At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting river restoration projects and engage communities for a healthier environment.
- Company: Join Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, a passionate charity dedicated to river and landscape restoration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature and communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental projects and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 32000 € per year.
About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an independent environmental charity dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment for people and wildlife. We work across urban and rural landscapes to deliver practical river restoration, natural flood management, climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community engagement projects at a catchment scale. Our work ranges from removing barriers to fish migration and restoring river habitat, through to supporting regenerative farming, creating wetlands and woodlands, and engaging communities in citizen science and environmental action. We are a practical, ambitious and collaborative organisation that believes healthy rivers are essential for thriving communities, resilient landscapes and nature recovery.
Our work is organised across a number of strategic themes:
- Understanding our Rivers: Monitoring water quality, habitat quality alongside ecology; undertaking walkover and ground truthing surveys to identify challenges and opportunities; engaging communities and landowners to gain local knowledge.
- Restoring our Rivers: Delivering river restoration and fish passage projects; re-naturalising rivers and reconnecting floodplains; improving water quality and habitat resilience.
- Recovering our Landscapes: Delivering nature-based solutions and natural flood management; supporting regenerative agriculture and farm clusters; creating wetlands, riparian woodlands and habitat mosaics.
- Empowering Communities: Delivering citizen science and river engagement programmes; supporting volunteers and local partnerships; inspiring the next generation of river guardians.
Role Summary
Location: Hybrid working – home based with regular travel across the Bristol Avon catchment and attendance at BART office (central Bristol) and multiple project locations.
Reports to: Catchment Restoration Project Manager
Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Arrangements: Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with flexible working arrangements.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional Christmas close period
- 9% Employer pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Mileage reimbursement for work travel
- A supportive and passionate team environment
Overall Purpose of the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and lead the development and delivery of ambitious river restoration and nature recovery projects across the Bristol Avon catchment. The Catchment Restoration Officer will play a central role in planning and delivering practical habitat restoration and natural flood management initiatives, working closely with landowners, farmers, local authorities, regulators, contractors and community partners.
Projects may include:
- River restoration and re-naturalisation
- Fish passage and barrier easement projects
- Wetland and floodplain creation
- Natural flood management measures
- Woodland and riparian habitat creation
- Catchment resilience and climate adaptation projects
You will be expected to work collaboratively across the team and partnerships to identify opportunities, develop projects, secure permissions and oversee delivery on the ground. This role would suit someone who is passionate about rivers and landscapes, enjoys practical project delivery and relationship building, and wants to help shape the future of catchment restoration across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Project Development & Delivery: Lead the development and delivery of catchment restoration projects from concept through to implementation; undertake site visits and identify opportunities for river and habitat enhancement; develop practical restoration plans and project specifications; procure and manage contractors and consultants; ensure projects are delivered safely, on time and within budget; support project monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
- Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong working relationships with landowners, farmers and partner organisations; provide informed advice on river restoration and nature-based solutions; facilitate collaborative approaches to catchment-scale delivery; represent BART at meetings, workshops and events.
- Partnership Working: Work collaboratively with local authorities, the Environment Agency, Natural England, water companies and environmental partners; support wider catchment partnerships and strategic programmes; contribute to funding development and partnership opportunities.
- Technical & Operational: Support GIS mapping, habitat assessments and project planning; lead on obtaining permissions and consenting processes; maintain accurate project records and reporting information; oversee contractors undertaking work; manage health and safety compliance across project delivery.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience: Experience delivering river, environmental or habitat restoration projects; strong understanding of river and catchment processes; experience working with landowners and external stakeholders; excellent organisational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities; experience managing contractors and project budgets; competent in Microsoft Office and digital mapping tools; full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.
Desirable Skills & Experience: Experience in river restoration or natural flood management; knowledge of UK environmental legislation and consenting; experience securing EA and local authority permits to undertake works; GIS experience; experience developing funding applications or reporting to funders; practical fieldwork and survey experience; understanding of agricultural land management systems.
Who We’re Looking For: We are looking for someone who is passionate about restoring rivers and landscapes; is practical, proactive and solutions-focused; enjoys working collaboratively with a wide range of people; is comfortable working both independently and within a team; wants to make a tangible difference for nature and communities; thrives in a dynamic and evolving organisation.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented within the environmental sector.
Contact Email: lana@bristolavonriverstrust.org
Website: bristolavonriverstrust.org
Catchment Restoration Officer in Bristol employer: Pect
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment dedicated to environmental restoration and community engagement. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on local ecosystems. The Trust's collaborative culture fosters strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of river restoration across the Bristol Avon catchment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Catchment Restoration Officer in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust inside out! Familiarise yourself with their projects and values. This will help you connect your passion for river restoration with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local environmental events or workshops where BART might be present. Building relationships with current employees can give you insider info and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your practical skills! If you've worked on similar projects, bring examples to the table. Whether it’s photos, reports, or just great stories, demonstrating your hands-on experience can really impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BART.
We think you need these skills to ace Catchment Restoration Officer in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for river restoration and environmental work shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in our communities and landscapes.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in river or habitat restoration projects. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role of Catchment Restoration Officer.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
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 Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pect
✨Know Your Rivers
Before the interview, dive deep into Bristol Avon Rivers Trust's projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their 5 Year Strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of river restoration and community engagement.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Be prepared to share specific examples of past projects you've worked on, especially those related to river or habitat restoration. Highlight your hands-on experience and how you’ve successfully managed multiple projects, as this role requires practical project delivery.
✨Engagement is Key
Since the role involves working with landowners and stakeholders, think of ways you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you can facilitate partnerships for successful project outcomes.
✨Stay Solutions-Focused
The Catchment Restoration Officer role is all about problem-solving. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in past projects and how you overcame them. Show that you're proactive and can think on your feet when it comes to finding solutions for river restoration.
