Volunteer Waterways Restoration Project Manager
The voluntary Waterways Delivery Project Managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering all aspects of our projects.
This is a hands‑on leadership role ideal for someone passionate about heritage waterways, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
What difference will you make?
The Volunteer Waterways Restoration Project Manager plays a critical role in advancing the Buckingham Canal Society’s mission to restore, protect, and promote the Buckingham Canal as a valued historic, environmental, and community asset.
Through effective planning and leadership of restoration projects, this role directly enables the physical reinstatement of the canal corridor, including locks, bridges, towpaths, and associated infrastructure.
By coordinating volunteer effort and resources, the Project Manager transforms strategic ambitions into tangible progress on the ground, accelerating the canal’s phased restoration.
The role significantly strengthens community engagement by providing structured, rewarding opportunities for volunteers to contribute to a high‑impact heritage project.
By leading and supporting diverse volunteer teams, the Project Manager helps build skills, confidence, and a sense of shared ownership in the canal’s future, growing the Society’s capacity and long‑term sustainability.
Environmental impact is a core outcome of this role. Restoration activities enhance biodiversity, improve waterway ecology, and contribute to landscape resilience. Sensitive management ensures that works protect existing habitats while creating new opportunities for wildlife, aligning with local and national environmental priorities.
The Project Manager also serves as a key link between the Society and its stakeholders, including local authorities, landowners, funders, and partner organisations. This strengthens credibility, fosters collaboration, and supports successful funding bids—ensuring that restoration progress is supported by robust governance and external confidence.
Ultimately, the role delivers measurable impact across four key areas:
- Heritage preservation – safeguarding and reinstating historic canal infrastructure
- Environmental enhancement – improving habitats, biodiversity, and landscape quality
- Community benefit – increasing participation, wellbeing, and local pride
- Organisational growth – building capacity, capability, and funding success
By enabling safe, well‑managed, and visible restoration work, the Volunteer Project Manager is central to moving the Buckingham Canal from aspiration to reality—ensuring it becomes a restored, navigable, and thriving asset for future generations.
What are we looking for?
Qualities
- Leadership & Team Motivation
- Ability to inspire, organise, and lead volunteers of varied ages and skills
- Confident in giving direction while remaining approachable and supportive
- Builds a positive, inclusive, and respectful team environment
- Commitment & Reliability
- Passion for waterways, heritage, and environmental restoration
- Dependable, with the ability to see projects through from planning to completion
- Willing to give time consistently, especially around work parties and key milestones
- Practical & Hands‑On Mindset
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Practical problem‑solver who can adapt plans when needed
- Willing to get involved in physical restoration work alongside volunteers
- Strong Organisational Skills
- Able to plan tasks, prioritise workloads, and manage time effectively
- Keeps track of multiple moving parts (people, materials, permissions, timelines)
- Attention to detail, especially regarding safety and logistics
- Communication Skills
- Clear and confident communicator with volunteers and stakeholders
- Able to explain tasks, expectations, and safety procedures effectively
- Comfortable liaising with partners such as local authorities and landowners
- Safety‑Conscious Attitude
- Strong awareness of health and safety responsibilities
- Promotes safe working practices and leads by example
- Calm and decisive in managing risk or unexpected situations
- Collaborative & Community‑Focused
- Works well with others and values volunteer contributions
- Builds relationships that strengthen the Society’s work and reputation
- Supports community engagement and public‑facing activities
Experience
Project & People Management
- Experience managing projects, work programmes, and volunteer groups
- Background in coordinating teams, logistics, or community initiatives
Practical or Technical Skills
- Experience in construction, civil engineering, landscaping, or similar practical work
- Knowledge of heritage structures (e.g., locks, bridges, canals) is advantageous
Environmental or Conservation Work
- Understanding of ecology, biodiversity, or land/water management
- Experience working on conservation or restoration projects
Health & Safety
- Experience preparing risk assessments or supervising safe working environments
- Familiarity with safe use of tools, plant machinery, or site procedures
Stakeholder Engagement
- Experience working with external partners (councils, landowners, funders)
- Involvement in community groups, charities, or heritage organisations
Helpful Additional Attributes
- Basic budgeting or resource management awareness
- Experience supporting funding bids or reporting outcomes
- Interest in promoting the project (social media, events, outreach)
Overall Profile
The ideal volunteer is a practical, organised leader with enthusiasm for restoration, who enjoys working with people and making visible progress on meaningful projects. While technical expertise is valuable, attitude, commitment, and the ability to bring others along are just as important.
What will you be doing?
Role Summary
The Volunteer Waterways Restoration Project Manager is responsible across all aspects of planning, coordinating, and delivering practical canal restoration projects. The role involves leading volunteer teams, working with stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with relevant environmental and heritage standards.
This is a hands‑on leadership role ideal for someone passionate about heritage waterways, environmental conservation, and community engagement.
Project Planning & Delivery
- Develop and manage restoration project plans, including scope, timelines, and resource requirements
- Coordinate designated work programmes ranging from construction, maintenance, repairs, vegetation clearance, dredging, and towpath improvements
- Monitor project progress and ensure delivery against agreed objectives
- Identify risks and implement suitable mitigation measures
Volunteer Leadership
- Recruit, motivate, and support volunteer teams
- Allocate roles and responsibilities on‑site
- Provide clear briefings and supervision during work parties
- Ensure an inclusive, safe, and positive volunteer experience
Health & Safety
- Ensure all activities comply with health and safety legislation and best practice
- Carry out risk assessments and method statements
- Promote a strong safety culture on‑site
- Ensure appropriate use of tools, plant, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with landowners, navigation authorities, local councils, and partner organisations
- Represent the organisation at meetings and community events
- Support fundraising and grant applications where required
Environmental & Heritage Stewardship
- Ensure restoration work respects local ecology and wildlife
- Promote sustainable practices and biodiversity enhancement
- Protect and preserve historic waterway structures
Administration & Reporting
- This role reports to the Executive Officer maintain project records, including volunteer hours, progress reports, and budgets
- Present regular reports to trustees and/or other groups as required
- Support communications, including newsletters and social media updates
Skills & Experience
- Experience in project management and leading teams
- Practical skills in construction, engineering, or environmental work
- Knowledge of waterways, heritage infrastructure, or conservation projects
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to lead and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
- Understanding of health and safety requirements
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic and committed to waterway restoration
- Practical, proactive, and solution‑focused
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Reliable and well‑organised
- Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions
Time Commitment
- Flexible, typically including some weekends
- Attendance at planning meetings (in‑person or virtual)
- Commitment varies depending on project phase
Benefits to the Volunteer
- Opportunity to lead meaningful restoration projects
- Develop project management and leadership skills
- Gain hands‑on experience in heritage and environmental conservation
- Be part of a passionate and supportive community
- Contribute to preserving and enhancing local waterways
Support Provided
- Induction and ongoing training
- Access to tools and appropriate PPE
- Guidance from experienced members and trustees
- Insurance cover while volunteering for us
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