Farm Advisor

South East Rivers Trust; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

South East Rivers Trust is seeking a proactive Farm Advisor to help farmers, growers and landowners build more resilient farming businesses while delivering lasting benefits for rivers, water resources and nature. The role is the on-the-ground face of farm engagement, supporting the Holistic Water for Horticulture project and broader water resilience initiatives.

Based in the South East England region with the Leatherhead office, the role involves farm visits, developing farm plans, advising on

Job description

About the role

We're looking for a proactive and approachable Farm Advisor to help farmers, growers and landowners build more resilient farming businesses while delivering lasting benefits for rivers, water resources and nature.

This is an exciting opportunity to become the face of South East Rivers Trust's on-the-ground farm engagement, supporting the delivery of the Holistic Water for Horticulture (HWH) project alongside a growing programme of water resilience and catchment restoration work. You'll work closely with farmers to identify practical opportunities that improve water management, soil health and environmental outcomes, while helping to shape future projects and investment.

Although initially focused in the East of our operational area, you'll also support colleagues and partners across the wider South East to develop projects that benefit farming, communities and the environment.

What you'll be doing

• Building trusted relationships with farmers, growers and landowners to identify practical opportunities that improve farm resilience, water management and environmental outcomes.
• Undertaking farm visits, assessments and producing farm plans to support the development of on-farm projects.
• Providing advice on water resources, water efficiency, nature-based solutions, diffuse pollution and funding opportunities.
• Supporting the development of project pipelines, business cases and funding proposals to secure investment in resilient farming and catchment restoration
• Working with colleagues, water companies, regulators and other partners to deliver integrated, catchment-scale projects.
• Supporting monitoring and evidence collection to demonstrate impact and inform future project delivery.

About you

You'll enjoy working with farmers and rural businesses, building trusted relationships and turning opportunities into practical projects that benefit both farming and the environment.

You'll have:

• Experience working with farmers, growers, landowners or rural businesses to provide advice on land, water or environmental management.
• A good understanding of farming systems, water resilience and the challenges facing the agriculture and horticulture sector.
• Experience developing and delivering environmental or land management projects.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence a range of audiences.
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive and collaborative approach, with a passion for sustainable farming and healthy catchments.

Why work with us?

You'll be joining a supportive, values-led organisation where your work really matters. We offer flexible hybrid working, opportunities to develop expertise in farm advisory, water resilience and catchment management, and the chance to help shape practical solutions that support resilient farming, healthier rivers and thriving landscapes.

Site locations

The SERT region, covers the south east of England, extending from Hampshire in the west to Kent in the east, with the northern border being south of the Thames, extending down to the English Channel.

Our office is based in Leatherhead which you will be required to attend up to 4 times a month.

The amount of travel required depends on the role, and can be extensive. Most travel for an individual will be to work on project sites, which can be remote, or attending external meetings within the SERT region. The geographical range and frequency of travel is role dependent.

To support travel costs, SERT pays mileage at the current HMRC amount for travel within the SERT region. We do not pay mileage, time or any other costs for travel outside the SERT region, nor for any commutes to the office. Toll charges cannot be claimed.

For further information about working at SERT please see our FAQ's