6518 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming

The Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) farm adviser provides on‑farm advice to farmers in designated catchments to reduce diffuse water and air pollution, mitigate natural hazards such as floods, and support agricultural transition. The adviser works closely with partner organisations, the agricultural industry and Defra colleagues to deliver priority outcomes for Natural England.

Key Tasks

• Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF within the specified catchment(s), using national data validated locally.
• Work in priority areas to develop and lead specific CSF training, information and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners.
• Give bespoke on‑farm advice and organise further advice, group events and workshops with specialist support.
• Secure agreement and ownership in the priority area on key pollution issues and solutions to achieve change in land management practices on farm and help farmers and landowners to take action.
• Communicate, advocate and promote CSF activity with Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission colleagues and externally with farmers, land managers and partners.
• Collaborate with NE colleagues and partners such as water companies and catchment partnerships to deliver a joined‑up approach, including developing formal partnerships where appropriate.
• Drive delivery via tools such as specialist training, advice (own or contractor‑procured) and incentives such as Capital Grants, SFI, FETF etc.
• Support Countryside Stewardship (CS) applications in high‑priority areas for water and air quality by advising farmers on suitable land management options and/or capital items, approving Capital Grants, and giving advice on water and air quality options in Higher Tier applications.
• Offer general CS advice and signpost applicants to additional sources where appropriate.
• Support Defra’s new Tackling Pollution from Slurry programme by offering advice to Slurry Infrastructure Grant applicants.
• Work with the Farm and Land Management Advice (FaLMA) Contract Manager to provide timely information for tenders for group events and farm advice and conduct quality control to meet agreed processes and deadlines.
• Record interactions and advice given and monitor the effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners.
• Understand the relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s) and incorporate them into CSF plans where appropriate.
• Frequent farm and site visits, including walking over fields and around farm buildings within the relevant geography, are required. Inclement weather may be encountered.
• A current, valid full UK driving licence and the willingness to drive, with occasional national travel and overnight stays, is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in agriculture, conservation or equivalent, or relevant experience (Essential).
• Experience providing on‑farm advice to farmers, communicating effectively and persuading engagement (Essential).
• Good knowledge of agri‑environment schemes such as SFI, Capital Scheme, FETF and agricultural water and air pollution risks (Essential).
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or similar GIS software (Desirable).
• Driving licence is essential.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements – full‑time, part‑time or hybrid.
• Career progression and development opportunities – ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.
• Generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro‑rated). Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution.
• Other benefits include shopping discounts, a cycle‑to‑work scheme and access to Civil Service Sport club membership.

Locations

Natural England offers hybrid working. Staff are formally linked to one of 25 offices across England and are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours. Travel expenses are paid for work‑related travel outside the home‑to‑office commute.

Sustainability and EEO

We are committed to fairness, equality and inclusivity. Diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where all feel valued and supported.

Strategic Outcomes for Nature

• Recovering Nature – increased scale and quality of places where nature thrives.
• Building Better Places – greener homes and infrastructure creating healthier, more investable places.
• Improving Health and Wellbeing – integrating nature into everyday life to support and benefit people.
• Delivering Security through Nature – nature adapts to climate change, supporting resilient food production and clean resources.