What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
* Co-ordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water catchment incentive schemes (Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ scheme) that rewards farmers in target catchments for adopting farming practices which result in lower nutrient and pesticide losses to water.
* Gain a thorough understanding of each catchment; identify and prioritise water quality risks. This includes assisting with the delivery of the catchment walkover programme.
* Key Catchment Management and agronomy lead contact for the Company.
* Delivery of solo and joint farm engagements visits with Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, which may include close proximity to livestock.
* Provide agronomic advice and support on nutrient, manure and soil management measures to farmers and relevant landowners.
* Support the development, facilitation and engagement of all relevant farmer cluster groups (South Downs Farmer’s group) within Portsmouth Water’s area of supply. Support participation at wider Catchment Partnership meetings.
* Plan & deliver catchment workshops and presentations to stakeholders on Portsmouth Water’s catchment management strategy and delivery programme.
* Design and implement strategies / programmes to measure the impact of changes in land‑use and practices adopted by farmers and relevant landowners on nitrate leaching to groundwater.
* Lead and review H&S Risk Assessments related to key responsibilities.
* Support Catchment Team with DWSP Catchment Risk Assessments.
* Lead on regulatory work and consultations related to Catchment Management i.e. Biosolids.
* Budget management and reporting of Catchment Incentive Schemes.
* To support the general development of the Catchment Officer(s), specifically within the above agricultural areas. This will include coaching and mentoring.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
* Agricultural knowledge and experience essential.
* A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline.
* BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable.
* Additional BASIS qualifications are desirable (FACTS qualification).
* Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management.
* Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the regulators, landowners and the farming community is essential.
* Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management would be desirable.
* Knowledge of water quality would be desirable.
* Knowledge of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology would be desirable.
* Understanding and experience of working in environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g. agri environmental schemes).
* Ability to work well both in a team and by oneself representing Portsmouth Water in the field.
* Full UK driving licence required.
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements.
We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.
All employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
What can Portsmouth Water offer you?
* Holidays Made Better: 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
* A Pension That Works for You: A generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15%.
* Performance Pays Off: Non‑contractual bonus up to 6% of basic salary, linked to company performance.
* Family Comes First: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
* Social Events: All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
* Peace of Mind, Always: Life assurance scheme gives a 4x salary lump‑sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
* Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through Employee Assistance Programme and physical health support via Virtual GP service (available 8am‑10pm, 7 days a week).
* PW Perks – Treat Yourself!: Exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus benefits such as Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan, and so much more.
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