At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide tailored advice to farmers and landowners to reduce pollution and support agriculture.
- Company: Join Natural England's Catchment Sensitive Farming programme for impactful environmental work.
- Benefits: Structured training, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Frequent farm visits in all weather; great opportunity for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving sustainable farming practices and protecting our environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a resident of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham or Teeside with a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) programme delivers farm advice to reduce diffuse water and air pollution, flood risk and support agriculture. The CSF Farm Adviser will work on the ground in the Northumbria Area Team, providing tailored advice to farmers, landowners, and partners. All advisers receive structured training.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF in specified catchments using national and local data.
- Develop and lead CSF training, information, and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners in priority areas.
- Provide bespoke on‑farm advice and organise/group events and workshops with specialists.
- Secure agreement and ownership of key pollution issues and solutions in the priority area, driving changes in land‑management practices.
- Communicate, advocate and promote CSF activity with Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission and external partners.
- Work with water companies, catchment partnerships and other NE colleagues to deliver a joined‑up approach and establish formal partnerships where appropriate.
- Deliver training and advice using incentives such as Capital Grants, SFI, FETF and other tools.
- Support Countryside Stewardship applications in high‑priority areas for water and air quality: advise farmers on suitable land‑management options and capital items, approve Capital Grants, and give advice on Higher Tier applications.
- Support Defra’s Tackling Pollution from Slurry programme by advising Slurry Infrastructure Grant applicants.
- Collaborate with the Farm and Land Management Advice contract manager to provide timely information for tenders and conduct quality control.
- Record all interactions and advice given, and monitor the effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners.
- Understand and incorporate Diffuse Water Pollution Plans and Shared Nitrogen Action Plans into CSF plans where relevant.
Additional requirements: the successful candidate must be a resident of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham or Teeside; hold a current, valid full UK driving licence; be willing to drive and have some national travel experience, including possible overnight stays. Frequent farm and site visits are essential, often in inclement weather, and may require walking over fields and around buildings within the relevant area. All CSF Farm Advisers will have the opportunity to enrol in a structured training programme.
6537 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming employer: Natural England
Natural England is an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about environmental conservation and agriculture. With a strong commitment to employee development through structured training programmes, our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation in tackling pressing environmental issues. Working in the Northumbria Area Team not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on local farming practices but also provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to sustainable land management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 6537 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with farmers, landowners, and local partners. Attend events, workshops, and training sessions to build relationships and show your passion for Catchment Sensitive Farming.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your knowledge of environmental priorities and pollution issues. Use real-life examples from your experience to highlight how you can make a difference in the Northumbria area.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to organisations like Natural England and the Environment Agency to express your interest in collaboration and share your ideas on improving land-management practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly through our platform. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your journey and ensure you’re considered for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace 6537 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific responsibilities of the CSF Farm Adviser role. We want to see how you can contribute to reducing pollution and supporting agriculture in the Northumbria area.
Show Your Passion for the Environment:Let us know why you're passionate about environmental issues and farming. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices and working with farmers and landowners.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural England
✨Know Your Catchment
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Northumbria area and its environmental challenges. Familiarise yourself with local data on water and air pollution, as well as flood risks. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just interested in the role, but also invested in the local community and its unique needs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a CSF Farm Adviser, you'll need to communicate effectively with farmers and landowners. Prepare examples of how you've successfully conveyed complex information in the past. Think about times when you’ve led training sessions or workshops, and be ready to discuss your approach to engaging different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss specific pollution issues you've encountered and how you addressed them. Highlight your ability to secure agreement on solutions and drive changes in land management practices. Use real-life examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and your proactive approach to environmental challenges.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working with various partners, including Natural England and the Environment Agency. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated with different stakeholders to achieve common goals. Highlight your ability to build relationships and work within a team to deliver effective farm advice and training.
