Hydraulic Modeller/Hydromorphologist (Floodplain Restoration)
Ref: HM(22)/SL-R1
Location: WWT Slimbridge and Headquarters, Hybrid Working
Department: Conservation
Salary: £31,152 per annum
Position type: Full Time
Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week
This is a fixed-term, 21-month contract to 30th November 2024, with the potential for extension subject to funding.
This position is based at WWT Slimbridge, but will require occasional work from GWT’s HQ at Robinswood Hill, Gloucester and regular travel within the Severn Vale project area.
Role context
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, along with partners Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and a suite of local landowners, has been successful in securing nearly £700,000 to deliver a pilot project under Defra’s flagship Landscape Recovery scheme.
Landscape Recovery is the most ambitious of the new Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs), which aim to support the rural economy while achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan, halting nature’s decline by 2030 and a commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Eelscapes: restoring the Severn Vale’s wetland mosaics is our exciting two-year development phase project, with the ambition of restoring naturally functioning and climate-resilient floodplain wetlands in one of the UK’s most important river systems and recovering the populations of two threatened and iconic species: the European eel and true fox-sedge. Working with a network of interested land managers, we will explore options to aid nature’s recovery at the landscape scale whilst providing multiple benefits for local communities and generating sustainable business and investment opportunities. Any subsequent work on the ground would depend on successful completion of this development phase, and on securing funding/investment for delivery.
Could you be provide us with the hydromorphological expertise to make Eelscapes a success? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Outline
This is a hydrologist role with a difference.
We are looking for a proactive and experienced hydrologist with skills in hydraulic modelling and design to provide technical leadership and expertise to the development phase of the Eelscapes project. By undertaking fieldwork and modelling and working with a project team with skills from wetland ecology to landowner engagement, the successful candidate will take high level conceptual plans for floodplain restoration through to detailed designs.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be involved in shaping a floodplain restoration project at scale, so we are looking for someone with a respect for and working knowledge of the natural environment, including an understanding of UK wetland habitats and species. In return, we can offer you:
- A lead role in the development of a Landscape Recovery pilot project
- A combination of field and desk-based work
- The opportunity to work alongside and learn from wetland conservationists within WWT’s UK Programmes and Conservation Evidence teams, as well as our partner organisations, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency
- Involvement, as part of the project team, in the development of new conservation delivery mechanisms, e.g. in environmental economics
The successful candidate will be at the heart of one of the most high profile conservation initiatives in the region, and will need to be inspiring, collaborative, diplomatic and energetic.
For this role, we can offer flexibility around working from home. This role will need to attend Slimbridge or the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust offices (as required) a minimum of twice a week, and there will be times when you may be required to work from the office or on site every day. If hybrid working is of interest then we are happy to discuss this at interview stage.
About Us
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a conservation charity that protects wetlands for wildlife and people. We conserve, restore and create wetlands. We are pioneers in saving wetland wildlife, both in the UK and around the world. At our 10 UK sites around a million visitors a year engage with wetland nature. We work internationally in key global wetland areas, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods and influencing national and international conservation policies.
In return for your hard work and dedication you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service
- Contributory pension scheme (conditions apply)
- Life assurance
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free entry to all our centres
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ellie Jones, Senior Project Manager (Waterscapes) – ellie.jones@wwt.org.uk
Closing date: Tuesday 3rd January 2023
Interview date: Monday 16th January 2023
This role is funded by Natural England under a Landscape Recovery Project Development Grant
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Registered Charity Number England & Wales, no 1030884 and Scotland, no SC039410Job descriptionHydraulic_Modeller_vacancy_2022.pdfClosing Date03/01/2023
Unless specifically stated, we do not accept CVs for job applications
