Job Opportunities

The Trust is a dynamic and aspirational organisation at the forefront of environmental thinking and practical conservation in the UK today

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It is an exciting time in the environment sector as the importance of river health receives the wider attention it deserves.

In the Westcountry, our charity has been leading the way in restoring and protecting the region’s freshwater environments for 30 years, but there is still more to be done.

To keep caring for these spaces, and all who depend on them, our charity is growing, with opportunities across a variety of departments. Working for the Trust will provide you with a stimulating environment in which to meet your career aspirations.

We believe that our most important asset is our people.

We aim to spend time and effort investing in our staff. As a charity, we may not be able to offer as high salaries as we wish but we do offer other benefits such as flexitime.

Westcountry citizen science leader showing kids invertebrates at riverbank

Active vacancies are advertised below, as well as in online job platforms and the local or national press as appropriate.

Please note: Interviews may be conducted in-person at our office or online as appropriate.

Latest Vacancies:

2 x Senior Land & Natural Capital Advisors (East Devon & Devon-wide) - Apply by 12 September

We are recruiting two Senior Land & Natural Capital Advisors – East Devon and Devon wide.

These are permanent contracts after a successful 6 month probation period.

The starting salary for this role is £32,000 – £35,000 dependent on experience
(Salary negotiable for the right candidate)

The role is 37.5 hours per week.

We support Hybrid working, so there will be the opportunity to work from home in this role and work flexible hours.

Travel to sites throughout the Westcountry will also be required regularly; this role is a mixture of office and site-based.

Benefits:

• 25 days Annual Leave per annum, with a reward for long service – an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees serving 10 years continuous service.
• Additional Leave covering the Christmas Closure period.
• 9% Employer Pension, plus Life Assurance cover
• Flexible working

Apply by midnight on Thursday 12 September 2024 by CV and Covering Letter to: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/senior-land-natural-capital-36955

Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Friday 20 September 2024

For queries about this role or the application process please contact [email protected]

About us:

Formed in 1994, the Trust was established to restore and protect Westcountry rivers. Spurred by a shared love of rivers, the Westcountry Rivers Trust is very much a grassroots organisation; in the early 1990s, a group of individuals, passionate – but concerned – about the waterways around them, began to stitch together their ambitions for restoring Westcountry rivers, laying the foundations for the Trust we know today.

Everything the Trust does is informed by the best available science; our work is driven by an ‘ecosystems approach,’ considering the function of the entire catchment, not just the rivers that flow within them.

It was this new perspective – not to mention the hands-on and tireless approach to river restoration – that grabbed the attention of so many supporters and funders and which lies behind the flourishing rivers trust movement. Since then, the Trust now has circa 75 employees with an annual turnover of c£3m running multi-annual projects spread across a wide range of funders. You can find out our full story here: Our History

The Role:

Senior Land & Natural Capital Advisors will support the Land Team, grant funders and water company initiatives to deliver a wide range of farm and land management advice. One of these roles is specific to East Devon, the other will be Devon-wide. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidates to join our organisation and protect the future of our region’s rivers.

The Senior Land & Natural Capital Advisors will report to the Land Team managers and work alongside other farm advisors. Within this role, you will be to apply your practical and professional knowledge and experience in the Agricultural and Environmental sectors to combine farmer and landowner engagement, and the ability to identify and develop opportunities in catchment management, whilst meeting project remits and deliverables. As an advisor in the Land Team, you could work on a large variety of land management projects with the following outputs:

Key Responsibilities:

• Advice and recommendations to farmers regarding management of crops and grassland, to reduce soil erosion and surface runoff risk, and minimise nutrient losses.
• Identification of opportunities for natural flood management methods, to hold water in the landscape in order to reduce downstream flood risk.
• Identification of opportunities for biodiversity enhancement, particularly where nature-based solutions will restore existing valuable habitat or create new habitat.
• Advice and recommendations to farmers regarding the management of livestock and livestock infrastructure, with the aim of improving nutrient efficiency and reducing pollution risk.
• Advice and recommendations to farmers regarding current funding opportunities and markets for green finance.

Working as a Senior Land Advisor requires a broad range of skills and experience, which includes practical on the ground experience in a farm or nature conservation setting, an ability to engage farming audiences, and an approachable and trustworthy personality. The Trust prides itself on its ability to provide scientifically grounded advice in a role which requires strong interpersonal skills; the overall aim being to support sustainable best farm practice and encourage uptake of positive actions. If not already in possession of professional Agricultural Industry qualifications, there are opportunities for the right candidate to be put through courses such as BASIS Soil and Water, and FACTS (Fertiliser Advisor Certification and Training Scheme).

