Temporary Graduate Project Officer (Culture, Leisure and Visitor Experiences)

Job Description

Mae’r ddogfen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg / This document is also available in Welsh

RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026

A Graduate Placement with Award-Winning RCT Council is a step towards an excellent career.

Making A Difference with RCT Council

This is an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as we continue to provide high-quality services while delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many different ways.

Maximise Your Potential

RCT Council is preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme, offering fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.

Culture, Leisure And Visitor Experiences

Are you ready to kick-start your career in a people-focused environment where no two days feel the same? We are looking for an enthusiastic graduate to join our newly formed Culture, Leisure and Visitor Experiences Department - a vibrant collection of services that help make RCT a fantastic place to live, work and play.

This is a unique opportunity to gain cross-sector experience across areas such as Arts & Theatres, Libraries, Heritage & Museums, Leisure & Parks, County Parks & Visitor Experiences, Bereavement Services, Adult Community Learning, and Work & Skills. If you’re passionate about community impact, project delivery and developing your professional skillset, this role offers the perfect platform.

What You’ll Do

As a Graduate Project Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting and delivering collaborative projects across the department. Under the guidance of the Leisure & Parks Facility Development Manager, you will:

• Assist in planning and delivering cross-department projects
• Monitor project progress and help resolve issues
• Support and lead on project stages as required
• Develop project management tools and reporting mechanisms
• Manage project budgets and track expenditure
• Produce updates for managers and stakeholders
• Build strong working relationships across teams and partners
• Ensure compliance with governance, risk and performance frameworks
• Champion equality, inclusion and climate-positive working

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a motivated, curious and people-centred graduate who is ready to make a real difference across our Culture, Leisure and Visitor Experiences services. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working with others, and bring a positive, solutions-focused attitude to every project you support.

You don’t need years of experience, what matters most is your willingness to learn, your ability to communicate clearly, and your enthusiasm for getting involved in projects that make RCT a better place for our residents, visitors and communities.

Essential Criteria

• A minimum 2:2 degree (or equivalent) in Business Management, Project Management, Leisure Management, Arts Management, or a related discipline.
• Welsh Language Level 3.

Please note: Use of AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing, or refining your application is allowed, but make sure that:

• The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications
• You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission
• Your unique perspective comes through clearly

Application Form/Competencies

Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words and your first 200 words for each response will only be considered. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.

Staff Benefits Package

• Tailored induction programme
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Coordinator
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays)
• Financial management scheme
• Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
• Vivup discount card for businesses

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council.

The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.

An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

As part of the Council’s longer-term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.

In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.

In support of the Council’s voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.