The role
Oxford City Council are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and passionate individual with Environmental Sustainability experience, focusing on fuel poverty, domestic energy efficiency and working with boating communities to improve air quality along Oxford’s waterways. A proven track record of working with communities and people from diverse backgrounds is essential in delivering this important community engagement work.

Waterways
The Oxford canal is of vital importance to our local communities, wellbeing and wildlife habitat. The canal is 75 miles long and is used daily by more than 150 boats within the county boundaries. It is also a key part of the council’s active travel network, providing walking and cycling opportunities for people year-round. The city of Oxford, in common with many urban areas throughout the United Kingdom, has historically been subject to poor air quality. The whole administrative area of the city is currently an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) due to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) exceedances and the city also has 23 active Smoke Control Areas (SCAs) and have an ambition to expand this city-wide.

Exposure to smoke emissions can have significant health impacts to boat owners, visitors and residents. It can also produce an air quality social disparity, as boaters can put themselves at higher risk of exposure to air pollution. We require a community engagement officer to work and engage with Oxford’s boating community to understand and capture the existing barriers to the adoption of cleaner alternative fuel types and support them in their transition to more sustainable heating sources. This will be facilitated through existing air quality campaigns and projects such as the Aristotle Lane eco-moorings, which is being delivered in partnership with the Canal & River Trust.

Energy Efficiency
Oxford’s residential buildings are responsible for 25% of the city’s carbon emissions, while 11% of Oxford’s households are in fuel poverty; a figure that is likely to increase due to rising energy costs. The city also has a large private rented sector, with half (49.3%) of Oxford’s homes being privately rented. The new Selective Licensing Scheme aims to improve the safety, management and maintenance of privately rented residential buildings. 

This role also plays an important role in addressing Oxford’s fuel poverty and decarbonisation challenge, by supporting the delivery of engagement projects and funding to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the owner occupier and private rented sector. This role will also support community engagement to identify households that quality for relevant funding and unlicensed private rented properties and support them apply for funding, access national or local support.

About us
Our ambitious leadership team and dedicated staff are working hard building a world class city for everyone. Oxford City Council has accelerated plans to build more affordable and council housing in the city. We provide services to help reduce inequality and improve the health and wellbeing of
Oxford’s residents and are taking a lead on reducing emissions and increasing biodiversity to become a net carbon neutral city of the future. We are a supportive and collaborative bunch of people working towards shared goals, where new ideas and initiatives are valued. We strive to deliver service excellence, take accountability for our actions and communicate with honestly and respect. There has never been a more exciting time to join us! Help us to build successful places in which to live and work and build a fairer, greener city in which everyone can thrive.

• Many of our roles offer flexible or hybrid working.
• We offer generous holiday 28 days a year with an additional 4 days after 5 years’ service.
• We are committed to supporting career development opportunities and learning and development.
• An above average pension offering.
• Plus other great benefits

Applications should be made via our online application system (no CVs please). If you are unable to access our website please call 01865 252848. For an informal discussion about the post please contact: Pedro Abreu (Principal Air Quality Officer) via email at pabreu@oxford.gov.uk