PROJECTS ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

South Cumbria Rivers Trust Ltd; South Stainmore; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization seeks a motivated Projects Engagement Officer to implement a community engagement programme around Lake Windermere. The role involves improving water quality, leading investigations, and engaging with local stakeholders. A scientific background and a clean UK driving licence are preferred for applicants. Training will be provided as needed.

Benefits

Pension

Life assurance

Career advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience of water quality issues is desirable.
• You need to possess a clean UK driving licence.
• Experience in community engagement is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Implement a 10-month programme to improve water quality.
• Lead on septic tank risk assessment framework.
• Engage with homeowners and businesses for project success.

Skills

Knowledge of river catchments

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Degree in scientific or environmental discipline

Job description

Salary: £25,000 depending on experience, plus pension and life assurance.

Contract: Fixed Term contract, 37.5 hours a week, for 10 months. Possibility of extension, subject to funding.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join South Cumbria Rivers Trust to work within the iconic landscapes of the southern Lake District UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Trust was formed in 2006 to protect, conserve, monitor and restore the natural heritage of lakes, tarns, rivers, becks and estuaries in South Cumbria. We work closely with local communities, government agencies, and conservation bodies to implement impactful projects.

We are actively trying to expand our impact and business capabilities. This new role will offer the potential opportunity for career advancement and expansion of roles and responsibilities as the trust evolves over the coming years.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Projects Engagement Officer to join our team and implement an exciting community engagement programme around the iconic Lake Windermere.

This role will be supported closely by SCRT’s Water Scientist and SCRT team.

Responsibilities

Reporting to SCRT’s Partnerships and Engagement Manager, you will be working alongside a team of dedicated individuals within the Trust and supported by our project partners.

You will be responsible for a 10-month programme of investigation and practical works that will contribute to improving water quality in the Windermere catchment in South Cumbria. You will also support reedbed restoration, including engagement activities around Windermere.

Funded by the UK Government through the Water Restoration Fund, the Windermere Septic Tank Emptying Programme (STEP) aims to assist homeowners and businesses in target areas around Windermere. The project will involve the development, organisation and implementation of a septic tank risk assessment framework. A combination of technical inspections, distribution of educational materials and subsidised emptying will be used to promote sustainable long-term operation and maintenance in line with relevant rules and regulations to deliver benefits to water quality. You will lead on all aspects including monitoring, delivery and reporting, ensuring deadlines and project milestones are met.

This role requires an energetic and multi-talented individual who is confident, a self-starter and results focussed. You will be a natural communicator who can form and establish great partnerships at all levels and can secure agreements with homeowners and businesses.

Knowledge and experience of river catchments and water quality issues including a broad understanding of the legislation that underpins these activities is desirable. However, full training will be provided.

You will preferably have a degree or equivalent in a scientific, environmental or land management discipline and you will need to possess a clean UK driving licence.

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If you’re interested in applying for the position, please send a covering letter and copy of your CV to [e-mail]

Additional questions can be directed to:

Closing date for applications: 27 th April 2025

Interviews to be held week commencing 28 th April 2025