Senior River Engagement Officer - Lead Inspiring Programmes for People and Rivers

We are the only environmental charity working across the entire length of the River Severn. Our work is bold, ambitious, and rooted in science and community action. From urban streams to remote upland headwaters, we are tackling the biggest challenges facing our rivers through restoration, education, and collaboration.

Your Role

As Senior River Engagement Officer, you’ll take a leading role in our Community Engagement team – designing and delivering creative programmes that connect people with rivers and inspire action for nature. You’ll manage and mentor a growing team, develop exciting new projects, and secure funding to make them happen.

Working in one of our operational catchments, you’ll build partnerships with schools, businesses, and communities, while delivering hands-on engagement activities – from citizen science and volunteering to wellbeing initiatives and outdoor learning. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of community engagement at Severn Rivers Trust.

What you will do

• Lead ambitious engagement programmes – from school learning and family events to volunteering and river health monitoring.
• Manage and mentor River Engagement Officers and freelancers, fostering an inclusive and supportive team culture.
• Develop new projects and secure funding, turning bold ideas into real-world impact.
• Champion nature-based solutions and river wellbeing, helping communities understand how rivers support climate resilience and biodiversity.
• Build partnerships across sectors, working with schools, businesses, and community groups to create shared benefits for rivers and people.
• Act as the local lead for your catchment, delivering engagement that reflects local priorities and inspires action.

Who We Are Looking For

This is a senior role requiring proven experience in community engagement and project management. You’ll need:

• A strong passion for rivers, wildlife, and nature conservation.
• Experience leading engagement programmes such as citizen science, volunteering, education, or wellbeing initiatives.
• Confidence in managing and mentoring staff or volunteers.
• Excellent communication skills – able to engage, inspire, and influence a wide range of audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, delivery, and monitoring of multi-strand programmes.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively across sectors.
• Willingness to travel regularly within your catchment and work occasional evenings/weekends.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use is essential.

Please note: We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will invite strong candidates to interview. We aim to appoint by April for a May–June 2026 start. The vacancy will close once the post is filled.