Vacancies and Opportunities

• Be at the forefront of landscape advocacy: As Chair, you’ll guide and amplify the strategic direction of the Kent Downs National Landscape locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Collaborate with visionaries: Work alongside a passionate and skilled team, leading key partnerships and projects that are shaping the future of protected landscapes.
• Make a tangible impact: From supporting the UNESCO Global Geopark bid to championing diversity initiatives like Putting Downs Routes, your leadership will directly contribute to ensuring the Kent Downs remains accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for future generations.
• Personal growth and influence: This high-profile role offers a unique platform to expand your network, develop leadership skills, and leave a lasting legacy in landscape conservation and community engagement.

• Guide the Joint Advisory Committee, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
• Advocate for the Kent Downs, influencing policy and decision-making at all levels.
• Oversee exciting initiatives such as the Big Chalk programme and the National Landscape Management Plan review.

• A passion for the Kent Downs and its cultural, natural, and geological heritage.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and advocacy skills.
• The ability to bring people together and inspire action.
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

• Approximately two days per month, including chairing at least two committee meetings annually.
• An annual allowance of £3,000 (subject to review to ensure inclusivity) plus expenses.
• Be part of transformative work that will benefit communities and the environment for years to come.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Kent Downs National Landscape as Maternity Cover for a Communications and Engagement Manager for the Putting Downs Routes Project championing equity, diversity & inclusion in the countryside. We would welcome applications for the full role or for part- time elements of the role as described in the job description and personal specification.

Covering Maternity Leave for this post you will lead on the delivery of the communication & community engagement strategy for the Putting Down Routes Project, liaising closely with the Kent Downs National Landscape colleagues, Project Partners and wider networks to develop our messages and widen our audience base.  You will have experience of community engagement and communications and marketing and a passion for furthering our equity, diversity & inclusion objectives.

Position up to 12 months fixed term full/part time. We will consider people applying for the full role or one of the PT roles as outlined below for the right candidates. There is some crossover between the PT roles and applicants will be required to cover some activity across both PT roles.

• 1.0 / FTE full role
• 0.5 FTE Communications & Marketing elements
• 0.5 FTE Community Engagement elements

Key Responsibilities – Applicable to  both elements of the Role

• Develop relationships with a range of Diversity and Inclusion groups who can bring new audiences to the North Downs Way National Trail ensuring their integration into the work of the North Downs Way and the Kent Downs National Landscape.
• Work with Project Partners, and their community networks to develop, engage, train and support new and existing North Downs Way Ambassadors.
• Support the project, and core partners Black Girls Hike and Wild with Wheels to deliver a range of community engagement walks and events.
• Recruit North Downs Way Ambassadors, local businesses and landowners for the project’s training and events programme.
• Carry out monitoring and evaluation throughout the project, providing reports as required to the project team and/or funding body.
• Support the Putting Down Routes Project Manager to submit financial and narrative reports to the National Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies.
• Work with North Downs Way and Kent Downs staff to develop and agree legacy for all project work.
• Ensuring equity, diversity & inclusion is embedded into all North Downs Way and Kent Downs work.
• Undertake such additional duties commensurate with the grading of the post as required.

Key Responsibilities – Communication and Marketing Elements

• Ensure the communications and marketing strategy is delivered and updated to ensure diverse engagement with all project activities.
• Working with the Head of Marketing and Communications to ensure all communication materials and content adhere to National Lottery Heritage Fund, North Downs Way, and Kent Downs National Landscape Brand Guidelines.
• Create and distribute content to existing and new audiences that highlights the project benefits and engages new audiences.
• Be responsible for the relevant parts of the Kent Downs and North Downs Way website presence and functionality, and North Downs Way digital marketing channels.
• Develop strong relationships with local, national and specialist media, establishing regular lines of communication to achieve regular coverage with target media to build and diversify our audience base.

Key Responsibilities – Community Engagement Elements

• Develop and deliver a community engagement strategy to ensure diverse engagement in all project activities
• Support North Downs Way Ambassadors to run high quality events for a wide range of people and develop a programme for the North Downs Way National Trail to carry on this support post project.

You will work either remotely or in the Kent Downs National Landscape office in Brabourne, Ashford, with a small and friendly professional team supported by a much wider partnership of people and organisations. The post holder will be required to attend office meetings, to attend community events, meet partners in person and to make site visits to project areas which may sometimes be in remote rural locations.

