Fisheries Programme Manager - Westcountry Rivers Trust

Countryside Classroom; Stoke Climsland; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 25 days

Pension 9%

Hybrid working

Cycle to Work

Eyecare vouchers

Life assurance

Job summary

Westcountry Rivers Trust is seeking a senior fisheries professional to strengthen the Rivers and Fisheries Team. You will lead a portfolio of projects focused on fish passage, barrier removal, monitoring and conservation, while supporting the Head of Fisheries & Ecology in shaping the wider programme.

This hybrid role involves line management of Grade 4 staff, collaboration with partners such as Environment Agency and Natural England, and driving bids and tenders.

Qualifications

• Background in fisheries science/management, conservation and fish passage.
• Team leadership and project management experience.
• Experience designing and leading fisheries and ecological monitoring and surveys.
• Strong understanding of fisheries law, legislation and H&S standards.
• Fieldwork experience in aquatic and remote locations.
• Degree Level 6 or equivalent; Level 3 diploma + 10 years experience.
• Fisheries qualifications and professional body membership.
• Experience with NEC contracts, CDM Regulations, ArcGIS, CAD and barrier prioritisation is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical expertise and quality-assure assessments, survey designs, consents and outputs.
• Manage fish passage and barrier removal schemes across design, consenting and delivery, including budgets and reporting.
• Share line management of the team, initially 1–2 Grade 4 staff.
• Contribute to funding bids and tenders.
• Collaborate with partners such as Environment Agency, Natural England, local authorities, angling associations and landowners.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Monitoring & surveys

Fisheries law & H&S

Education

Level 6 degree

Level 3 diploma + 10 years experience

Fisheries qualifications & professional body

Tools

ArcGIS

CAD

NEC contracts

Job description

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Report To: Head of Fisheries & Ecology

Grade: 5

Hours: 37.5

Location: Hybrid, with regular office attendance in Stoke Climsland and travel across the Southwest

The starting salary for this role is £42,400 per annum.

About Us

Westcountry Rivers Trust was founded in 1994 to restore West Country rivers. Our team of around 75 works with landowners, farmers, communities, businesses and water companies to protect rivers, estuaries and coasts for people, wildlife and the local economy. We use a science-led, whole-catchment approach.

About the Role

This new senior post will strengthen the technical leadership of our Rivers and Fisheries Team. You'll lead a portfolio of fisheries projects focused on fish passage, barrier removal, monitoring and conservation. You'll also support the Head of Fisheries & Ecology in developing the wider programme.

You will:

• Provide senior technical expertise and quality-assure assessments, survey designs, consents and project outputs


• Project manage fish passage and barrier removal schemes from assessment and optioneering through design, consenting and delivery, including budgets, funder reporting and CDM and H&S compliance


• Share line management of the team, initially managing one to two Grade 4 staff


• Contribute to funding bids and tenders


• Work with partners such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, local authorities, angling associations and landowners

About You

You'll have:

• A background in fisheries science or management, conservation and fish passage


• Team leadership and project management experience


• Experience designing and leading fisheries and ecological monitoring and surveys


• Strong understanding of fisheries law, legislation and H&S standards


• Fieldwork experience in aquatic and remote locations


• A relevant degree (Level 6), or a Level 3 diploma plus 10 years' experience


• Fisheries qualifications, including Electrofishing Team Leader training, and membership of a relevant professional body


• Experience of NEC contracts, CDM Regulations, ArcGIS, CAD and barrier prioritisation would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 with service, and extra Christmas leave


• 9% employer pension contribution and life assurance


• Hybrid and flexible working, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Cycle to Work Scheme and eyecare vouchers

Queries: [e-mail]

Westcountry Rivers Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.