Senior Catchment Officer Job Havant area,England UK,Science

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.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Co-ordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water catchment incentive schemes (Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ scheme) that rewards 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. This includes 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 engagements visits with 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. Support participation at wider Catchment Partnership meetings.
Plan & 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 Catchment Team with DWSP Catchment Risk Assessments.
Lead on regulatory work and consultations related to Catchment Management i.e. Biosolids
Budget management and reporting of Catchment Incentive Schemes
To support the general development of the Catchment Officer(s), specifically within the above agricultural areas. This will include coaching and mentoring.

What do you need? Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

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 Is Desirable (FACTS Qualification)

Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management
Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the 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 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 license required

As part of the application process, we do ask candidates to submit a cover letter alongside their CV.

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic…