Fisheries Specialist

About the role

We're looking for a proactive and technically skilled Fisheries Specialist to join South East Rivers Trust (SERT) and help deliver an ambitious programme to improve fish passage and river connectivity across our catchments.

Approximately half of your time will be focused on the Great Stour catchment, with the remainder spent acting as the Trust's fisheries specialist, providing technical support and expertise to colleagues and partners across our wider operational area.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in progressing the Stour fish passage roadmap, working towards the long-term goal of opening the catchment for multi-species fish passage. You will help shape a flagship programme of work that combines monitoring, evidence, partnership working and practical river restoration. Extensive travel across the whole SERT region will be required for this role.

What you will be doing

• Leading fish surveys, monitoring programmes and evidence collection to build understanding of fish populations and river connectivity, evaluate the impact of our work, and inform future restoration priorities.
• Working with colleagues and partners to progress the Stour fish passage roadmap, identifying and prioritising barriers to fish movement and supporting the development of fish passage and river restoration projects.
• Working with landholders, angling interests, regulators and catchment partners to deliver coordinated, catchment-scale action.
• Contributing to business cases, funding proposals and the development of a pipeline of deliverable and investable projects.
• Acting as the Trust's fisheries specialist, providing technical advice and support to colleagues and partners across SERT.

About you

• Experience in freshwater ecology, fisheries, river restoration or a related discipline, with a good understanding of fish ecology, fish passage and river habitats.
• Experience applying fish survey and monitoring techniques, such as electrofishing and habitat assessments.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret fish survey and ecological data to inform decision-making and project delivery.
• Experience working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to develop and deliver environmental projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• A proactive and organised approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Why work with us?

You’ll be joining a supportive, values‑led organisation where your work really matters. We offer flexible hybrid working, opportunities to build experience, and the chance to be part of a team making a positive impact for the environment.

Site locations

The SERT region, covers the south east of England, extending from Hampshire in the west to Kent in the east, with the northern border being south of the Thames, extending down to the English Channel.

Our office is based in Leatherhead which you will be required to attend up to 4 times a month.

The amount of travel required depends on the role, and can be extensive. Most travel for an individual will be to work on project sites, which can be remote, or attending external meetings within the SERT region. The geographical range and frequency of travel is role dependent.

To support travel costs, SERT pays mileage at the current HMRC amount for travel within the SERT region. We do not pay mileage, time or any other costs for travel outside the SERT region, nor for any commutes to the office. Toll charges cannot be claimed.

Application process:

• Closing date for applications: 29th June 2026 11.59pm
• Interviews in person (at our Leatherhead office): 16th and 17th July (TBC)
• We reserve the right to close this job advert early

For further information on the application process see our FAQ's