River Restoration Officer: Derwent SSSI/SAC Projects

Natural England; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England is seeking a River Restoration Officer to deliver priority restoration actions for the River Derwent SSSI/SAC, coordinating across landowners, NGOs and stakeholders. The role develops actions through 2025–2030 within the Restoration Plan and collaborates with NE staff and partners to restore habitat and water quality.

You will influence projects, manage design delivery and help secure funding, working with landowners, farmers and partners to realise on-the-ground outcomes in a

Qualifications

• Experience with river restoration techniques and coordinating delivery at scale.
• Strong knowledge of freshwater ecology, habitats, species and regulatory mechanisms.
• Understanding of lowland river geomorphology and restoration approaches.
• Knowledge of agri-environment grant schemes and applying them to restoration projects.
• Proven project management, stakeholder liaison and community engagement skills.
• Ability to provide high-quality advice and communicate clearly in writing and speech.
• Experience building pragmatic relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Relevant qualification or significant equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Engage landowners, managers and stakeholders to deliver improvements to river SSSI/SAC condition.
• Drive forward restoration projects identified in the Derwent restorations program.
• Collaborate to develop and submit funding bids with farmers and landowners.
• Secure designs for river restoration schemes and deliver on the ground.
• Support NNR, CSF and Catchment Partnership work and wider regulatory collaboration.
• Plan remaining optioneering study sites for post-2030 delivery.
• Provide secretariat for the River Derwent Officer’s Group and manage meetings and actions.
• Deliver progress reports and ensure personal safety in line with guidance.

Skills

River restoration

Freshwater ecology

Lowland river geomorphology

Agri-environment grants

Project management

Land manager liaison

Community engagement

Communication

Education

Academic qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Natural England is seeking a River Restoration Officer to deliver priority restoration actions for the River Derwent SSSI/SAC, coordinating across landowners, NGOs and stakeholders. The role develops actions through 2025–2030 within the Restoration Plan and collaborates with NE staff and partners to restore habitat and water quality.

You will influence projects, manage design delivery and help secure funding, working with landowners, farmers and partners to realise on-the-ground outcomes in a