Farm & Wildlife Advisor x 2
Part- Time: 22.5 hours per week
Duration: until 31st March 2021 (potential for extension subject to funding)
Salary: £ 21,000-£25,000 per annum (pro rata), Plus Pension (depending on experience)
Location:
1 advisor Based at Severn Rivers Trust office in Martley, Worcestershire
1 advisor Based at Severn Rivers Trust office in Welshpool, Wales.
Job Purpose
We are looking to recruit 2 Farm Advisors to work on behalf of Severn Rivers Trust to each deliver a programme of works; one is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the other Welsh Government. Both Programmes are aimed at reducing diffuse pollution on farms whilst promoting benefits to soils and wildlife.
1 Farm Advisor will be based at Severn Rivers Trust Head Office at Martley, Worcesterhire and will be working in the Teme (Ludlow)
1 Farm Advisor will be based at our office in Welshpool and will be working in the Severn Uplands
The post-holder will aim to raise awareness, improve understanding and acceptance amongst farmers and land managers of diffuse pollution from agriculture and its impact on water quality and the wider water environment.
Engagement with farmers in targeted areas will seek to create through a voluntary approach, a sense of ownership and achievement within the farming community in relation to water quality in the catchment.
Working with the farming community the post-holder will undertake soil sampling and produce whole farm plans to inform the delivery of capital works on farms that will provide cost-beneficial outcomes for the project and the farm alike. Engaging farmers to undertake sustainable soil, nutrient and pesticide management to reduce runoff to pathways and watercourses.
Main Responsibilities
- Work with farmers to find opportunities to improve infrastructure and change land management practices, underpinned by a need to reduce diffuse agricultural pollution to surface water.
- Undertake farm advice visits and identify runoff sources, pathways and receptors
- Prepare a series of Farm plans supported by field-scale maps
- Liaise with partner organisations to inform farm infrastructure improvements.
- Supporting farmers and encouraging them to undertake a series of techniques to reduce soil erosion.
- Provide practical advice on soil management and follow this up with multiple visits to increase the likelihood of change.
- Undertake on-farm soil sampling at selected sites and liaise with contracted testing facilities and farmers
- Co-ordinate, deliver and participate in events to help with the promotion and awareness raising of the core messages and schemes of the programme.
- Plan and deliver on-farm events, sessions and develop partnerships in relation to water quality.
- Promote, engage and seek participation in the project.
- Provide advice and support for scheme participants.
- Administer and verify scheme activity.
- Maintain simple system of evaluation and feedback from farmers and land managers.
- Prepare and submit monthly progress reports to ensure adequate monitoring of the programme, engagement activity and scheme take up into a Farmer Engagement Database.
- Contribute to 6 monthly reporting schedules.
- Participate in relevant Severn Rivers Trust water environment initiatives, programmes and projects during the period of the contract.
- Participate in relevant partner activities where these are complimentary to the core programme, assist in the development of water environment focussed projects in target areas Signpost farmers and landowners to relevant external funding sources or specialist advice.
- Through the work above, support landowners in satisfying cross-compliance, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice and the Silage Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil Regulations. Promote joined up thinking in the catchment through effective communication with other delivery officers, including Natural England and Environment Agency.
- Carry out all duties and responsibilities with reasonable care for the health and safety of oneself and any other persons and co-operate fully with the Severn Rivers Trust in health and safety matters.
- Some of this work may be required to be performed out of normal office hours.
Essential Knowledge and Experience
- In depth knowledge and understanding of farm infrastructure;
- Degree or equivalent qualification, or 4 years’ experience in land management;
- Knowledge of agriculture;
- Experience of environmental legislation relating to the farmed environment;
- A thorough understanding of agricultural systems and the agricultural calendar;
- Understanding and experience of using GIS, geodatabases to record and interrogate outputs
- Experience of delivering projects on time, to budget and in line with agreed outputs and outcomes;
- Computer literate in all basic software packages;
- Must have a full driving licence and use of a vehicle for work;
- Experience in using Risk Assessments and Lone working procedures.
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
- Knowledge of designated site protection, status and assessments;
- Knowledge of Freshwater Ecosystems
- BASIS Soil and Water qualification
- Previous experience in delivering conservation projects in an agricultural setting;
- Agricultural business management and planning;
- FACTS qualification
- Knowledge of pesticide products, sustainable crop protection and integrated pest management;
- Experience of advising upon Countryside Stewardship applications;
Skills
- Excellent communicator with proven track record in developing strong working relationships with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders;
- Ability to provide clear, concise written material in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences;
- Strong at diplomacy and negotiation;
- Excellent time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload;
- An ability to work with minimal supervision.
Application
Please email a copy of your CV and a covering letter to Melissa Hoskings, Head of Land Management at the Severn Rivers Trust [email protected]
Deadline for applications at 5pm on Wednesday 5th February 2020.
Selection and Assessment
The candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend for interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they meet the person specification detailed above.
The assessment will consist of an interview designed to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Details will be sent to short-listed candidates.
Interviews on Monday 10th February 2020 at Severn Rivers Trust Head Office, Unit 5, Hope House Farm Barns, Hope House Lane, Martley, Worcs, WR6 6QF.
Appointment
All our offers of employment are made, subject to some pre-employment checks including: Satisfactory References, checks on eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, Checks on relevant certificates.
Probationary Period
The Severn Rivers Trust operates a probationary period for all employees joining the Trust, which is in place to see whether you are able to meet the standards of the job. This will be a period of 3 months.
Salary
Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a bank or building society account.
Hours of Work
These are both part-time posts (22.5 hours per week)
Holiday Entitlement
Our holiday year runs from January to December. Part-time employees get 28 days holiday per year (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
Pension
You will be automatically enrolled in the Severn Rivers Trust Stakeholder Pension Scheme, though you may opt out. The employee contributes 5% and the Trust contribute 7%.
Notice
If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give one months’ notice once your probationary period is complete.
Equal Opportunities
Severn Rivers Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political beliefs.
Responding to Applications
Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately, due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date, then please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
The purpose of this information is solely to provide prospective candidates with details relating to the post. It may not be construed as an offer of employment, nor does it form part of the contract of employment or the role profile.
