At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead peatland restoration projects and manage site-level works for environmental recovery.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, health benefits, training opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible home working and a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change and biodiversity while working in stunning landscapes.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation, project management, and stakeholder engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
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:
- Taking the lead on peatland restoration projects at site level, managing works from planning through to delivery.
- 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:
We know our people drive our success - so we're committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:
- 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. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Locations
Project Officer South West Peatland Partnership in Devon, Exeter employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. With a commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities for development in the stunning landscapes of Okehampton. Join us in making a meaningful impact while shaping your career in a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Officer South West Peatland Partnership in Devon, Exeter
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like South West Water.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like South West Water and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Officer South West Peatland Partnership in Devon, Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at South West Water.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. South West Water will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Project Officer South West Peatland Partnership at South West Water. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at South West Water, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show South West Water that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
