Catchment Officer

Healthy rivers are essential for people and nature but they are on the brink of collapse, under threat from
pollution, climate change, habitat loss and water scarcity. Tackling these issues requires holistic
understanding and effective partnership working.

We are seeking a Catchment Officer, to lead our work in two catchments across our area. You will be our
primary representative in your focal catchments, and will be responsible for leading and chairing the local
Catchment Partnerships. Through your Catchment Partnership work, you will develop a deep local knowledge
of your rivers and their stakeholders, which you will leverage to develop programs of data and evidence
gathering that will help to understand the issues impacting river health in the catchments. Based on this
knowledge, you will work with partners to develop catchment plans and co-design solutions and mitigation
projects that will provide multiple benefits and make a real difference to river health.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a level of scientific and/or technical expertise, for
example in land management, wetland design, aquatic biodiversity, habitat enhancement, nature-based
solutions, biodiversity net gain, natural flood management, fisheries science, water resources, or water
quality. You will bring this expertise to our Catchment Partnerships and share it across the whole of our
organisation.

The role will suit a natural leader and good communicator with relevant technical knowledge who is
personable and diplomatic with a passion for the water environment and its improvement., Catchment Officer

1. Coordinate and support Catchment Partnerships, partnership working and the Catchment Based
Approach (CaBA)
1.1. Develop quality and productive relationships with partners and stakeholders across the SERT area
and specifically in the catchments you lead.
1.2. Work with the Trust's existing Science and Partnerships Team to strategically lead the Catchment
Partnerships and any sub-groups.
1.3. Steer the Catchment Partnership and sub-groups in the creation and/or update of their
Catchment Vision and Plan based on data and evidence of river and catchment issues.
1.4. Organise and host Partnership meetings, encouraging and facilitating the participation of a range
of stakeholders.
1.5. Maintain good working relationships with existing catchment partners, as well as expand and
grow relationships with new stakeholders as required.
1.6. Represent the Trust at local meetings across the South East.
1.7. Work closely with other staff at the Trust to coordinate on restoration and enhancement
opportunities with external partners and through the Catchment Partnership(s).

2. Project development and delivery to make a difference to the water environment
2.1 Identify project opportunities that deliver multiple benefits while addressing the issues affecting
the catchment and the priorities of the Catchment Partnership.
2.2 Contribute to project detail, and where appropriate design, bringing your technical expertise.
2.3 Contribute to fundraising for projects in your catchment and contribute to fundraising for projects
relating to your specialism.
2.4 Contribute to the delivery of projects as appropriate, including developing project partnerships to
deliver joint objectives and goals, maintaining relationships and fulfilling funder requirements.
2.5 Manage projects to ensure delivery within the agreed timeframe, and budget and to a high
standard, including liaison with funders and reporting.

3. Management, administration and fundraising
3.1. Contribute to and support the work and growth of SERT, delivering the Trust's vision, mission and
core values.
3.2. Undertake day-to-day management of partnerships and projects keeping good records; leading
on budgeting, reporting, claiming and evaluation as required.
3.3. Contribute to developing funding opportunities and fundraising for the Trust's activities.
3.4. Contribute to the Trust's external communications (websites, social media and presentations),
profile and good reputation.

Other duties as may be appropriate to the position.

A relevant degree or significant experience in a relevant area: freshwater X
management, aquatic science, river restoration or similar
A good understanding of one or more relevant topics, such as nature based
solutions (river restoration, constructed wetlands, natural flood management), X
river ecology, community engagement, education or citizen science
Experience of working in partnership with different organisations and sectors to X
achieve common goals
Experience of organising and delivering events, eg. partner workshops and other X
meetings, engagement activities, outdoor practical work, citizen science activities
Experience of collating and analysing data and presenting it in an engaging way for X
a range of audiences
Experience of developing, managing and/or delivering projects (eg. river X
restoration, monitoring, volunteering) and satisfying funders' requirements
Experience preparing and submitting funding applications X
A relevant first aid qualification or willingness to be trained X
Knowledge & Understanding
Knowledge of the objectives , drivers and funding mechanisms of external
stakeholders: e.g. water companies, local authorities, environmental NGOs, local X
businesses, land users and land owners
Knowledge and understanding of how river ecosystems function X
Knowledge and understanding of the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) X
Knowledge and understanding of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) X
Skills & Personal Attributes
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written X
Confidence to inspire and lead partnership action X
A strong diplomat with ability to mediate between different views X
Organised X
A positive 'can do' attitude X
Ability to work as part of a team and independently X
Strong IT skills (email, MS Office) X
GIS and spatial analysis skills X
Willingness to learn and develop new skills to support the organisation X
Miscellaneous
Commitment to equality of opportunity. X
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends X
Full driving licence and access to private (or hire) vehicle for work purposes X
Suitable, safe home working environment. X
Understanding of Health and Safety risks and mitigating actions X

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, the Trust connects with communities to educate and
engage people on the importance of rivers, and the issues impacting their health. The trust mobilizes
volunteers and citizen scientists, as well as academic and industry collaboration, to gather and use data and
evidence to deploy targeted positive action and restoration projects. Accordingly, we also challenge and
support stakeholders, business, and individuals to work towards the betterment of our freshwater
ecosystems. This includes tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and
restoring habitats. For more about us and what we do, see www.southeastriverstrust.org.

Working at the South East Rivers Trust is rewarding, fulfilling, and will present you with unique challenges
that require dynamic thinking. 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.