Senior Catchment Officer

South East Rivers Trust; Leatherhead; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization seeks a Senior Catchment Officer in Leatherhead, UK. This role involves leading projects to restore river health through community engagement and strategic planning. The successful candidate will develop river restoration and pollution prevention projects, coordinate partnerships, and create a Catchment Plan that shapes priorities for the future. Essential qualifications include a degree in ecology or related fields and strong skills in project delivery and stakeholder engagement. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth included.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, or environmental science.
• Proven experience in project development and delivery, ideally with nature-based solutions.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects for river restoration and pollution prevention.
• Host and coordinate Catchment Partnerships for effective collaboration.
• Develop a Catchment Plan for strategic decision-making.

Skills

Confident communicator

Strong understanding of river catchment management

Project development and delivery

Education

Degree in ecology, hydrology, or environmental science

Job description

Senior Catchment Officer South East Rivers Trust•Leatherhead, Surrey, UK

Lead projects, partnerships & plans to restore rivers and inspire communities. Make a real impact on river health!

The Senior Catchment Officer role is at the heart of what we do at the South East Rivers Trust (SERT). You’ll lead collaborative, evidence-based action to improve river health, bringing together communities and stakeholders to tackle catchment challenges and deliver nature-based solutions.

Working predominantly on the River Stour in Kent, this role combines project leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll:

• Develop and deliver river restoration, pollution prevention, natural flood management, and citizen science projects.
• Host and coordinate Catchment Partnerships, ensuring inclusive, effective collaboration.
• Lead the development of a Catchment Plan for the Stour, shaping priorities for the next five years and linking with strategic decision-making and funding.
• Secure funding, build project pipelines, and mentor junior colleagues.

About you

• Confident communicator and relationship-builder
• Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, or environmental science.
• Proven experience in project development and delivery, ideally nature-based solutions or citizen science.
• Skilled in stakeholder ...