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.  People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across our service. If you identify as a person of colour and/or are disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application.

Apply now

for the aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark

The Cross-Channel Geopark is a collaboration between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale in celebration of our shared geodiversity. The ambition is to gain UNESCO status as the world’s first cross-border Geopark united by sea with an application to UNESCO in 2025.

As a truly cross-border, united area, the Cross-Channel Geopark hosts a side variety of events, education activities, training opportunities and community engagement on both sides of the channel.

Our two languages can be a barrier for some to participate, and the Cross-Channel Geopark is seeking passionate and skilled French-English Language Volunteer Interpreters to join our team. This role is ideal for bilingual individuals who are enthusiastic about geology, nature, and cultural heritage, and who wish to use their language skills to enhance the educational and outreach efforts of the geopark. Volunteer Interpreters will play a vital role in providing informative and engaging interpretations for both French and English-speaking visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Bilingual educational tours and talks: Accompany guided tours and educational talks for French and English-speaking audiences, including school groups, families, and international visitors. Share knowledge about the geology, biodiversity, and cultural history of the geopark in both languages.
• Visitor engagement: Interact with visitors at information centres and designated sites within the geopark, providing assistance and insights in both French and English to enrich their visit.
• Interpretive programs: Assist in the development and delivery of bilingual interpretive programs, such as workshops, hands-on activities, and interactive displays.
• Event support: Participate in special events and festivals organised by the geopark, engaging with the public in both French and English.
• Resource management: Assist in the creation and maintenance of bilingual interpretive materials, including brochures, maps, and educational resources.

Skills and attributes:

• Bilingual proficiency: Fluent in both French and English, with excellent verbal communication skills in both languages.
• Passion for nature and heritage: A strong interest in geology, ecology, history, or related fields. Enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others.
• Interpersonal skills: Friendly and approachable, with the ability to connect with a diverse range of visitors.
• Team player: Willingness to work collaboratively with staff, other volunteers, and community partners.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to different situations and work environments, including outdoor settings and varying weather conditions.

Benefits:

• Personal development: Gain valuable experience in public speaking, bilingual education, and customer service.
• Training: Receive training on the geology, ecology, and cultural history of the geopark.
• Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, experts, and professionals in the fields of geology, conservation, and heritage.
• Community contribution: Make a meaningful impact by helping to educate the public and promote the conservation of the geopark’s natural and cultural resources.

Commitment:

• Time requirement: Demand is likely to be ad hoc and flexible scheduling is available to accommodate different availabilities. There is no minimum time commitment. For language students wishing to gain translation/interpreting experience, internships or work experience placements are available.
• Ability to travel between UK and France: a valid passport will be required.
• Training sessions: Attendance at initial training sessions and periodic workshops is required to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
• Location: Our events and activities take place at a variety of locations across the Kent Downs National Landscape and Parc Naturel Regional des Caps et Marais d’Opale. Travel expenses, including via Eurotunnel, will be paid by the Cross Channel Geopark.

Application Process:

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by submitting a CV along with a brief statement of interest and any relevant experience to Isabel.Shaw@kentdowns.org.uk.

Apply now

Dive into the depths of history – uncover the secrets of our murky ponds!

Are you an explorer at heart, enthralled by local lore and ancient maps? Do you have a thirst for uncovering the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of our landscapes?

We’re seeking intrepid volunteer citizen scientists to join our Heritage Ponds project, mapping the hidden ponds that dot the Kent Downs National Landscape. By scouring centuries-old maps and comparing them to modern-day ones through the Kent LiDAR Portal, you’ll help us unearth long-forgotten ‘ghost ponds’ – relics of a bygone era, waiting to be rediscovered. Your invaluable contribution will pave the way for future restoration efforts, breathing new life into these overlooked aquatic havens.

No prior experience is required! We’ll provide all the training you need. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and a passion for conservation.

This desk-based role is perfect for adventurers of all abilities, offering a unique opportunity to unravel the secrets of our natural heritage from the comfort of your home. There’s no minimum number of hours required – contribute as much or as little as your schedule allows.

Embark on this exciting quest and join our ranks! Email heritageponds@kentdowns.org.uk to sign up today.

Apply now