River Catchment Project Officer

We are recruiting a project officer to continue ARK’s work to improve rivers and wetlands for the benefit of wildlife and people. This role is based in river Kennet and Pang catchments. This is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from people who would prefer to work part time.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate that they are exceptionally self-motivated and are passionate about improving the environment. They must be an excellent communicator, enjoy practical activity and be enthusiastic about continuing to develop their knowledge and skills.

ARK is the rivers trust for the Kennet and Pang catchments and a part of the Rivers Trust Movement. We are working to achieve wild and healthy rivers valued by all.

Job Summary

In this varied role you will join a small but dynamic team making a real difference for the freshwater environment. You will be responsible for supporting and developing projects to improve chalk stream habitats. There will be a strong emphasis on working with local communities, particularly in the Pang Valley, and the role will involve regular communication with diverse partners including landowners, community groups and industry.

The job will suit someone with a strong interest in the water environment, particularly chalk streams. You will need a good understanding of river processes and the Catchment Based Approach. The role is varied and requires a flexible attitude, strong communication skills, the ability to manage a combination of tasks and the confidence to work independently at times. We are particularly looking for someone with practical outdoor skills who will enjoy being outdoors as well as in an office.

We offer a flexible hybrid working contract, but this role will not suit remote working. Site based work in the Pang and Kennet valley will be essential, and usually we require at least one day a week in our Marlborough office.

Responsibilities and Duties

The role includes a significant element of community outreach, partnership working and project co-ordination alongside data collection and visualisation.

Specific responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate and support community volunteers to carry out citizen science surveys for water vole, river water quality, riverfly, trout redds and invasive species.
• Record, collate and communicate the results of data collection.
• Play an active role in the development of the Pang Flagship Chalk Stream Partnership.
• Organise and lead practical conservation tasks for volunteer teams. For example, invasive species removal, river habitat improvements, tree planting
• Give talks and presentations to community groups about chalk streams and their wildlife
• Keep the content of web pages and digital communication up to date

Qualifications and Skills

Essential

• Be passionate and knowledgeable about rivers
• Have a good understanding of river ecosystems, how they function and the issues they face
• Be familiar with the Catchment Based Approach
• Hold a degree or have significant technical experience in a relevant discipline, for instance geography, geomorphology, environmental science, freshwater biology, ecology
• Have excellent communication skills
• Be able to work collaboratively
• Hold a full driving licence, with access to a car. A shared work vehicle is available.
• Be able to inspire, motivate and keep a volunteer team on track
• Be personable, diplomatic, questioning and able to explain technical concepts in simple terms
• Have experience organising and delivering successful events
• Have experience of collating data, summarising and communicating it well for external audiences
• Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Have strong IT skills (email, excel, Microsoft office)
• Can effectively manage a varied workload
• Have good interpersonal skills with the ability to learn from other practitioners, and work with partner organisations, staff and volunteers

Desirable

• Conservation or rivers project experience
• Knowledge of land use and agriculture
• Ecological surveying experience
• Technical knowledge of river water quality
• Live in the Kennet or Pang catchments

What we offer

We offer a salary of between £25,000 and £28,000 depending on experience, for a full time (37.5 hour week) position. We have a flexible working policy, and you will be part of a small friendly team. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required and time can be reclaimed via TOIL. We offer a contributory pension scheme (6% employer contribution 4% employee contribution) and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. If you’d prefer to work part time, please let us know.

If you would like an informal chat about the post, please contact our CEO Charlotte Hitchmough 07880 515859

Deadline for applications: 26th March 2026
We will invite shortlisted applicants to interview.