Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston
Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust)

Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston

Ulverston Full-Time 28500 - 31500 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Elbichologo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Engage with farmers to improve water quality and promote sustainable farming practices.
  • Company: Join the South Cumbria Rivers Trust, dedicated to conserving iconic landscapes.
  • Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a contributory pension.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental conservation while supporting local farmers.
  • Qualifications: Degree in agriculture or land management, with strong communication skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

The predicted salary is between 28500 - 31500 ÂŁ per year.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join South Cumbria Rivers Trust to work within the iconic landscapes of the southern Lake District UNESCO World Heritage site. The Trust was formed in 2006 to protect, conserve, monitor and restore the natural heritage of lakes, tarns, rivers, becks and estuaries in South Cumbria. We work closely with local communities, government agencies, and conservation bodies to implement impactful projects. We are now in a position where we have secured funds to offer farm advice in the River Duddon Valley and the Poaka Beck Catchment near Ulverston. We’re seeking a motivated, experienced Farm Advisor to join our team. This role is crucial to driving forward our impacts in the catchment and support farmers.

This role will be supported closely by SCRT’s Projects and Technical Manager and work directly with our Project Officer. At present we have a wide range of opportunities working with farmers and land managers. The focus catchments for this role are associated with restoration of a healthy catchment for the provision of drinking water by United Utilities and the reduction of flood flows, nutrients, sediments and other contaminants. Through this project we hope to support landowners and tenants to become more sustainable as farm businesses with a balanced approach focusing on agricultural productivity and reducing costs, whilst simultaneously improving habitats.

Responsibilities

  • Engaging with farmers to secure farm advisory visits to identify water quality/environmental improvement opportunities
  • Producing “Pinpoint” reports (training will be provided) from farm advisory visits
  • Generation of a farm database
  • Facilitating the delivery of improved farmyard infrastructure and diffuse pollution prevention options
  • Work with a variety of funders to implement these actions
  • Running workshops and meetings to promote farm improvements
  • Supporting with water quality assessments around the catchment
  • Any other duties as reasonably requested by SCRT

Hours: 18.25 hours per week (with a view to extend to 37.5 hours, subject to funding). Hours can be worked flexibly to suit the successful applicant. The successful applicant will also deliver training and knowledge sharing events through the development of 2 farm groups. SCRT are already a trusted organisation in the catchment, but the addition of a farm advisor will help to better support farmers, helping them to provide environmental improvement whilst ensuring financial resilience for their businesses, and fulfilling the ambitions of SCRT for these catchments. It will be the Farm Advisor’s responsibility to maintain and develop relationships with local farmers of the area to support them on this journey. It will also be possible to collaborate, work alongside and support the Natural England Farm advisors in the area.

The role will work with a range of funding sources, from Countryside Stewardship (and developing new agri-environment schemes), through to local and national funding from the Environment Agency, as well as the water company, corporates and charitable grant giving organisations.

Person requirements

This role requires an energetic and multi-talented individual who is a self-starter and results focussed. You will be a natural communicator who can form and establish great partnerships at all levels and has a proven record of securing agreements with funders and businesses.

Essential requirements

  • Degree level or equivalent related experience in agriculture/land management or Conservation
  • An understanding of a farm business and tailoring engagement techniques accordingly
  • Possessing good interpersonal skills, both face-to-face and over the phone
  • Knowledge and proven experience of engaging with farmers is essential
  • Ability to gain the trust and cooperation of people, enabling SCRT to deliver our aims
  • Experience in project management and delivery of capital projects ranging from farmyard infrastructure to habitat creation and restoration

Knowledge and experience

  • How catchments and land management impacts water and habitats from source to sea
  • Understanding of agriculture and farming practices
  • Agri-environment schemes, payment mechanisms and financial record keeping
  • GIS (preferably ArcGIS) skills to develop required outputs for project proposals/record etc
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and activities simultaneously
  • Excellent presentation skills and communication skills for a wide range of audiences

General requirements

  • Valid driving licence and own car, insured for business use
  • Good IT skills / maintaining a filing system
  • Excellent record keeping of work undertaken
  • Awareness of the need for confidentiality

