South West Scotland Coastal Way Project Officer – Job Opportunity

The Southern Uplands Partnership is seeking an experienced Project Officer to work collaboratively with the coastal communities and stakeholders of Dumfries and Galloway to continue the development and delivery of a Coastal Way. You will be interested in access, the idea of developing a more sustainable future for the communities, have a degree/equivalent/relevant employment experience, and be interested in people, the environment and rural life of this area. You will be a good communicator (both written and verbal) and have experience of access development, engaging and negotiating with landowners/stakeholders, putting together tendering bids, completing grant applications and seeing projects through to successful completion. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is required.

For more information on this post and to apply, download an Application Form.  For an informal discussion, please contact Pip Tabor piptabor@sup.org.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss.

Closing date for applications is Monday, 17th July 2023 at 9.00 am, by email to recruitment@sup.org.uk.

Printable – Job Description – Application Form

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title: South West Scotland Coastal Way Project Officer
Base: Home and/or office space in SUP office (Hillend Mill, Kirkgunzeon, DG2 8LA)
Responsible To: Southern Uplands Partnership Manager
Salary: Between £23,500 – £27,500 pa
Placing dependent on experience
Pension contribution: Employer contribution 8% of salary
Employee contribution 5% of salary
Contract Period: One year contract initially, with the possibility of extension, subject to funding
Contract Hours: 37 hours per week
SUP operates a flexible working policy which can include some working from home
It is occasionally necessary to attend meetings outwith normal working hours (weekends and evenings, for which time off in lieu will be given). No overtime is payable
Leave: 36 days per annum and 4 public holidays
Probationary Period: T Three months
Notice Period: Minimum of one months’ notice
Travel: Travel costs incurred in the course of work will be reimbursed monthly in arrears, currently at a rate of £0.45/mile

Southern Uplands Partnership (SUP)’s Charitable Objectives

• To promote and advance education of the public about working and living sustainably in the Southern Uplands of Scotland, either independently and/or in association with Local Authorities, relevant agencies, voluntary organisations and local residents.
• To guide and encourage the integration of environmental, social and economic land-use policies, the sustainable use and management of land and water and other relevant activities in the Southern Uplands so that they are compatible with considerations of the environment and local communities.
• To promote, protect and conserve the biodiversity of the Southern Uplands of Scotland for the benefit of society.

You

You will be interested in the idea of developing a more sustainable future for the communities of Dumfries and Galloway. You will have a degree/equivalent qualification and/or relevant employment experience and be interested in people, the environment and rural life of this area. You will be a good communicator (both written and verbal) and will have experience of access development, putting together project proposals, completing grant applications, and positive community / stakeholder engagement.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle is required.

Job Purpose

The postholder will be responsible for taking forward the concept of a South West Scotland coastal route and developing this into a deliverable, supported and funded project utilising the existing core path network and negotiating with landowners / managers to fill the missing links in the establishment of a majority off-road contiguous route along the Dumfries and Galloway coastline. This role will involve working closely with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Principal Duties

• To continue the review and update of existing historical documentation that has explored the feasibility of an off-road north Solway coast path, utilising the designated core path network, in particular the Towards a North Solway Coastal Way undertaken in March 2012, subsequent surveys and the current phased approach to improvements to the coast core path network e.g., Rhins of Galloway Coast Path and Borgue coast.
• Liaise closely with the Access Authority (Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team) on the current and planned work on the coast core path sections.
• To continue the development of a deliverable, practical and costed Project Plan and Action Plan for a South West Scotland Coastal Way covering community/stakeholder engagement, routing, delivery, and funding
• To deliver the already funded elements of the project focused on the Gretna to Dumfries section of the route.
• To network and consult with key stakeholders: including communities, government agencies, partners, and other interested parties as identified along the route to identify opportunities, barriers, solutions and gain buy-in.
• To establish local working groups of interested individuals/groups to assist with the development and future maintenance of path sections.
• Identify external funds and develop funding bids to enable the delivery of the project, including staffing, legal processes, contractor and contingency planning.
• To lead and liaise with Dumfries and Galloway Council on the tendering of the path works and manage contractors through the delivery of the path creation.
• To report to the SUP Board, stakeholders and to funders as required.

No Job Description can be entirely comprehensive and the post holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time that are commensurate with the above responsibilities and determined by the Partnership Manager.

