Senior Catchment Officer

We’re making a difference:
Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

As a key member of our collaborative catchment team, you will lead the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s Catchment Management Strategy, driving targeted projects and campaigns that improve water quality across our region. You’ll work directly with farmers, agronomists and landowners to champion sustainable land management, support the uptake of funded in‑field measures and capital grants, and help shape innovative pilot trials.

The role also includes undertaking detailed catchment walkovers and contributing to the ongoing development of our Catchment Drinking Water Safety Plans.

• Co‑ordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water catchment incentive schemes (Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ scheme) that reward farmers in target catchments for adopting farming practices which result in lower nutrient and pesticide losses to water.
• Gain a thorough understanding of each catchment; identify and prioritise water quality risks, including assisting with the delivery of the catchment walkover programme.
• Key Catchment Management and agronomy lead contact for the Company.
• Delivery of solo and joint farm engagement visits with the Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, which may include close proximity to livestock.
• Provide agronomic advice and support on nutrient, manure and soil management measures to farmers and relevant landowners.
• Support the development, facilitation and engagement of all relevant farmer cluster groups (South Downs Farmer’s group) within Portsmouth Water’s area of supply and participation at wider Catchment Partnership meetings.
• Plan and deliver catchment workshops and presentations to stakeholders on Portsmouth Water’s catchment management strategy and delivery programme.
• Design and implement strategies/programmes to measure the impact of changes in land‑use and practices adopted by farmers and relevant landowners on nitrate leaching to groundwater.
• Lead and review H&S Risk Assessments related to key responsibilities.
• Support the Catchment Team with DWSP Catchment Risk Assessments.
• Lead on regulatory work and consultations related to Catchment Management (e.g., Biosolids).
• Budget management and reporting of Catchment Incentive Schemes.
• Support the general development of the Catchment Officer(s) within the above agricultural areas, including coaching and mentoring.

• Agricultural knowledge and experience essential.
• A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline.
• BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable.
• Additional BASIS qualifications (e.g., FACTS qualification) is desirable.
• Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management.
• Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with regulators, landowners and the farming community is essential.
• Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management would be desirable.
• Knowledge of water quality would be desirable.
• Knowledge of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology would be desirable.
• Understanding and experience of working in the environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g., agri‑environmental schemes).
• Ability to work well both in a team and by oneself representing Portsmouth Water in the field.
• Full UK driving licence required.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

Portsmouth Water believes in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:

27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.

Generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% of basic salary.

Non‑contractual bonus of up to 6% of basic salary, linked to company performance.

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave and pay.

All expenses covered summer and winter social events.

Life assurance scheme giving 4x salary lump sum benefit in the event of an unexpected loss.

Confidential mental health and wellbeing advice available 24/7 through the Employee Assistance Programme. Physical health support via a Virtual GP service (available 8 am–10 pm, 7 days a week) and the Health Hero app.

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – and so much more!