The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 65 independent local charities across the UK and Ireland. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment. Our research and expertise are now needed more urgently than ever as water quality and supply move up the public agenda.
The island of Ireland is the fastest-growing area of the rivers trust movement, and as part of what will be a major expansion in 2023, we are looking to recruit two new farm advisors to join our team. We require one agricultural advisor for each of the following catchments in Northern Ireland :
- Dundrum River (County Down)
- Owenkillew River (County Tyrone)
Working as part of team, the advisors will work in these areas on a project designed to encourage and support landowners to adopt changes in agricultural and land management practices, intended to bring about improved water quality and freshwater habitats, at a catchment scale, while benefiting farm businesses.
They will undertake one-to-one farm visits, working with landowners to identify ways to reduce the risk and impact of diffuse and point-source water pollution from agriculture by producing bespoke Water Environment Management Plans and delivering capital intervention works through a bespoke capital grant.
They will also aim to raise awareness, and improve understanding and acceptance amongst farmers and land managers of diffuse and point-source pollution from agriculture and its impact on water quality and the wider water environment.
They must proactively engage with farmers in targeted priority areas of each catchment. Through a voluntary approach, they will seek to create a sense of ownership and achievement within the farming community concerning improving water quality and water-dependant species and habitats.
We are looking for approachable, friendly, dynamic individuals with drive, determination, and experience of working on farms or with landowners.
This is an opportunity to be at the heart of a growing, dynamic, and enthusiastic team, and your role will be essential to the growth and development of The Rivers Trust and helping to make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection and improvement.
Please note that the successful candidates will need to live and work in Northern Ireland to be able to access remote areas within the catchments, and have the right to work in the UK or Ireland.
Both roles are full-time and home-based, but with regular contact and meetings with colleagues. We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9-day fortnight – time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days through length of service) plus statutory holiday days. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Work with farmers to find opportunities to improve infrastructure and change land management practices, underpinned by a need to reduce diffuse and point source agricultural pollution to surface water.
- Undertake non-regulatory farm advice visits and identify runoff sources, pathways, and receptors.
- Work with our GIS Analyst to collate and map farmland water quality protection opportunities and interventions.
- Prepare a series of Farm Water and Environment Management Plans, including Soil Nutrient Management Plans and Rush Control Plans where necessary, supported by field-scale maps.
- Liaise with partner organisations and Government Agencies to inform farm infrastructure improvements.
- Support farmers and encourage them to undertake various measures to reduce soil and nutrient loss.
- Provide practical soil and nutrient management advice and follow this up with multiple visits to increase the likelihood of behavioural change and environmental improvement.
- Help to promote, administer, and verify activities under, the DAERA Sustainable Catchment Project capital grants programme and future agri-environmental schemes.
- Maintain a simple system of evaluation and feedback from farmers and land managers.
- Coordinate, deliver and participate in on-farm demonstrations and best practice events to help promote and raise awareness of the core messages and schemes of the programme.
- Work with our Communication and Advocacy Manager on event planning and delivery, PR, and project-related communications activities.
- Support other colleagues on the team in the delivery of projects.
The salary for the post will be £26,560 – 27,666 per year, plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.
(Please note this is based on the Grade 3 of our pay system – we may offer a higher salary within the grade in exceptional circumstances, based on skills and experience.)
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter, clearly indicating which catchment area you are applying for (Dundrum or Owenkillew) and also setting out how you meet the following criteria:
- Relevant higher-level qualification (Degree/HND) OR minimum of three years’ experience in a land management/agricultural advisory role.
- Knowledge of agricultural systems, the agricultural calendar and farm infrastructure.
- Knowledge of environmental legislation relating to the farmed environment and agricultural land management.
- Knowledge of soil and nutrient management.
- Knowledge of how GIS can be used to record and interrogate geospatial data.
- Experience communicating with and developing strong working relationships with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work with and understand the needs of people from different communities
- Experience in providing clear, concise written material in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences.
- Experience in delivering projects on time, to budget and in line with agreed outputs and outcomes.
- Ability to work remotely with a reliable broadband connection
- Computer literacy in basic software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Available to work occasionally for short periods in the evenings and at weekends.
- A full driving licence and use of own vehicle, personally insured for business use.
The following criteria are desirable and might be used to decide who to invite to interview. Only include them if you have them:
- Experience in delivering conservation projects in an agricultural setting.
- Experience advising on agricultural grant schemes (e.g. EFS, MOSS, Woodland Grants Scheme)
- BASIS Soil and Water qualification.
- FACTS qualification
- Knowledge of designated site protection, status, and assessments.
- Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems.
- Knowledge of pesticide products, sustainable crop protection and integrated pest management
Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.
Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.
Closing date: Sunday 20 August 2023.
Applicants will be given at least one week’s notice in advance of interview, and interviews are being planned for the week commencing 4th September.
