetable and map the days where hedgerows will be planted and/or restored.

• Keep to the project budget and record expenditure.

• Secure the equipment from the project budget.

• Ensure plants, equipment materials (i.e. stakes and binders) and risk assessments are all in place for each day.

• Liaise directly with the various parties involved in this project, including professional hedgerow planting trainers instructing courses, volunteers, landowners, community groups and other relevant organisations.

• Oversee and attend each planting day.

Personal profile

• You must share our mission to promote, enhance and protect Hertfordshire countryside with a passion for hedgerows.

• You will be an enthusiastic self-starter, keen to work in a small team in a flexible and adaptable way.

• You will need to have good IT skills and some office experience will be an advantage.

• You must be able to self-start tasks and work independently with occasional out of hours working.

• You must have good oral and written communication skills.

• You must have a full driving licence.

What we offer

• A friendly working environment based in our recently refurbished offices in Welwyn, Hertfordshire.

• 25 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus Christmas office closure.

• One day per week flexible remote-working.

• You must have a full driving licence.

• Contributory pension scheme.

To apply candidates should read the job description then apply with your CV and a cover letter, explaining how your skills and experience match this role.