Senior Catchment Officer in Langstone

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future. As a key member of our collaborative catchment team, you will lead the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s Catchment Management Strategy, driving targeted projects and campaigns that improve water quality across our region. You’ll work directly with farmers, agronomists and landowners to champion sustainable land management, support the uptake of funded in-field measures and capital grants, and help shape innovative pilot trials. The role also includes undertaking detailed catchment walkovers and contributing to the ongoing development of our Catchment Drinking Water Safety Plans.

What will you be doing?

• Co-ordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water catchment incentive schemes (Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and ‘Payments for Ecosystem Services’ scheme) that rewards farmers in target catchments for adopting farming practices which result in lower nutrient and pesticide losses to water.
• Gain a thorough understanding of each catchment; identify and prioritise water quality risks. This includes assisting with the delivery of the catchment walkover programme.
• Key Catchment Management and agronomy lead contact for the Company.
• Delivery of solo and joint farm engagements visits with Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, which may include close proximity to livestock.
• Provide agronomic advice and support on nutrient, manure and soil management measures to farmers and relevant landowners.
• Support the development, facilitation and engagement of all relevant farmer cluster groups (South Downs Farmer’s group) within Portsmouth Water’s area of supply. Support participation at wider Catchment Partnership meetings.
• Plan & deliver catchment workshops and presentations to stakeholders on Portsmouth Water’s catchment management strategy and delivery programme.
• Design and Implement strategies/programmes to measure the impact of changes in land-use and practices adopted by farmers and relevant landowners on nitrate leaching to groundwater.
• Lead and review H&S Risk Assessments related to key responsibilities.
• Support Catchment Team with DWSP Catchment Risk Assessments.
• Lead on regulatory work and consultations related to Catchment Management i.e. Biosolids.
• Budget management and reporting of Catchment Incentive Schemes.
• To support the general development of the Catchment Officer(s), specifically within the above agricultural areas. This will include coaching and mentoring.

What do you need?

• Agricultural knowledge and experience essential.
• A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline.
• BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable.
• Additional BASIS qualifications is desirable (FACTS qualification).
• Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management.
• Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the regulators, landowners and the farming community is essential.
• Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management would be desirable.
• Knowledge of water quality would be desirable.
• Knowledge of geology, hydrology and hydrogeology would be desirable.
• Understanding and experience of working in environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g. agri environmental schemes).
• Ability to work well both in a team and by oneself representing Portsmouth Water in the field.
• Full UK driving license required.

As part of the application process, we do ask candidates to submit a cover letter alongside their CV. We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for. Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications — so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out. We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• Holidays Made Better: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.
• A Pension That Works for You: We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% – because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
• Performance Pays Off: You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance – because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.
• Family Comes First: Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
• Social Events: All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
• Peace of Mind, Always: Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support: Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am–10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.
• PW Perks – Treat Yourself! Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year), Cycle to Work Scheme, Health Cash Plan...and so much more!