Farm Advisor (Nature Based Solutions)

Introduction

This position is part of a cross‑border project called Protecting Shared Waters, funded by the Peace Plus programme and managed by the Special EU Programme Body (SEUPB).

The project aims to develop innovative and transferable solutions to degraded water quality and pressures on water quantity in freshwater environments, focusing on nature‑based solutions and community engagement.

The Role

Engage with landowners in the Strule River catchment (County Tyrone) to identify opportunities for, and oversee the installation of, nature‑based solutions to protect and improve water quality and deliver knowledge transfer events to raise awareness amongst the farming and wider community.

Reports to: GIS Manager

Contract: Fixed term to June 2028, with possible extension subject to future funding.

Location: Full‑time, home‑based with travel across the project catchments (River Strule, River Fane and wider Ireland/Austria).

Role Summary

As part of the Rivers Trust’s expansion across the island of Ireland, we are looking for a motivated and experienced Farm Advisor with a passion for nature‑ and water‑friendly farming.

The role involves close collaboration with landowners, water companies, government, research institutions and the NGO sector across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.

• The Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Co‑design and implement on‑farm nature‑based solutions projects.
• Undertake non‑regulatory farm advice visits and identify runoff sources, pathways and receptors.
• Collaborate with landowners and farmers to identify opportunities to install nature‑based solutions, improve infrastructure and alter land management practices to reduce diffuse and point‑source agricultural pollution.
• Prepare farm plans detailing nature‑based solutions and changes in land management practices and communicate these to landowners/farmers.
• Negotiate with landowners and farmers to allow the installation of nature‑based solutions and changes in land management practices that improve water quality and quantity.
• Work with and oversee contractors to install selected nature‑based solution features and altered land management practices.
• Consult with partner organisations and government agencies to inform farm improvements.
• Provide practical advice on nature‑based solutions and water management on farms and follow up with multiple visits to drive behavioural change.
• Organise and deliver education, awareness and knowledge transfer events on demonstration farms to highlight nature‑based solutions in agricultural settings.
• Organise and deliver knowledge transfer events between communities in the Strule and Fane catchments, focusing on environment and community cohesion.
• Participate in monitoring the effectiveness of nature‑based solutions, supported by other project partners.
• Support the development and use of scorecards to monitor the effectiveness of interventions.
• Contribute to project evaluation, reviewing outcomes and reporting on deliverables and impacts.
• Provide support to colleagues, covering absences and sharing specialist knowledge.
• Adhere to all Rivers Trust policies, including Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, IT and GDPR.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working culture.
• Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities

Essential

• Knowledge of nature‑based solutions and their applied use to deliver water‑related ecosystem services, including water quality and quantity protection, wastewater treatment, flood, drought and climate adaptation and mitigation in agriculture.
• Knowledge of water management principles and practices, including hydrology, water quality and sustainable usage.
• Knowledge of agricultural systems, the agricultural calendar and farm infrastructure.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation relating to the farmed environment and agricultural land management.
• Knowledge of Northern Irish and Irish environmental policies, regulations and permitting processes relevant to nature‑based solutions.
• Knowledge of how GIS can be used to record and interrogate geospatial data.
• Experience in planning, executing and managing projects involving multiple stakeholders on time and on budget.
• Experience with ecological fieldwork, monitoring and data collection.
• Experience of building, developing and maintaining significant internal and external relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in providing clear, concise written material for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to clearly articulate project goals, plans and benefits to diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and mobilise teams and community members.
• Creative problem‑solving abilities to navigate the complexities of implementing nature‑based solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to tailor content and deliver to different audiences, including farmers, residents and special interest groups.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to collaborate on cross‑functional teams while working remotely.
• Experience in using and applying risk assessments and lone‑working procedures.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends and overnight stays when necessary.
• Full driving licence and own vehicle, insured for business use.
• Proficiency in using computers (Microsoft Office; familiarity with Slack is not required).

Desirable

• Experience of agricultural systems, the agricultural calendar and farm infrastructure.
• Experience in designing and/or implementing nature‑based solutions projects providing water‑related ecosystem services.
• Experience of biodiversity recording and reporting.
• Experience of how GIS can be used to record and interrogate geospatial data.
• Experience of working on river and catchment related projects, including the project design element.
• Understanding of river catchment‑scale processes and how they interact, including hydrological processes and modelling.
• Experience working within the NGO sector.
• Membership to a relevant professional body or institution.

Qualifications / Education

• Relevant higher‑level qualification (Degree/HND).
• OR 3 years’ minimum experience in a land management/aquicultural advisory role.

Benefits

• Up to 9% employer pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus statutory public holidays.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working.
• Access to training and professional development.
• Supportive and inclusive working culture.
• Equal Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to improve the diversity of our Trust.

As part of our commitment to positive action under the Equality Act 2010 and Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2015, we strongly encourage applications from people from ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know — we will be happy to support you.

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