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver tailored farm advice, plans, reports, or workshop events as part of a programme of water and land management improvements, including capital grants and agri-environment scheme applications.
• Proactively develop leads and contacts over time, to build on WRT existing coverage across target catchments, to engage directly with farmers, landowners and growers to raise awareness of the relevant project and build opportunities for project delivery.
• Undertake surveys, monitoring (e.g. water quality, soil or nutrient) or analysis as required – supporting evidence of actions for case studies, reports and project promotion.
• Co-ordinate, attend and contribute to relevant meetings, workshops or stakeholder groups, to achieve Project aims and to share best practice, raise awareness and promote WRT’s role.
• Work closely with the Project Manager and Project Administrator to ensure project outputs, deadlines and reporting are met, as well as with other key members or Teams at WRT e.g. for delivery, admin etc.
• Liaise with the Managers and other members of the Land Team, to ensure clear communication, and demonstrate progress or outcomes, and to share knowledge as appropriate.
• Build relationships across WRT to increase the reach and impact of projects across the Trust.
• Proactively build contacts across sectors to further identify opportunities which align with project remit or achieve mutual objectives e.g. Sustainable Farming Incentive and Landscape Recovery projects.
• To take ownership of project deliverables, targets and deadlines whilst seeking to exceed and excel, considering innovations and trial solutions.
• General advocacy of WRT, to promote and deliver services to funders, clients, and partners.
• You may be asked to take on other relevant duties as appropriate, including developing ideas, identifying options for new work, drafting bids or tenders.
• The role requires regular local travel within the catchments, local area, WRT office and meetings.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Sound knowledge of local farming practices, as well as current Agri-Environment schemes and relevant Policies or Legislation; in particular soil and water conservation.
• Confident and competent to deliver tailored farm advice, including the interpretation and feedback of data e.g. nutrient plans, soil data.
• Experience / knowledge of catchment-scale approaches and processes, familiar with concepts of Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management, Nature Based Solutions etc.
• Knowledge and competence in Microsoft Office applications, accuracy & attention to detail with record keeping.
• Local area knowledge an advantage (one role will be specifically East Devon focussed, the other more broadly across Devon).

Desirable Criteria:

• Appropriate Degree level qualification preferably in an agricultural or conservation/farming/science related discipline.
• BASIS Soil & Water and/ or FACTS trained.
• Experience in handling Countryside Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Incentive, or Woodland Grant applications.

Data, Evidence & Engagement Officer - Apply by 9 September

This is a permanent contract, after a successful 6 month probation period.

The role is 37.5 hours per week.

The starting salary for this role is between £25,000 to £27,500 per annum, depending on experience.

Benefits:
• 25 days Annual Leave per annum, with a reward for long service – an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees with 10 years continuous service.
• Additional Leave covering the Christmas Closure period.
• 9% Employer Pension, plus Life Assurance cover.
• Flexible working.

Apply by midnight on Monday 9 September2024 by CV and Covering Letter, stating how you meet the requirements of the role to: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/data-evidence-and-engagement-36958

Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Thursday 19 September 2024

Please note: Our office is in Stoke Climsland and whilst we have adopted hybrid working, there is an expectation to work from the office on a regular basis and to travel to sites across the delivery area. During the probation period there will be an expectation to be in the office 2 days a week as a minimum.

About us:

About this role:

This role sits within the Evidence & Engagement Team which supports the Trust’s on-going work in using a whole ecosystem approach to plan and deliver nature based solutions for catchment management and river improvement initiatives across the river catchments of the South West and beyond. The team is instrumental in ensuring that the Trust is delivering the right measures, in the right places, and in monitoring and reporting the impacts of our work. Effective engagement and communication are essential to ensure that key stakeholders, both external and internal at WRT, are well informed and engaged.

This role will focus on assisting delivery within the areas of Monitoring and Citizen Science .

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordination and support for Citizen Science volunteers (emails, surveys, general support)
• Data, collation, analysis and reporting.
• Planning, coordinating and delivering training to Citizen Science communities across the South West
• Fieldwork, monitoring and data collection including physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters.
• Designing, coordinating and delivering engagement and co-creation events and workshops
• Some small budget management.
• Delivery of other types of project work, as and when required.
• Assist with development of Westcountry Rivers Trust volunteer offer.
• Assist with growth f volunteer numbers and retention against agreed targets.
• Recruitment, training, supervision and support of volunteers.
• Other administrative tasks required by the Trust including meeting H&S requirements; time sheeting & expenses; attendance at training, CPD & team away days; attendance at project inception meetings etc.