More information on SUP and its diverse range of projects can be found on this website www.sup.org.uk

Application Process

To apply for this position, please download and complete the Application Form (Word)

Applications should be submitted by email to recruitment@sup.org.uk by 9.00 am on Monday 17th July 2023.

For an informal discussion, please email Pip Tabor piptabor@sup.org.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Education and Training

Degree/ equivalent level qualification or two years relevant
experience – Essential

2. Experience

Working with key stakeholders, public agencies, businesses and community groups to develop and deliver projects, priorities and strategies- Essential
2 years’ experience of delivering economic development / community / tourism /environmental projects through effective partnership working – Desirable
Applying to various grant bodies for funding for projects – Essential
Preparation and submission of tender bids – Essential
Working to deadlines and using initiative – Essential
Experience of developing schemes from feasibility through to implementation – Essential

3. Skills and Abilities

Able to work collaboratively with other agencies, partners and key stakeholders – Essential
Good negotiation skills and ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders – Essential
Knowledge of Microsoft Office packages – Essential
Good written and verbal communication skills – Essential
Good stakeholder relationship skills – Essential
Knowledge and use of mapping software / GIS – Desirable

4. Knowledge

Practical knowledge of Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 Part 1 Access Rights legislation, Outdoor Access Code, Planning and Road’s regulations – Essential
Relevant experience in designing outdoor access schemes – Essential
Awareness of sustainability issues – Essential
Engaging hard to reach communities and target groups – Essential
Awareness of disability access requirements  – Essential
Knowledge of the Solway coast and Dumfries and Galloway – Desirable

5. Personality Factors

Self-motivated and self-starter – Essential
Reliable – Essential
Confident and outgoing – Essential

6. Other Requirements

Flexible approach to work duties  – Essential
Driving License and access to a vehicle  – Essential
Observe requirements for confidentiality  – Essential
Work well independently  – Essential
Strong commitment to the aims and objectives of the organisation – Desirable

Proposed South West Scotland Coastal Way (SWSCW)

Project Overview

The development of a coastal trail along the north Solway coast has long been mooted and is the missing link between coastal routes in Ayrshire and Cumbria.
A route would offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity to experience in full the region’s spectacular and varied coastline, while at the same time potentially generating economic, health and environmental benefits.

Route:

General thinking regarding the route is that it would start/finish in Gretna and finish/start in Portpatrick, on the Rhins of Galloway. Alternatively, the route could continue on to Stranraer, Cairnryan or the Ayrshire coast path via the Rhins Coast Path or Southern Upland Way then linking into the Loch Ryan path.
Presently the potential route is a jigsaw of sections made up of existing long-distance and Core footpaths, disused railway beds, accessible land under the Outdoor Access legislation, and quieter country lanes.
Along the potential route there are also numerous information gaps and barriers.

Work to Date:

In 2011 a joint meeting between NatureScot (then Scottish Natural Heritage), Southern Uplands Partnership and Dumfries and Galloway Council identified a potential multi-agency approach to a route development. Funding was made available for a feasibility study exploring the options for development of a route – Towards a North Solway Coastal Path, March 2012. See http://www.sup.org.uk/PDF/Towards-a-North-Solway-Coastal-Path-final- report.pdf.

In July 2021 a joint meeting between the Southern Uplands Partnership, Mark Jardine and Dumfries and Galloway Council revisited the idea of a north Solway Coastal Trail. Funding was identified through the People’s Project (www.peoplesproject.co.uk/) and the first South West Scotland Coastal Way Development Officer was employed in January 2022 to move the project forward.

Next Steps:

Great progress has been made over the last 18 months with the Gretna to Dumfries to Dalbeattie sections now mapped, planned, costed and most of the funding in place to undertake the required capital works. A Project Officer is now being recruited to:

• Run the tendering process for the contracted works and deliver the identified funded capital works;
• Complete the mapping, planning and community engagement for the Dalbeattie to Kirkcudbright to Stranraer sections;
• Undertake funding applications for the next stage of capital works.

Other key actions of the role include:

• To review and update the Towards a North Solway Coastal Way feasibility study;
• To develop a deliverable, practical and costed Project Plan and Action Plan covering community/stakeholder engagement, routing, work delivery, and funding;  To network and consult with key stakeholders; including communities, government agencies, partners, and other interested parties along the route to identify opportunities, barriers, solutions and gain buy-in;
• To establish local working groups of interested individuals/groups to assist with the development of path sections;
• Development of funding bids to enable the delivery of the project, including staffing, legal processes, contractor and contingency planning.