Volunteer Waterways Restoration Project Lead

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

• 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…