Working Wetlands Advisory Officer (Tavy)

Devon County Council; Folly Gate; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon Wildlife Trust's Working Wetlands role works directly with farmers and landowners in the Tavy catchment to identify opportunities on farm that improve land management while recognizing the realities of modern agriculture. The role supports practical action for nature, water quality and resilient landscapes.

You will help deliver nature-based solutions that benefit biodiversity, flood management and climate resilience, advise on agri-environment schemes, and contribute to habitat creation

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one farm advice and site visits.
• Develop and deliver practical habitat enhancement and creation works.
• Engage farmers and landowners and monitor project progress.
• Collaborate with partners to identify opportunities delivering environmental benefit.
• Support Farm Advice & Conservation Service (FACS) for specialist farm advice and habitat work.

Job description

This role will work directly with farmers and landowners across the Tavy catchment, supporting practical action for nature, water quality and healthy, resilient landscapes. You will provide practical advice to identify opportunities on farm that improve land management, while recognising the realities, pressures and opportunities of modern agriculture.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Working Wetlands project is entering a new phase of delivery as part of South West Water's long-established Upstream Thinking programme. You will help improve water quality and water resources by reducing pollutants entering watercourses and delivering nature-based solutions that benefit biodiversity, flood management and climate resilience. You will advise on a combination of nature-friendly farming, natural capital, habitat management and agri-environment schemes, such as SFI and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.

You will also support the development and delivery of practical projects, including habitat creation and restoration and capital works, helping bring investment and conservation action into the catchment.

The role will include one-to-one farm advice, site visits, project development, farmer and landowner engagement, events, monitoring and partnership working. You will work closely with colleagues and partners including Westcountry Rivers Trust, South West Water, the Environment Agency, Natural England and farming groups to identify opportunities and target work where it can deliver the greatest environmental benefit.

Alongside the primary Working Wetlands work, you will contribute to DWT's Farm Advice & Conservation Service (FACS), providing specialist farm advice, surveying and practical habitat enhancement and creation work across Devon.

This is a full-time, fixed term appointment until 31 March 2030.