River Rheidol Restoration Project Officer
Ceredigion based, with occasional travel required within the county of Carmarthenshire.
Part time, flexible working (4 days/32 hours per week). Occasional evening or weekend working will be required, but this will be kept to a minimum and will be accommodated within flexible working arrangements.
This is a 1 year fixed term contract, subject to a satisfactory 2 month probationary period.
Salary: £30,000 pro rata per annum
Overview
The West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT) is looking to appoint a River Rheidol Restoration Project Officer to deliver a project funded by the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme. The post will focus on identifying and prioritising schemes for habitat improvements within the River Rheidol catchment. It will involve working with communities to deliver long lasting and cost-effective schemes with the primary aim of ensuring a healthier river catchment for people and for wildlife, including the Sea trout (locally known as ‘Sewin’). An important element of the project will be bringing local people together to achieve these aims and to re-engage with their river environments. The project will seek to improve biodiversity, habitat connectivity and water quality in the Rheidol catchment.
Day to day management support will be provided by the WWRT Senior Executive Officer and other WWRT staff will also provide support on scientific and technical matters. There would be regular meetings with Trust staff, but most of the work would be undertaken on a home working basis.
Quarterly progress reports will be required for review by a project management board. A final report will also be required that will describe the work undertaken and the progress towards achievement of project objectives.
WWRT are committed to promoting the Welsh language in line with ‘Cymraeg 2050’ and will support staff in learning to speak Welsh if they express an interest in doing so.
Background
The West Wales Rivers Trust (WWRT) was formed in January 2017 by the amalgamation of the Pembrokeshire and Teifi Rivers Trusts, and the expansion of project activity into the county of Carmarthenshire. The WWRT has continued the work of the former Trusts to protect and restore rivers, streams, reservoirs and lakes, with the consequent benefits to aquatic and terrestrial species, and also to promote public understanding of the aquatic environments and the need for their protection and improvement.
Rivers Trusts have charitable status and have been successful in obtaining funding from a variety of sources including the European Union, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, business and charitable funding institutions. Through this funding, and with the assistance of volunteers, we have undertaken extensive projects including fencing and planting schemes to improve the river environment, the easement of obstructions to the passage of fish and catchment scale restoration. We have also engaged with communities through attending shows, organising training events and completing school education projects to improve understanding of the aquatic environment.
River Rheidol Restoration Project Officer
Key duties and responsibilities
- Deliver a range of surveys throughout the Rheidol catchment to identify and prioritise schemes for habitat improvements;
- Build relationships with a range of communities, landowners, hub organisations, schools and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of projects;
- Recruit volunteers to help with the delivery of a wide suite of projects;
- Deliver a range of small-scale river habitat improvements;
- Raise funds for continuing and future works, including assisting with the preparation of project bids;
- Implement rigorous safeguarding and health & safety procedures;
- Contribute to and assist with the production of publicity and marketing materials;
- Report the progress of works to key stakeholders and promote Trust activities more widely through social media;
- Communicate WWRT’s voice to a wide audience.
Other Duties
- You may be asked to carry out other duties and tasks as required from time to time for the efficient operation of the Trust.
- You shall lead by example in prioritising health and safety and wellbeing through your actions. You shall comply with West Wales Rivers Trust’s Health & Safety and Safeguarding policies and defined standards at all times.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject
- A confident and clear communicator with experience in delivering activities with school children & / or community groups
- Experienced in organising and leading groups of volunteers with an ability to work with and motivate others
- Experience of practical river conservation work
- Knowledge of river catchment and land management issues
- Experience in working with landowners to achieve multi-benefits
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home
- Ability to work flexibly, including some evenings and weekends (a time-off in lieu system is operated by the Trust)
- Ability to work to deadlines, demonstrate time management skills, prioritise workload and plan activities to meet strict timescales
- Excellent oral and written communication skills – including report-writing and presentation skills
- Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Valid full UK driving license and own car, insured for business use (we encourage the use of public transport where possible, however, travel around more remote locations will be necessary).
Desirable Skills
- Welsh speaking or have a commitment to learning the Welsh language
- Knowledge of the River Rheidol and wider Ceredigion watercourses
- Experience / knowledge of aquatic-based directives and invasive non- native species
- Experience of delivering walkover surveys
- Proven experience in developing successful funding applications
- Some knowledge or experience in the use of GIS mapping software.
To apply, please send your up-to-date C.V. and a detailed covering letter, demonstrating your suitability in terms of the job advertised and the skills required, to our Senior Executive Officer, Helen Jobson, by email at: [email protected]
The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 10th July 2020. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 27th July 2020, with a view to offering the successful candidate a start date in September 2020. Note: we would prefer to conduct interviews in person however interviews via Skype / Zoom can be accommodated.