Personal traits

  • Enjoys working in a team, with diverse skills and experience
  • Takes satisfaction in seeing the impact of their own, and the team’s work
  • Seeks opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills, and experience
  • Reliability, good attendance, and work performance
  • Excellent organisational/admin skills and attention to detail

Desirable

  • Experience working within the agricultural sector
  • Innovative problem solver
  • Has, or is willing to work towards FACTS and BASIS qualification
  • Knowledge of the project area

Benefits to joining the SCRT Team

  • A work van shared between the whole team or 45p/mile allowance for work travel
  • Opportunity to work outside regularly and be involved in practical delivery
  • Fantastic Cumbrian weather!
  • A contributory pension (up to 9% Employers contribution for 6% employee contribution) and life assurance
  • 25 Days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
  • Time of In Lieu policy for working extended hours

Terms and Conditions

  • Contract: fixed term contract to 31st March 2030 (~4 years) with expectation of permanence thereafter.
  • The position will be subject to a 3-month probation period and ongoing 9-month development plan.
  • SCRT are open to Flexible working requests
  • Salary will be by negotiation and at a point on the SCRT scale which acknowledges the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
  • Reasonable expenses, including a mileage allowance, will be paid.
  • Candidates for this post are required to declare any previous or pending charges of a criminal nature. Other relevant checks may be required.
  • The successful candidate will be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of the office.
  • In addition to general PPE, provided facilities include a phone and a laptop computer.
  • SCRT is an Equal Opportunities employer.

Closing Date for applications Wednesday 18th March Interview Week Commencing 23rd March To apply for the Farm Advisor role, please e‑mail your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

Organisation: South Cumbria Rivers Trust

Salary: £28,500 – £31,500 Pro Rata dependent on experience

Location: South Cumbria Rivers Trust offices at Low Wood, near Ulverston

Closing date: 18 March 2026

Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston employer: Elbichologo

Joining South Cumbria Rivers Trust as a Farm Advisor offers a unique opportunity to work in the stunning landscapes of the southern Lake District, where you will play a vital role in supporting local farmers and enhancing environmental sustainability. The Trust fosters a collaborative work culture, providing flexible hours, generous leave, and a contributory pension scheme, all while encouraging personal and professional growth through training and development opportunities. With a focus on impactful projects and community engagement, this position not only promises meaningful work but also the chance to make a real difference in the region's natural heritage.
Elbichologo

Contact Detail:

Elbichologo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the local farming community! Attend agricultural events, workshops, or even just pop into local farms. Building relationships is key, and it shows you’re genuinely interested in their needs.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Prepare a few case studies or success stories from previous projects. This will help farmers see the real impact of your advice and make them more likely to engage with you.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t be shy about following up! After your initial meetings, send a quick email or message to check in. It keeps the conversation going and shows you’re committed to helping them improve their practices.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for sustainable farming and how you can contribute to our mission. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role!

We think you need these skills to ace Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston

Engagement with farmers
Water quality assessment
Project management
Agri-environment schemes
GIS skills (preferably ArcGIS)
Interpersonal skills
Communication skills
Presentation skills
Record keeping
Problem-solving
Understanding of farming practices
Ability to manage multiple projects
Relationship building
Knowledge of catchment management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Farm Advisor role. Highlight any experience you have in agriculture, land management, or conservation, as well as your ability to engage with farmers.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with farmers and how you can contribute to the South Cumbria Rivers Trust's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with farmers and stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in the past.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elbichologo

✨Know Your Catchment

Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the River Duddon Valley and Poaka Beck Catchment. Familiarise yourself with the local farming practices, environmental challenges, and the specific projects SCRT is involved in. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you engage meaningfully with the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Farm Advisor, you'll need to connect with farmers and stakeholders effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. Whether it's through workshops or one-on-one meetings, demonstrating your interpersonal skills will be key to winning them over.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Make sure to bring up any previous experience you have in agriculture, land management, or conservation. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving farmyard infrastructure or habitat restoration. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.

✨Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about SCRT's future projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in their initiatives. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this role is the right fit for you.

Farm Advisor (south Cumbria Rivers Trust) in Ulverston
Elbichologo
Location: Ulverston
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