At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative natural flood management solutions to protect rivers and communities.
- Company: Join SERT, a passionate team dedicated to environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career development in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for natural solutions.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join SERT as Project Officer, Natural Flood Management: design and deliver landscape-scale NFM, build partnerships, and make a real difference for rivers, communities and the environment.
The Natural Flood Management (NFM) Officer will work with the NFM Specialist Team to target, scope and deliver NFM solutions that will contribute to reducing flood risk, replenishing water resources and improving river health. The work will primarily focus on NFM in Kent but may include other geographic areas / include other water-related NbS (e.g. SuDS). This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing NFM Specialist Team and make a real difference for the environment and local communities.
You will be supporting the development of landscape and catchment scale projects that work with natural processes to enhance the environment and provide water-related benefits. You will use your experience to engage with a range of stakeholders such as farmers, landowners, local authorities, Lead Local Flood Authorities, the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards. You will work with these partners to scope the feasibility of NFM solutions and design suites of measures that reduce flooding and support catchment resilience.
You will be able to use and interpret available data, tools and hydrological models to identify target areas and scope NFM, combining this information with walkover surveys to learn from land managers and local communities about flow pathways and flooding. Working with partners and land managers you will develop and design suites of measures which will deliver optimum flood, water resources and other benefits, using modelling and tools to quantify benefits if required. You will work with colleagues at the Trust and contractors to support the delivery of these measures on the ground. You will develop and implement appropriate monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the measures installed, inform any necessary adjustments, and contribute to the growing knowledge base on the effectiveness of NFM. Finally, you will showcase your work as demonstration sites to encourage others to implement NFM contributing to a catchment-based approach to reducing flood risk and enhancing water resources.
As part of the NFM Specialist Team, your role will contribute to the continued development and implementation of the Trust’s strategy on NFM and NbS more widely.
Key duties and responsibilities
- NFM development and delivery: Use mapping tools, existing data, walkover surveys and modelling outputs, identify priority locations and ascertain the most appropriate types of NFM. Where appropriate, undertake surveys, assessments and modelling to inform on the location, design and potential benefits of measures. Work with land managers, regulators, partners and communities to co-design measures and maximise additional benefits, ensuring good buy-in to delivery. Be responsible for gaining landowner and other permissions to deliver measures on the ground. Work with SERT colleagues, contractors and partners to oversee the delivery of measures. The role will primarily coordinate with contractors during delivery, monitor progress against agreed designs and plans, and elevate issues where needed, but may on occasion require hands‑on delivery. Design and implement monitoring schemes to quantify the effectiveness of the measures and the multiple benefits that may arise.
- Partnership working, coordination and communications: Build strong relationships with partners and communities across the priority catchments in Kent and the wider SERT area to facilitate effective implementation of NFM and build new opportunities. Develop quality, productive relationships with partners with an interest in NbS and building flood resilient societies, contributing to the evidence base on working with natural processes. Be responsible for good communication both internally and externally about the work you are undertaking and contribute to the knowledge base on NFM and NbS, e.g. through the SERT website, writing reports, and speaking at conferences.
- Project management: Use SERT’s Project Management systems to manage NFM-related projects or aspects of projects, coordinating with SERT staff and implementing good budget management to ensure the delivery of project milestones within the resources available. For specific projects, be responsible for reporting on project activities and finance (supported by the finance team) to the funder/client.
What We Are Looking For
The role of natural solutions in improving the resilience of our rivers and reducing flooding is increasingly gaining traction. SERT is looking for someone who can join the team and hit the ground running.
About You
You will be adept at developing and delivering NFM and will be comfortable working with land managers, regulators, partners and communities to co-design measures, ensuring good buy-in. Besides having a good understanding of NFM, we need an individual who can confidently work independently and spot opportunities.
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.
Project Officer – Natural Flood Management (NFM) in England employer: Elbichologo
SERT is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a tangible impact on the environment and local communities through innovative Natural Flood Management solutions. With a strong focus on collaboration, employee growth, and a supportive work culture, SERT offers unique opportunities for professional development while working in the picturesque region of Kent. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer – Natural Flood Management (NFM) in England
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Elbichologo that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Elbichologo that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Elbichologo. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Elbichologo when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer – Natural Flood Management (NFM) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Elbichologo's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Project Officer – Natural Flood Management (NFM).
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Elbichologo and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Elbichologo is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Project Officer – Natural Flood Management (NFM).
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Elbichologo.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Elbichologo.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Elbichologo. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
