6537 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming

Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming

Number of jobs available: 1

Region: North East

City/Town: Newcastle upon Tyne

Building/Site: Tyneside House

Grade: HEO

Organisation Grade: NE Level 3

Post Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share

Role Type: Environment & Sustainability

Salary Minimum: £32,240

Role Overview

Natural England delivers a range of farm advice, including the Catchment Sensitive Farming Programme. The CSF programme is a partnership between NE, Defra, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission. It provides advice to farmers to reduce diffuse water and air pollution, reduce natural hazards and support farms through agricultural transition.

The primary focus of this role is to work with and provide on ground advice to farmers. The role holder will also work with partner organisations, the agricultural industry and colleagues from the Defra group to build capabilities to deliver priority outcomes for NE.

All CSF farm advisers will have the opportunity to enrol in a structured training programme.

Key Tasks

• Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF within the specified catchment(s), using national data validated locally.
• Work in priority areas to develop and lead specific CSF training, information and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners. Give bespoke on farm advice and organise and deliver, with the aid of specialists, further advice, group events and workshops.
• Secure agreement and ownership in the priority area on key pollution issues and solutions. Achieve change in land management practices on farm and help farmers and landowners to take action.
• Communicate, advocate and promote CSF activity with Natural England, Environment Agency and Forestry Commission colleagues and externally with farmers, land managers and partners.
• Work with NE colleagues and partners, such as water companies and catchment partnerships, to deliver a joined up approach including developing formal partnerships where appropriate.
• Drive delivery via a range of tools including specialist training and advice (own or procured through contractors) and using incentives such as Capital Grants, SFI, FETF etc.
• Support Countryside Stewardship (CS) applications in high priority areas for water and air quality by advising farmers on suitable land management options and/or capital items, approving Capital Grants and giving advice on water and air quality options in Higher Tier applications. Offer general advice on other CS options such as those addressing biodiversity and/or signpost applicants to additional advice from other sources where targeting overlaps.
• Support Defra's new Tackling Pollution from Slurry programme including offering advice to Slurry Infrastructure Grant applicants.
• Work with the Farm and Land Management Advice (FaLMA) Contract Manager to provide timely information for tenders for group events and farm advice. Conduct quality control to agreed processes and deadlines.
• Record interactions and advice given. Monitor the effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners.
• Understand the relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s) and incorporate into CSF plans where appropriate.

Frequent farm and site visits, and partnership working are required. The post holder will be required as part of regular, day to day work to visit farms and walk over fields and around farm buildings within the geography of the relevant area. Sometimes this may be in inclement weather conditions.

Driving: The post holder must hold a current, valid, full UK driving licence and be willing to drive. Some national travel may be required, which might involve overnight stays.

Benefits

Natural England supports a healthy work life balance by offering full time, part time and flexible working arrangements.

Career progression, training and development opportunities are tailored to the role, including time for personal learning and development and volunteering.

Generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day each year of service up to 30 days (pro rata). Access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, shopping discounts, cycle to work scheme and Civil Service Sport club membership.

Commitment to fairness, equality and inclusivity; employee led diversity networks foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Locations

Hybrid working is adopted. Staff work from a flexible range of locations, including home, offices (ours and partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of the 25 offices across England, and staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.

Staff cannot work from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and the associated office.

Pay

Natural England policy is to employ at the entry point of the salary range.

Qualifications & Competencies

Role specific qualification requirements

• A degree in agriculture, conservation, or equivalent degree and/or relevant experience.

Driving Licence Requirement

• Valid UK driving licence.

Key Competencies

• Technical Skills & Knowledge - Degree in agriculture, conservation, or equivalent, and/or relevant experience (essential). Experience in providing on farm advice to farmers and ability to communicate effectively and persuade engagement (essential). Good knowledge of agricultural water and air pollution, agri environment schemes such as SFI, capital scheme, FETF (essential). Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or similar GIS software (desirable).
• Personal Effectiveness - Use clear and appropriate language, communication styles and techniques that engage the audience. Respect the diverse needs and experience of other people and be inclusive in everything you do.
• Work Delivery - Manage and deliver work to meet agreed targets and deadlines. Handle data responsibly, understand role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures.
• Creating Resilient Landscapes and Seas - Understand and use appropriate agri environment schemes and other interventions to contribute to a healthy natural environment that benefits people and the economy. Identify appropriate solutions for avoidance, mitigation, compensation of environmental impacts and meeting shared outcomes; and identify opportunities for enhancing the natural environment.

EEO Statement

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview.