Job Description

FreshWater Watch Community Engagement Coordinator

Location:

Oxford / Oxfordshire (with travel to community areas as required for the role. Will need to be within the Evenlode catchment at least once per week))

Direct reports:

None

Salary:

24,000, gross (full time salary, pro-rated depending on hours)

Contract:

Fixed term, starting as soon as possible until 31st December 2026

Hours:

21 - 28 hours per week, Monday - Friday (some occasional weekend work may be required)

Closing date:

3rd October 2025

Interviews:

8th and 9th October 2025

To apply, please visit our website:

https://earthwatch.org.uk/job/freshwater-watch-community-engagement-coordinator-2/

Role Purpose:

To support and inspire communities to take meaningful action in monitoring and improving freshwater quality and habitats. The postholder will be responsible for engaging, connecting, and training local groups, while providing hands-on support to ensure the success and long-term impact of community-led projects.

A major focus will be working with one of our largest community groups, in the Evenlode catchment, managing a dedicated network of volunteers. Responsibilities will include organising events and training sessions, coordinating monitoring activities, handling logistics, and sustaining the motivation of long-standing volunteers.

Within the Evenlode Catchment Partnership project, there is also a strong emphasis on advocacy and campaigning. The postholder will contribute to this work, with the opportunity to take a lead on water quality advocacy if desired.

Key Tasks

Coordinate volunteers within the Evenlode Catchment Partnership - build and maintain positive relationships Organise training sessions, recruitment events, engagement workshops and social events, and undertake related record-keeping/administration When confident in the FreshWater Watch and other citizen science methodologies, deliver training in-person or online, and participate in monitoring Support the development of communications/campaigns, including preparing content for social media and/or press Support engagement of community groups across the FreshWater Watch programme - across the UK and internationally Support the Freshwater team in developing engagement plans Help community leaders create action plans, identify activities, and facilitate peer support. Support monitoring, reporting and evaluation, including internal and external reports. Assist with fundraising and communications, including case studies and sharing outcomes.
The above list of job deliverables is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post

REQUIREMENTS

Experience & Knowledge

Experience of working with community members/organisations to enable change. (essential) Knowledge of water quality and challenges in the UK Experience of developing/supporting community projects and events Working knowledge of citizen science Familiarity with health & safety and equalities legislation

Personal Qualities

Approachable, able to build trust and rapport with diverse audiences Commitment to co-developing local actions and supporting community-led water quality improvements Alignment with Earthwatch's mission and values. Willing and able to be within the Evenlode catchment for at least 1 day per week (essential)

Skills

Strong communication (written and verbal) Ability to work within a small team and independently. Excellent organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines. Flexible working across times and locations to deliver outcomes.

Other Information

Enhanced DBS check required for working with schools/young people/vulnerable adults. Some evening, weekend, and lone working required. Own vehicle and driving licence required. Experience/knowledge of FreshWater Watch, or other freshwater citizen science methods, is desirable but is not a pre-requisite. Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences. We welcome and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we will consider all applications fairly and consistently.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment - a place where individuality is embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We value the benefits that different backgrounds, working approaches and ways of thinking can bring.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications.

Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short-listed candidates, to facilitate participation in our interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Don't meet every single requirement?
If you don't meet every single requirement, Earthwatch still encourages you to apply -- skills and experience that you have which are not listed may be relevant.

Contact: Caroline Shepherd via uk.hr@earthwatch.org.uk

What we offer

Flexibility on start and end times 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) for full time, increasing to 28 after three years continuous service Flexibility to work from home Voluntary Healthcash plan Employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders Quarterly all staff 'get together' days Enhanced sick pay increasing with service length 5% employer pension contributions Life assurance for 3 times your annual salary Cycle scheme, transport loans Study leave

For more information and to apply, please visit our website and apply with a covering letter and CV: https://earthwatch.org.uk/job/freshwater-watch-community-engagement-coordinator-2/

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 24,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 - 28 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxford OX1 1BT