Person Specifications:

Essential Criteria:

• A good knowledge of, or background in, the environmental or conservation sectors.
• A degree, or comparable qualification or experience in Environmental Science/Ecology/Geography or related discipline.
• A knowledge of approaches to landscape-scale conservation, ecosystem services, nature based solutions, catchment management, river restoration and engagement and/or co-creation.
• Experience in fieldwork and data collection, analysis, and presentation.
• Ability to manage workload and time effectively.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office 365.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both face-to-face and in online meetings.
• Organisational and admin skills, with good attention to detail in order to maintain a filing system, keep appropriate records of work undertaken and outcomes, and file expenses in line with funders requirements.
• Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• The role requires travel across the Westcountry for meetings, events, workshops and to remote fieldwork sites.

Desirable Criteria:

• A post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline
• Experience of working with communities and citizen scientists
• Experience in environmental and biological monitoring
• Experience in environmental modelling or GIS
• Ability to produce high quality, visually engaging science communications materials.
• Experience in knowledge brokering with communities or community resilience.
• Knowledge of or experience in or willingness to learn about sustainability transitions.

Westcountry Rivers Trust and Institute of Fisheries Management Traineeship - Apply by 16 September

This is a 2 year Fixed Term contract, following a successful 6 month probation period.

The role is 37.5 hours per week.

The starting salary for this role is £22,500 per annum.

Benefits include:

25 days Annual Leave per annum, with a reward for long service – an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees with 10 years continuous service.
Additional Leave covering the Christmas Closure period.
9% Employer Pension, plus Life Assurance cover.
Flexible working.

Apply by midnight on Monday 16 September by CV and Covering Letter, stating how you meet the requirements of the role, to: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/westcountry-rivers-trust-and-37009

Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Westcountry Rivers Trust’s office is in Stoke Climsland and whilst we have adopted hybrid working there is an expectation to work from the office on a regular basis and to travel to sites across the delivery area.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or for queries about the application process, please contact [email protected].

About us:

About the Role:

This role will support the River and Fisheries Team and other departments at WRT in all manner of fisheries-based outputs across a broad range of projects, including, but not limited to; surveying, detailed monitoring, habitat creation, management and restoration, reporting and data analysis.

The successful applicant will also be enrolled onto the IFM Diploma in Fisheries Management, which they will be expected to complete whilst integrating with the WRT River and Fisheries Team and other WRT departments. Additional courses will be offered, such as the IFM basic Electrofishing Course, Moving Water Safety and Emergency First Aid at Work. There is also the option to attend the IFM annual conference, and additional courses will be provided if appropriate. The aim is to provide the trainee with up to 20% of their time for training and development opportunities. You will also be supported by line management and fisheries mentors at WRT who work closely with the IFM on this traineeship.

Courses and modules are subject to availability and where possible we try to follow a standardised format of training elements which a variety of our staff enroll onto annually to maintain consistency and quality. Should any courses or modules change this will be to something of a similar nature where possible and always relevant to working in the freshwater environment. All course costs are covered by either WRT or IFM.

More information about the IFM Diploma in Fisheries Management can be found here.

Key responsibilities include:

Line managed and mentored by our Senior Fisheries staff, you will shadow the River and Fisheries Team and occasionally wider Trust staff across a range of projects and tasks. Gaining experience and developing as a fisheries professional, whilst studying the IFM Diploma in Fisheries Management and undertaking other professional development and courses.

Both the academic and field/workplace based elements are complimentary to each other. You will develop expert knowledge from your studies, whilst gaining real world experience from working on multiple projects with WRT and our partners. Organisations such as the IFM, Environment Agency, Local and Regional angling groups, Natural England, Water Companies, other NGOs and local authorities.

As a junior role, you will be expected to assist with various projects across the team and wider trust where appropriate to allow you to get a holistic experience of what working for an environmental charity can offer. This will include, but is not limited to, assisting with project planning and development, surveying, reporting and data analysis.

As part of the role, you will have the opportunity to :

Enrolment on the IFM Diploma
Attendance at one IFM Event per year
Single day organised visits to sites of interest or projects – e.g. Smolt trap, Index River project, regional hatchery
Electric fishing training through the IFM.
Assigned mentor at IFM
Peer to peer support.

This is a hybrid working role and as such will be home, office and site-based working at various locations on our catchments throughout the South West, supporting on the delivery of an array of project outputs for the Trust.

