At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting peatland restoration projects and manage diverse stakeholders.
- Company: Join the South West Peatland Partnership, hosted by South West Water.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health support, and a competitive pension.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and biodiversity in stunning natural environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation, project management, and GIS tools required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Okehampton / Peninsula House with flexible home working
Salary: £34,000 – £38,000
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
We’re looking for a passionate and driven Project Officer to join the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP)—a collaborative programme delivering large-scale peatland restoration across Cornwall, Dartmoor and Exmoor. Hosted by South West Water, this role puts you at the heart of environmental recovery, working alongside National Park Authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and leading conservation organisations. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands‑on role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and restoring some of the UK’s most important habitats.
What you’ll be doing:
- Acting as Project Manager for restoration construction sites
- Leading on design, planning and delivery of restoration works
- Managing contractors and applying Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015
- Developing restoration plans using field survey data and GIS tools (QGIS/QField)
- Managing budgets (up to £1m annually) and overseeing contractor payments
- Leading stakeholder engagement, including landowners, farmers, and public bodies
- Ensuring high‑quality delivery, compliance, and health & safety standards
- Supporting monitoring, research projects, and training activities
- Collaborating across a wide partnership of environmental organisations
What we are looking for:
We’re seeking someone with a strong blend of technical expertise, project management capability and stakeholder engagement skills.
Essential:
- Experience delivering nature conservation or land management projects
- Strong contract and contractor management experience
- Proven ability to manage budgets and project delivery
- Competence in GIS for site assessment and survey
- Experience engaging and negotiating with land managers and stakeholders
- Understanding of peatland, wetland or upland ecology
- Knowledge of health & safety and construction compliance
Desirable:
- Degree in a Natural Science (or equivalent experience)
- Experience applying CDM regulations
- Field survey and ecological monitoring skills
- SMSTS / SSSTS certification
What's in it for you:
- Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays
- Discretionary bonus
- Competitive contributory pension
- Share‑save scheme
- Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes
- Group discounts
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Financial support services
- Development and training opportunities
- … and much more!
Closing Date: 10th June 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton employer: Pennon Group
Join South West Water as a Project Officer and immerse yourself in a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental recovery and collaboration. With flexible home working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace. Be part of a passionate team dedicated to tackling climate change and restoring vital habitats across the stunning landscapes of Cornwall, Dartmoor, and Exmoor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton
✨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 Pennon Group 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 Pennon Group 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 Pennon Group. 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 Pennon Group when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer – South West Peatland Partnership in Okehampton
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 Pennon Group'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 – South West Peatland Partnership.
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 Pennon Group 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 Pennon Group 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 – South West Peatland Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Group
✨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 Pennon Group.
✨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 Pennon Group.
✨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 Pennon Group. 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.
