Key responsibilities include the following:
* Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF within the specified catchment(s), using national data validated locally.
* Work in priority areas to develop and lead specific CSF training, information and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners. Give bespoke advice on‑farm to farmers and organise and deliver, with the aid of specialists, further advice, group events and workshops.
* Work with farmers to identify key pollution issues on farm, and relevant practical solutions. Support farmers and landowners to take action to achieve change on farm leading to improvements for nature.
* Communicate, advocate, and promote CSF activity with Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission colleagues and externally with farmers, land managers and partners.
* Work with NE colleagues and partners, such as water companies and catchment partnerships, to deliver a joined‑up approach including developing formal partnerships where appropriate.
* Drive delivery via a range of tools including specialist training and advice (own or procured through contractors) and using incentives such as Capital Grants, SFI, FETF etc.
* Utilise Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELM), and in particular the Capital Grant Scheme, to deliver change in high priority areas for water and air quality by advising farmers on suitable land management options and/or capital items, and giving advice on water and air quality options/ items. Offer general advice on other scheme options such as those addressing biodiversity and/or signpost applicants to additional advice from other sources where targeting overlaps.
* Work with the Environmental Contracted Services Team in Natural England to provide timely information for tenders for group events and farm advice. Conduct quality control to agreed processes and deadlines.
* Record interactions and advice given. Monitor the effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners.
* Understand the relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s) and incorporate into CSF catchment delivery plans where appropriate.
Daily duties require frequent farm and site visits, partnership working and travel across the Cumbria area and may involve inclement weather conditions. The candidate must hold a current full UK driving licence and be willing to drive, including potentially overnight stays for national travel.
You will be working as part of the Cumbria area team.
The primary focus of the role is to work with and provide on the ground advice to farmers. The role-holder will also work with partner organisations, the agricultural industry, and colleagues from the Defra group to build our capabilities to deliver a range of priority outcomes for NE. All CSF farm advisers will have the opportunity to enrol in a structured training programme.
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