Main Responsibilities:

Supporting the River and Fisheries Team and other departments at WRT in all aspects of their
Drafting reports and other
Working well as both and individual and a team
Being reasonably responsible for managing workloads with support from mentors and
Undertake, complete and pass studies with support from the
Engaging professionally with the public and volunteers as a representative of
Assisting with consenting, undertaking walkovers, assessing barriers to migration, preparing tender documents, general admin, assisting with procurement

You may be asked to work on other duties or tasks which are believed to be commensurate with the level of the role. This role is a new role within the Trust and allows for a certain flexibility as your career interests develop and where the Trust identifies a need for support.

Junior Evidence & Engagement Officer - Apply by 27 September

This is a permanent contract after a successful 6 month probation period.

The starting salary for this role is £23,000.00 per annum

37.5 hours per week

We support Hybrid working, so there will be the opportunity to work from home in this role and work flexible hours. Travel to sites throughout the Westcountry will also be required regularly; this role is a mixture of office and site based. During the probation period there will be an expectation to be in the office 2 days a week as a minimum.

There may be a requirement to work outside normal office hours and occasionally at a weekends.

Benefits while working for Westcountry Rivers Trust

25 days Annual Leave per annum, with a reward for long service – an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees serving 10 years continuous service.
Additional Leave covering the Christmas Closure period.
9% Employer Pension, plus Life Assurance cover
Flexible working

Apply by midnight on Friday 27 September by CV and Covering Letter to: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/junior-evidence-and-engagement-37225

Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Thursday 10 October 2024

For queries about this role or the application process please contact [email protected]

About Us:

The Role:

We’re looking for a highly motivated Junior Evidence & Engagement Officer to support our Evidence & Engagement team’s activities across a range of projects across the Trust.

Our work spans a huge range of projects to deliver change both in our rivers and on the land that they drain. We bring together stakeholder and interest groups in catchments across the South West to develop and deliver catchment action plans that will bring meaningful and lasting benefits for people and the environment.

The Evidence & Engagement Team supports the Trust’s on-going work in using a whole ecosystem approach to plan and deliver nature-based solutions for catchment management and river improvement initiatives for the river catchments of the South West and beyond. The team is instrumental in ensuring that the Trust is delivering the right measures, in the right places, and in monitoring and reporting the impacts of our work. Effective engagement and communication is essential to ensure that key stakeholders, both external and internal at WRT, are well informed and engaged.

We are looking for an engaging and competent candidate who is passionate about the environment and who also has a keen interest in engagement and the communication of scientific data. This is an entry level role which will provide a range of experiences supporting the different work streams of the EE Team as well as the wider Trust.

The post holder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Trust to ensure project delivery. While a broad knowledge of the issues currently facing our water environment is highly desirable, specialist knowledge is not essential for this role.

WRT is committed to investing they’re staff, therefore training, support and mentoring will be provided to the right candidate to develop into this role.

Key responsibilities include:

Administration and support for various projects spanning a breadth of topics.
Contribute to designing and delivering engagement and co-creation events and workshops.
Fieldwork, monitoring and data collection including physical, chemical and biological water quality parameters.
Data inputting, presentation and visualisation using a variety of software tools such as ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS or R
Data collation, analysis and reporting.
Assist with growing volunteer recruitment and support in maintaining volunteer retention.
Delivery of other project work as and when required.
Other administrative tasks required by the Trust including meeting H&S requirements; time sheeting & expenses; attendance at training, CPD & team away days; attendance at project inception meetings etc.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality of information relating to WRT and volunteers and maintain compliance with the UK GDPR.

Person specification:

Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

A degree, or comparable qualification or experience in Environmental Science/Ecology/Geography or related discipline
A good knowledge of, or background in, the environmental or conservation sectors
A passion for protecting and restoring the natural environment
Ability to manage workload and time effectively
Good IT skills including Microsoft Office 365
Organisational and admin skills, with good attention to detail
Excellent presentation and communication skills for a wide range of audiences
Excellent interpersonal skills, both face-to-face and in online meetings
Good knowledge of requirements for data protection and confidentiality
Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends
The role requires travel across the Westcountry for meetings, events, workshops and to remote fieldwork sites.

Desirable:

Experience of using Geographical Information Systems
Ability to produce high quality, visually engaging science communications materials
Experience of working with communities and citizen scientists
Experience in environmental and biological monitoring
A good knowledge of the current environmental challenges and an understanding of catchment-based approaches for river management.