Senior Catchment Officer

Our Water company client is searching for a Catchment Management Officer to lead delivery of a water catchment and quality strategy across their Southern region on a permanent basis with hybrid working considered.

As a key member of the collaborative catchment team, you will lead the delivery of a Catchment Management Strategy, driving targeted projects and campaigns that improve water quality across Hampshire and Sussex. You''ll work directly with farmers, agronomists and landowners to champion sustainable land management, support the uptake of funded in-field measures and capital grants, and help shape innovative pilot trials. The role also includes undertaking detailed catchment walkovers and contributing to the ongoing development of Drinking Water Safety Plans.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and lead on the delivery of catchment incentive schemes (Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and ''Payments for Ecosystem Services'' scheme) that rewards farmers in target catchments for adopting farming practices which result in lower nutrient and pesticide losses to water.
• Gain a thorough understanding of each catchment; identify and prioritise water quality risks. This includes assisting with the delivery of the catchment walkover programme.
• Key Catchment Management and agronomy lead contact for the Company
• Delivery of solo and joint farm engagements visits with Catchment Officer and Natural England''s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, which may include close proximity to livestock
• Provide agronomic advice and support on nutrient, manure and soil management measures to farmers and relevant landowners.
• Support the development, facilitation and engagement of all relevant farmer cluster groups (South Downs Farmer''s group) within company area of supply. Support participation at wider Catchment Partnership meetings.
• Plan & deliver catchment workshops and presentations to stakeholders on company catchment management strategy and delivery programme
• Design and Implement strategies / programmes to measure the impact of changes in land-use and practices adopted by farmers and relevant landowners on nitrate leaching to groundwater
• Lead and review H&S Risk Assessments related to key responsibilities
• Support Catchment Team with DWSP Catchment Risk Assessments.
• Lead on regulatory work and consultations related to Catchment Management i.e. Biosolids
• Budget management and reporting of Catchment Incentive Schemes
• To support the general development of the Catchment Officer(s), specifically within the above agricultural areas. This will include coaching and mentoring.

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

• Agricultural knowledge and experience essential
• A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline
• BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable
• Additional BASIS qualifications is desirable (FACTS qualification
• Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management
• Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the regulators, landowners and the farming community is essential
• Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management would be desirable
• Knowledge of water quality would be desirable
• Knowledge of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology would be desirable.
• Understanding and experience of working in environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g. agri environmental schemes)
• Ability to work well both in a team and by oneself representing company in the field
• Full UK driving license required

Benefits

• Salary circa -44k-52k per annum
• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Expenses for site travel tbc
• 38 hour working week Monday to Friday
• Generous pension scheme contributing up to 15%
• Non contractual bonus 6%
• Flexible maternity/paternity pay and leave
• Hybrid working
• Well being support
• Life assurance
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Health cash plan