Senior Catchment Officer

Lead projects, partnerships & plans to restore rivers and inspire communities. Make a real impact on river health!

The Senior Catchment Officer role is at the heart of what we do at the South East Rivers Trust (SERT). You’ll lead collaborative, evidence-based action to improve river health, bringing together communities and stakeholders to tackle catchment challenges and deliver nature-based solutions.

Working predominantly on the River Stour in Kent, this role combines project leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll:

• Develop and deliver river restoration, pollution prevention, natural flood management, and citizen science projects.
• Host and coordinate Catchment Partnerships, ensuring inclusive, effective collaboration.
• Lead the development of a Catchment Plan for the Stour, shaping priorities for the next five years and linking with strategic decision-making and funding.
• Secure funding, build project pipelines, and mentor junior colleagues.

About you

• Confident communicator and relationship-builder
• Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, or environmental science.
• Proven experience in project development and delivery, ideally nature-based solutions or citizen science.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and facilitation, from public meetings to strategic discussions.
• Confident in collecting, analysing, and using environmental data.
• Track record in fundraising and managing successful environmental projects.
• Experience mentoring or supervising staff or volunteers.

Why join us?

At SERT, we’re passionate about restoring rivers and inspiring communities. Working here is rewarding, collaborative, and impactful. If you thrive on challenge and want to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested?

Apply now and help us create a healthier, more resilient catchment, see the full job description for more information.

Application process

• Closing date for applications: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Interviews: w/c Monday 29th January 2026