Green Space Change Instigator – Nature Towns and Cities

Job Introduction

Green Space Change Instigator – Nature Towns and Cities: Bradford’s Green Blue Steppingstones

Nature Towns and Cities is a national coalition of public, private and third-sector organisations committed to bringing nature and green space into urban areas. Bradford has been successful in its bid to join the programme through Bradford’s Green Blue Steppingstones: Connecting People and Nature Across Our Towns and Cities, and we are now seeking an innovative Green Space Change Instigator to support this ambitious work for the next 2 years.

Bradford’s Green Blue Steppingstones aims to revitalise green and blue spaces to enhance health, biodiversity, climate resilience and community wellbeing. The programme will map habitat networks, co-design improvements with communities, engage landowners, and promote long-term, sustainable approaches to managing urban nature. By sharing learning, inspiring young people and building strong partnerships, it seeks to create a connected, thriving network of nature-rich places across the district.

Bradford Council has recently developed an enviable reputation for the quality of its urban landscape projects including the award-winning remodelling of Bradford City centre. Bradford’s Green Blue Steppingstones is the next exciting chapter in our placemaking journey.

The Role

We are looking for an analytical, forward-thinking Green Space Change Instigator to help transform how Bradford manages its green and blue infrastructure. This role is central to developing and testing innovative maintenance and stewardship models that deliver long-term value for biodiversity, climate resilience and community wellbeing. Working across council departments and with external partners, you will help drive systemic change in how the district cares for its public realm.

The Green Space Change Instigator will be part of a project team with the roles of Programme Manager, Landscape Architect and Community Engagement Officer also currently out for recruitment. The project team will also include a Social Prescriber and a Wood Creation Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues to analyse current green and blue infrastructure maintenance practices across the council.
• Develop practical, innovative models for more sustainable, nature-positive and financially resilient maintenance approaches.
• Lead on implementing new maintenance practices at a range of pilot sites across the district.
• Quantify and communicate the environmental, social and economic value of investing in nature-positive maintenance.
• Work collaboratively across council services—including parks, planning, highways, education and public health—to embed new practices.
• Coordinate with external partners to share learning, test approaches and influence wider systems change.
• Capture and disseminate insights locally and nationally as part of the programme’s knowledge-sharing commitment.
• Support development of long-term funding models and strategies for blue-green infrastructure, including approaches linked to Biodiversity Net Gain and other emerging mechanisms.

About You

You will bring:

• Experience in green space management, environmental planning, landscape or ecological practice, or a related discipline.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review, evaluate and improve existing systems and approaches.
• An interest in climate-resilient, biodiversity-focused land management.
• The ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical ideas clearly and influence change.
• A passion for creating greener, healthier, more sustainable places.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our award winning team and would like some further information, please email Saira Ali, Team Leader of Landscape Design & Conservation at saira.ali@bradford.gov.uk

 *A basic disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring service will be sought for appointees to this post.

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .

Equal Opportunities 

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants. 

 The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.