Could your next career move help tackle climate change and improve the health of rivers?
Healthy rivers are essential for both humans and nature, but they are under serious threat from climate change, water scarcity, habitat loss and pollution. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that enhances the management of landscapes and water.
The South East Rivers Trust [SERT] is seeking a passionate and ambitious Senior Officer to develop our work with natural processes to reduce flood risk and improve water management, for the benefit of rivers and local communities.
As the Natural Flood & Water Management Senior Officer, you will target, scope and deliver nature-based solutions that will contribute to reducing flood risk, replenishing water resources and improving river health. The work will initially focus on natural flood management (NFM) in Kent and Surrey but will likely expand to other geographic areas and include wider nature-based solutions, including Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing and dynamic Water & Land Stewardship Team. You will be at the heart of the team’s work developing landscape and catchment scale projects that enhance nature and deliver multiple benefits.
The Senior Officer will use their experience and expertise to engage with farmers, local communities, local authorities, the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards. You will spend a good proportion of your time on the ground building relationships with these partners to identify and co-develop suitable measures.
The role will also coordinate the development and implementation of the Trust’s strategy on NFM. This is a growing area and, for the right candidate, there is the opportunity to lead this work for the Trust, potentially managing more junior staff and building a small team.
The role suits someone who is personable, inquisitive, and able to engage positively with local communities and land managers. You’ll have a strong technical knowledge of hydrology and the use of natural processes to address flooding and water resource issues.
About us
The South East Rivers Trust is an environmental charity bringing rivers and their catchments back to life. Working in 12 river catchments across the south east of England, the Trust connects communities and mobilises citizen scientists to educate and engage people on the importance of rivers, and supports and challenges stakeholders, businesses and individuals to protect them. The Trust uses data and evidence to target positive action and works with nature to make rivers healthy again. This includes tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and restoring habitats.
Working at the South East Rivers Trust is rewarding, fulfilling and busy; we work collaboratively and with passion, and this is reflected in our core values of: delivering high quality work, using expertise and scientific understanding, building good and effective relationships and bringing positive energy to all we do. If this sounds like an environment that you would thrive in, we would love to hear from you.
Now in our 21st year, SERT is one of the largest regional rivers trusts, protecting rivers across the south east of England for future generations to come.
Benefits you will enjoy if you work for us:
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. After three years’ service, staff receive an extra day of annual leave each year (maximum of 28 days).
- Hybrid working
- Life assurance
- Time off in Lieu
- 4 staff awaydays per year
- Flexible bank holidays
- Enhanced leave policies including sickness, maternity and paternity
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Wellbeing team, with trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Commitment to career development and training, including but not limited to:
- Individual career development plans
- Attendance at external training and conferences relevant to role
- Internal training relevant to role
- One personal development day per year
- Access to resources and training via affiliated memberships
How to apply:
Please email the following to jobs@southeastriverstrust.org:
- a completed application form
- a completed Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
The deadline for applications is Sunday 15th October with interviews taking place on Thursday 19th October via Zoom. Please get in touch if you are unable to make this date.
If you would like to discuss the position please email jobs@southeastriverstrust.org, with your enquiry and we will arrange to call you back.
Please note: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We do not sponsor applicants from overseas.
Job Description – Senior Officer
Job Application Form – Senior Officer
SERT Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
