About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife.
We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action.
We are a practical, ambitious and collaborative organisation that believes healthy rivers are essential for thriving communities, resilient landscapes and nature recovery.
Our work is organised across a number of strategic themes (more information included in the Trust’s 5 Year Strategy: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/BART-5-year-strategy-simple-navigation.pdf).
Understanding our Rivers
* Monitoring water quality, habitat quality alongside ecology
* Undertaking walkover and ground truthing surveys to identify challenges and opportunities
* Engaging communities and landowners to gain local knowledge
Restoring our Rivers
* Delivering river restoration and fish passage projects
* Re-naturalising rivers and reconnecting floodplains
* Improving water quality and habitat resilience
Recovering our Landscapes
* Delivering nature-based solutions and natural flood management
* Supporting regenerative agriculture and farm clusters
* Creating wetlands, riparian woodlands and habitat mosaics
Empowering Communities
* Delivering citizen science and river engagement programmes
* Supporting volunteers and local partnerships
* Inspiring the next generation of river guardians
Role Summary
Job Title: Catchment Restoration Officer Location: Hybrid working – home based with regular travel across the Bristol Avon catchment and attendance at BART office (central Bristol) and multiple project locations. Reports to: Catchment Restoration Project Manager Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 per annum (depending on experience) Contract Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements
Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexible working arrangements.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional Christmas close period
* 9% Employer pension contribution
* Flexible and hybrid working
* Training and professional development opportunities
* Mileage reimbursement for work travel
* A supportive and passionate team environment
Overall Purpose of the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and lead the development and delivery of ambitious river restoration and nature recovery projects across the Bristol Avon catchment.
The Catchment Restoration Officer will play a central role in planning and delivering practical habitat restoration and natural flood management initiatives, working closely with landowners, farmers, local authorities, regulators, contractors and community partners.
Projects may include:
* River restoration and re-naturalisation
* Fish passage and barrier easement projects
* Wetland and floodplain creation
* Natural flood management measures
* Woodland and riparian habitat creation
* Catchment resilience and climate adaptation projects
You will be expected to work collaboratively across the team and partnerships to identify opportunities, develop projects, secure permissions and oversee delivery on the ground.
This role would suit someone who is passionate about rivers and landscapes, enjoys practical project delivery and relationship building, and wants to help shape the future of catchment restoration across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Project Development & Delivery
* Lead the development and delivery of catchment restoration projects from concept through to implementation
* Undertake site visits and identify opportunities for river and habitat enhancement
* Develop practical restoration plans and project specifications
* Procure and manage contractors and consultants
* Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget
* Support project monitoring, reporting and evaluation
Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong working relationships with landowners, farmers and partner organisations
* Provide informed advice on river restoration and nature-based solutions
* Facilitate collaborative approaches to catchment-scale delivery
* Represent BART at meetings, workshops and events
Partnership Working
* Work collaboratively with local authorities, the Environment Agency, Natural England, water companies and environmental partners
* Support wider catchment partnerships and strategic programmes
* Contribute to funding development and partnership opportunities
Technical & Operational
* Support GIS mapping, habitat assessments and project planning
* Lead on obtaining permissions and consenting processes
* Maintain accurate project records and reporting information
* Oversee contractors undertaking work
* Lead the installation of river restoration and Natural Flood Management interventions
* Manage health and safety compliance across project delivery
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
* Experience delivering river, environmental or habitat restoration projects
* Strong understanding of river and catchment processes
* Experience working with landowners and external stakeholders
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
* Experience managing contractors and project budgets
* Competent in Microsoft Office and digital mapping tools
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Experience in river restoration or natural flood management
* Knowledge of UK environmental legislation and consenting
* Experience securing EA and local authority permits to undertake works
* GIS experience
* Experience developing funding applications or reporting to funders
* Practical fieldwork and survey experience
* Understanding of agricultural land management systems
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who:
* Is passionate about restoring rivers and landscapes
* Is practical, proactive and solutions-focused
* Enjoys working collaboratively with a wide range of people
* Is comfortable working both independently and within a team
* Wants to make a tangible difference for nature and communities
* Thrives in a dynamic and evolving organisation
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented within the environmental sector.
Contact
Email: lana@bristolavonriverstrust.org
Website: bristolavonriverstrust.org
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