Project Officer - Landowner & Farming

Salary: £32,000 per annum
Contract: Full time, fixed term (18 months)
Location: Our offices in Greengates, Bradford. Hybrid.
Reports to: Project Manager
Interviews: provisionally Tuesday 21st – Thursday 23rd April

About us

We are the only charity dedicated to improving the health and resilience of the River Aire and its catchment. Working with communities, landowners, local authorities, and partners, we restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, and support a thriving river environment. Our projects span river restoration, community engagement, climate adaptation, and now large-scale wetland creation.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and approachable person to join our team. This is a hands-on role for someone who has experience in agriculture and/or land management and thrives on connecting with people and inspiring environmental action.

You will be responsible for the successful delivery of projects related to sustainable farming initiatives and conservation interventions. Key responsibilities will include:

• Build and support farm cluster groups to foster peer learning and community-led conservation.
• Identify and implement nature-based solutions to reduce runoff and nutrient pollution.
• Support the development of bespoke whole-farm management plans to improve water quality and reduce both diffuse and point-source pollution.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in working in a rural environment with different stakeholders including farmers and owners.
• Practical experience of facilitating workshops and discussions with a diverse range of people.
• A good general knowledge of farming practices, land use management, farm business management and the challenges facing farmers and other land managers.
• Experience of navigating the challenges and opportunities associated with introducing pollution control measures and Nature Based Solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate in different ways with a variety of people especially farmers and landowners.
• Ability to deliver work on time, to budget and agreed quality standards.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge and experience of sustainable farm incentives (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship options and other funding opportunities.
• Relevant training such as Pinpoint or BASIS (we can support staff through these)
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Knowledge of Farming Rules for Water, Storing silage, slurry and agricultural fuel oil regulations, abstraction licensing, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and other relevant regulations and guidance.
• Knowledge and experience of issues related to addressing/ removing barriers to fish passage.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus public holidays, flexible hybrid working, pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, and professional development opportunities.