At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate and investigate to improve river health and engage communities for environmental change.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to tackling urgent environmental challenges.
- Benefits: Dynamic work environment, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work across diverse projects with a collaborative team in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of river restoration and empower communities through citizen science.
- Qualifications: Knowledge in river management, project delivery experience, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As a Catchment Officer, you’ll act as a coordinator and investigator—gathering data, uncovering issues, engaging communities, and creating momentum for change. Working within our Water, Land & Catchments Team, you’ll lead an ambitious programme of projects focused on river restoration, citizen science, and evidence-led environmental management. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team, working predominantly within the Medway catchment, tackling some of the UK’s most urgent environmental challenges. This role sits alongside a Senior Catchment Officer to drive forward ambitious work across the region. We’ll support your development, amplify your impact, and help you thrive.
What you’ll be doing
As a Catchment Officer, you’ll be at the forefront of improving river health—connecting people, data, and action to create real change. Acting as both investigator and coordinator, you’ll uncover the issues affecting our rivers and work alongside communities and partners to develop practical, lasting solutions. You’ll lead the development and delivery of impactful projects, from river restoration and research to citizen science and community engagement. Using data and insight, you’ll shape evidence-led approaches that drive measurable environmental improvements across the catchment. A key part of your role will be bringing people together. You’ll lead Catchment Partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and empowering communities to play an active role in protecting their local rivers.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a motivated and knowledgeable individual with a passion for improving river environments and working with communities. You’ll bring:
- Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, environmental science or stakeholder and community engagement.
- Experience in project development and delivery, ideally with nature-based solutions or citizen science.
- Confidence in collecting, analysing, and using environmental data.
- Excellent facilitation and communication skills.
- Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and communities.
- Ability to work autonomously and proactively, taking ownership of tasks and driving work forward.
- Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work across teams, support multiple projects simultaneously, and identify and bring together new opportunities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a tangible impact on the health of our rivers and catchments.
Why work with us?
Join a purpose-driven organisation where your work will make a tangible difference to the health of rivers and the natural environment. As a Catchment Officer, you’ll play a key role in delivering impactful, evidence-led projects across predominantly the Medway catchment, helping restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and empower communities through citizen science. You’ll be part of a passionate, collaborative team that values innovation, initiative, and shared success. Working alongside experienced colleagues, including a Senior Catchment Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and deliver ambitious programmes while developing your own skills and expertise. We offer a dynamic and supportive environment where no two days are the same—combining fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and strategic project delivery. Alongside meaningful work, we are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities to expand your knowledge, build networks, and progress your career.
If you’re motivated by real-world impact, enjoy working with diverse communities, and want to help drive positive environmental change, this is the place for you.
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. Whilst the role is predominantly based in the Medway area, travel to work in other parts of the region may be required. To support travel costs, SERT pays a mileage allowance 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 and ULEZ cannot be claimed.
Catchment Officer in Leatherhead employer: Elbichologo
Join a purpose-driven organisation as a Catchment Officer, where your efforts will directly contribute to the health of rivers and the natural environment in the Medway catchment. You'll be part of a passionate and collaborative team that values innovation and initiative, offering you the chance to develop your skills while making a tangible impact through evidence-led projects. With a dynamic work culture that combines fieldwork and stakeholder engagement, we are committed to your professional growth and providing opportunities for career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catchment Officer in Leatherhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those involved in river management and community engagement. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and partners—who knows, they might just have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for river health! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, share your experiences and ideas about improving river environments. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role and its impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! If you see a project or initiative that aligns with your skills, don’t hesitate to reach out and express your interest. This shows initiative and can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications from motivated individuals who are ready to make a difference. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to our mission of improving river health and engaging communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Catchment Officer in Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for river health and community engagement shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the environment!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in river catchment management, project delivery, or citizen science. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team and the role of Catchment Officer.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our Water, Land & Catchments Team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo
✨Know Your Catchment
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Medway catchment and its specific environmental challenges. Familiarise yourself with recent projects and initiatives in river restoration and citizen science. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with collecting and analysing environmental data. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive project decisions or community engagement. This will demonstrate your ability to shape evidence-led approaches, which is crucial for the Catchment Officer role.
✨Highlight Your Community Engagement Experience
Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with communities or stakeholders. Share stories that illustrate your facilitation and communication skills, as well as your ability to build consensus among diverse groups. This will highlight your collaborative nature, which is key for this position.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, challenges they face, and how you can contribute. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
