At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting peatland restoration projects and manage from planning to delivery.
- Company: Join the South West Peatland Partnership, hosted by South West Water.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, competitive salary, health support, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a chance to collaborate with top environmental organisations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and biodiversity in stunning natural environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation, project management, and stakeholder engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Okehampton / Peninsula House with flexible home working
Salary: £34,000 – £38,000
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Project Officer to join the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) — a collaborative programme delivering large-scale peatland restoration across Cornwall, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Hosted by South West Water, this role puts you at the heart of environmental recovery, working alongside National Park Authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and leading conservation organisations. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands‑on role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and restoring some of the UK’s most important habitats.
What you’ll be doing:
- Take the lead on peatland restoration projects at site level, managing works from planning through to delivery.
- Act as Project Manager for restoration construction sites.
- Lead on design, planning and delivery of restoration works.
- Manage contractors and apply Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015.
- Develop restoration plans using field survey data and GIS tools (QGIS/QField).
- Manage budgets (up to £1m annually) and oversee contractor payments.
- Lead stakeholder engagement, including landowners, farmers, and public bodies.
- Ensure high-quality delivery, compliance, and health & safety standards.
- Support monitoring, research projects, and training activities.
- Collaborate across a wide partnership of environmental organisations.
What we are looking for:
We’re seeking someone with a strong blend of technical expertise, project management capability and stakeholder engagement skills.
Essential:
- Experience delivering nature conservation or land management projects.
- Strong contract and contractor management experience.
- Proven ability to manage budgets and project delivery.
- Competence in GIS for site assessment and survey.
- Experience engaging and negotiating with land managers and stakeholders.
- Understanding of peatland, wetland or upland ecology.
- Knowledge of health & safety and construction compliance.
Desirable:
- Degree in a Natural Science (or equivalent experience).
- Experience applying CDM regulations.
- Field survey and ecological monitoring skills.
- SMSTS / SSSTS certification.
What's in it for you:
We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays.
- Discretionary bonus.
- Competitive contributory pension.
- Share-save scheme.
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes.
- Group discounts.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Financial support services.
- Development and training opportunities.
- … and much more!
Closing Date: 10th June 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton employer: AquaCare, Company
Join South West Water as a Project Officer and immerse yourself in a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental recovery and collaboration. With flexible home working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful peatland restoration projects while enjoying a supportive environment that values your growth and wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those involved with peatland projects. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and show your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your project management skills and knowledge of peatland ecology. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and engaged stakeholders in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your GIS skills! If you’ve worked with QGIS or similar tools, be sure to highlight this in conversations. It’s a key part of the role, and demonstrating your competence can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in nature conservation and project management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Project Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about peatland restoration and environmental recovery. Use your application to express why this role excites you and how you can contribute to our mission at the South West Peatland Partnership.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at AquaCare, Company
✨Know Your Peatland Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of peatland ecology and restoration techniques. Being able to discuss specific projects or case studies will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you managed budgets, contractors, and stakeholder engagement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CDM Regulations
Since this role involves managing construction sites, make sure you understand the Construction Design & Management Regulations 2015. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these regulations in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience working with landowners, farmers, and public bodies. Prepare to share how you’ve successfully engaged and negotiated with stakeholders to achieve project goals, as this is crucial for the role.
