Farm Environment Advisor:
Norfolk FWAG is a Not-for-Profit Organisation which gained charitable status in 2012. It exists to promote wildlife friendly farming across Norfolk. It is a membership organisation, with over 300 farmer members, and its work is guided by a board of voluntary trustees. Our vision is for Norfolk FWAG to advise on and contribute to Norfolk’s landscape becoming the exemplar region for cohesion between wildlife restoration and farm business success. Our mission is for farmers and landowners to futureproof their land for the benefit of farming and wildlife; ensuring the long-term survival and prosperity of the Norfolk landscape.
Farmers and land managers across the county continue to balance the needs of food production and nature across their farm. With the UK policy direction to move from subsidising farming to investing in innovation and sustainability, the demand for Norfolk FWAG’s expert advice and services is increasing, and we’re looking to expand our multi-disciplinary team.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced environmental advisor to join the Norfolk FWAG team. Due to the variety of client work and projects ongoing, we welcome full time and part time applications.
Responsibilities:
As a Farm Environment Advisor, you will be responsible for providing expert advice and support to Norfolk farmers and landowners. Your role will include a mixture of customer work, including with some of our 300+ members, and project work, alongside various public and private sector partners. This work can vary, from advising on the latest sustainable farming schemes to specific conservation and habitat management approaches. You will be making an immediate difference to the Norfolk environment and it’s residing wildlife. Responsibilities can include:
* Providing advice and guidance on a variety of stewardship schemes (SFI & HT) and capital works.
* Conducting habitat and species surveys and assessments for farms and landowners.
* Advising on best practice of conservation-led farm management.
* Communicating with funding bodies such as DEFRA, Natural England, and the RPA to assist with funding applications.
* Communicating with and co-ordinating contractors to perform important capital works.
* Monitoring project performance, and reporting into project funders.
* Attending events and webinars to keep up-to-date with the latest policy changes.
* Quoting and pricing up bespoke work packages for clients.
* Identifying funding opportunities for the organisation, as well as with other farmers and landowners.
* Assisting in the upskilling of other team members.
Norfolk FWAG advisors are encouraged to research and deliver work that is of interest to them. This can include on topics such as soil health, carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture; and where possible, the organisation will work with you to develop new services, programmes, and funding opportunities.
Requirements & Qualifications:
Essential:
* Degree in environmental science, ecology, agronomy, soil science, agriculture, or a related field.
* Proven experience working in agricultural or environmental consulting.
* Strong understanding of environmental schemes, regulations and their implications for farms.
* Comprehensive understanding of agriculture, and the commercial transition currently in progress across farming
* Effective communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences.
* Passion for environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.
* Full driving license, due to farm visits.
Desirable:
* Specific natural capital expertise (e.g. wetland, woodland, soil, etc)
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify practical solutions.
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
* Proficiency in relevant software and tools for data analysis and reporting (E.g. landapp, QGIS, etc).
* Basis Certificate in Sustainable Land Management
Salary & Benefits:
* £27,500 to £35,000 (Based upon experience)
* 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Competitive pension
* Private healthcare provision
Hybrid Working Policy:
* Norfolk FWAG operates a hybrid working policy, and looks for the team to work approximately half of their contracted hours in the office on the Royal Norfolk Showground.
* Norfolk FWAG organise a variety of events, with some falling outside of conventional working hours; typically in the evening. Attendance of these events is not compulsory, but preferred.
A typical working week for a Norfolk FWAG advisor sees 3 or 4 days spent out on farm advising and delivering events, with 1 or 2 days a week completing reporting and administrative tasks; you will get to see some real hidden gems of Norfolk.