Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive.

The Dover District covers approximately 121 square miles and is steeped in history, with wonderful coastline and countryside, lush valleys and beautiful parks and gardens, including the Green Flag Awarded Kearsney Parks, which encompasses a Grade II Thomas Mawson formal gardens. This makes Dover such an attractive place to live and work.

With amazing natural landscapes and parks and gardens, we’re looking for an enthusiastic Open Spaces Officer to join the Parks and Open Spaces Team.

The Role & Responsibilities: 

You will lead on coordinating and motivating an established group of volunteers who maintain Council owned open spaces. You will seek opportunities to grow volunteer activity, lead on horticultural tasks, and support wider Council events and activities at Council parks and open spaces across the district. You will also work closely with the Principal Open Spaces Officer to develop and deliver wider open space strategic objectives through data collection and liaising with local stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

You must have experience of leading, coordinating and motivating volunteers.

You must have experience of working in a similar role for at least a year.

We are looking for somebody with excellent horticultural knowledge, and with strong communication skills for dealing with people at all levels.

What Can We Offer?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, such as:

Generous annual leave provision

Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme

Discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre, days out and entertainment

On-site parking

Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension

Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility criteria applies)

This role requires current full driving license effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use.

What Next?

If you would like a further discussion about the post then please contact Grace Dennis (Principal Open Spaces Officer) at grace.dennis@dover.gov.uk.

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.

Interviews to be held on week commencing 15th June 2026 TBC.

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