| Job Title: | WRT Senior Farming Advisor |
| Location: | Currently home based |
| Contract: | Full Time or Part Time |
| Report to: | Initially to WRT Project Co-ordinator |
| Salary Range: | Circa £32,000 depending on experience |
| Purpose of the job: This is development position. The post holder will initially report to the WRT Director/Chief Operating Officer through the WRT Project Co-ordinator. It is expected that on demonstration of performance, including successful completion of a probationary period, that the post holder will join the WRT Leadership Team reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. Reflecting the importance of agriculture and soil management in the delivery of ecosystem services the post holder will work with the WRT Chief Operating Officer and the rest of the Leadership Team to set up an Agricultural Delivery Team to develop and deliver farm focussed projects and the agricultural elements of more broadly based projects. | |
| Key Responsibilities: Agricultural Team Leader. Lead and support the WRT Farm Advisor(s) in the delivery of the Purposes and Responsibilities of their role. Develop and deliver farm-focused projects and contribute to the agricultural elements of more broadly based projects developed by the WRT Staff Team.Investigate Green Finance opportunities for farm businesses around payment for the Ecosystem Services through regenerative agriculture and positive soils management. Work with catchment regional and national partners to develop landscape scale long term regenerative farming projects.Further expand the Trust’s agricultural network across the Wear catchment through the development of long-term professional relationships, linking into neighbouring catchments, regional, national and international networks. Ensure, with the support of the WRT Administration, that financial and wider project management processes are maintained by the Agricultural Delivery Team. Oversee the management of publicity arising from project activity, including social media and press releases. Contribute content to the WRT website and newsletters. Training and Development: WRT is committed to continual personal and professional development. A training and development plan will be agreed through the annual appraisal process and reviewed quarterly. The post holder will be supported through, and expected to achieve, the FACTS qualification.Personal objectives will be set through the annual appraisal process, with objectives reviewed and updated quarterly. | |
| PERSON SPECIFICATION | |
| Qualifications and experience | |
| Essential | Desirable |
| In-depth knowledge of agriculture and farming practices, with at least 5 years relevant practical experience. | Degree HND, HNC or equivalent in Agriculture |
| A passion to support the agricultural transition from high input production-centred to profit-centred commercially and environmentally sustainable business models | Experience of leading a team, delegation, or informal working through others. |
| An understanding of land and water management issues and the points of view of agricultural and non-agricultural stakeholders. | FACTS qualified (or in the process) |
| Knowledge of soil management and nutrient planning | Awareness of Nature Based Solutions. |
| Delivery of projects on time on budget in line with agreed outputs and outcomes. | Knowledge of Water Framework Directive, Farming Rules for Water, cross compliance and NVZ requirements |
| Previous experience of delivering projects in an agricultural setting | Knowledge of Forestry and Countryside Stewardship Schemes and the development and application of ELMS |
| Application of Catchment Sensitive Farming-type and resource protection interventions. | Understanding of the concepts and practical application of Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services |
| Technical Skills | |
| Excellent communicator with a track record of developing strong working relationships with farmers, landowners and their representatives. | Understanding and use of Geographic Information Systems |
| Ability to manage between and negotiate with farmers and non-farming interests | Project level financial management |
| Ability to provide clear concise written material in a variety of format for a variety of audiences | Health and Safety Management and Construction Design & Management Regulations |
| Good IT skills, in particular MS Office | Working with contractors |
| Use of Social Media in a work context | |
| Personal Attributes | |
| Essential | Desirable |
| Leadership and Management experience or potential. | |
| High degree of professionalism, initiative, self-reliance and attention to detail | |
| Ability to work as part of a team | |
| Ability to build trust and respect with a wide variety of stakeholders and interest groups | |
| Pragmatism, tact and diplomacy in dealing with stakeholders | |
| Commitment to equal opportunities and high standards of customer service | |
| Good time management, organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload | |
| Key Contacts & Relationships: | |
| Internal | External |
| WRT Leadership and Staff Teams; Trustees; Volunteers | Farmers & Landowners; supporting professionals (eg agronomists and land agents); Wear Catchment Partners; The Rivers Trust; local Rivers Trusts; European Partners; Catchment Sensitive Farming |
Additional Information
The Trust operates a flexible working policy. All WRT staff are currently home based with regular remote team meetings via Teams.
The post involves travelling around the catchment and occasionally throughout the UK and European Union with the occasional overnight stay.
The post holder must hold a valid passport and driving licence, be willing to their use own car for work, for which expenses will be reimbursed at Inland Revenue recommended rates.
Hours of work are typically 37.5 hours per week, or as required, with occasional evening and weekend work as circumstances require.
The post holder is entitled to 25 days paid leave in addition to public holidays.
The post holder must be capable and confident to work in land and river environment with potentially difficult access. The successful applicant will be asked to provide two references.
