Catchment Officer

South East Rivers Trust

Leatherhead, Surrey, with hybrid working and regular travel across the SERT area
£30,371 - £39,716 pa
Full Time • Permanent
Closing on Sun, 18th Jan 2026

Conservation & WildlifeRivers, Water & HydrologyEnvironmental Management


Passionate about rivers? Become a Catchment Officer at SERT and lead partnerships, inspire communities, and deliver projects that make a real difference to the UK’s waterways.

About the Role

As a Catchment Officer, you’ll act as a coordinator and investigator—gathering data, uncovering issues, engaging communities, and creating momentum for change. Working within our Water, Land & Catchments Team, you’ll lead an ambitious programme of projects focused on river restoration, citizen science, and evidence-led environmental management.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team, working predominantly within the Rother, Cuckmere and Pevensey catchments, tackling some of the UK’s most urgent environmental challenges. We’ll support your development, amplify your impact, and help you thrive.

Key Responsibilities

  • Host Catchment Partnerships: Coordinate collaboration across stakeholders using the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) to drive action grounded in data and evidence.
  • Investigate Catchments: Collect and analyse data, engage with local communities, and build a detailed picture of pressures and opportunities.
  • Build the Evidence Base: Set up monitoring systems and identify data gaps.
  • Deliver Projects: Design and implement river restoration, pollution prevention, natural flood management, and engagement initiatives.
  • Secure Funding: Develop proposals and secure funding from diverse sources.
  • Engage and Inspire: Lead communications and stakeholder engagement to foster a shared vision for healthier rivers.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, or environmental science.
  • Experience in project development and delivery, ideally with nature-based solutions or citizen science.
  • Confidence in collecting, analysing, and using environmental data.
  • Excellent facilitation and communication skills.
  • Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

  • Work on meaningful projects that improve river health and biodiversity.
  • Be part of a friendly, talented, and passionate team.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and help us create healthier rivers for people and wildlife.

Interested?

Apply now and help us create a healthier, more resilient catchment, see the full Job Description Catchment Officer for more information.

Application process

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

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About South East Rivers Trust

We inspire lifelong stewardship for rivers by getting people of all ages to experience, enjoy and understand rivers. We restore, renaturalise and reconnect rivers, removing barriers to fish migration and enhancing habitats. We improve water quality through wetland creation and construct natural flood management measures to protect communities and surrounding land.

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