6547 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming

6547 - Farm Advice: Catchment Sensitive Farming

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England. Role: Farm Adviser - Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF). Fixed Term, up to 1 year. Salary Minimum: £32,240 per annum (entry point of salary range). Grade: HEO. Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time or Job Share. Resident requirement: Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham or Teeside.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF within the specified catchment(s), using national data validated locally.
• Develop and lead specific CSF training, information and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners.
• Secure agreement and ownership in priority areas on key pollution issues and solutions; achieve change in land management practices on farm.
• Communicate, advocate and promote CSF activity with Natural England, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and external partners.
• Work with NE colleagues and partners, such as water companies and catchment partnerships, to deliver a joined up approach and develop formal partnerships where appropriate.
• Drive delivery via training and advice tools, including specialist contractors, and using incentives such as capital grants, SFI, FETF.
• Support Countryside Stewardship (CS) applications in high priority areas for water and air quality, including advising on capital items and reviewing Capital Grants.
• Support Defra's Tackling Pollution from Slurry programme, offering advice to slurry infrastructure grant applicants.
• Work with Farm and Land Management Advice (FaLMA) Contract Manager to provide tender information for group events and farm advice, and conduct quality control.
• Record interactions and advice given, monitor effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners.
• Understand the relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s) and incorporate them into CSF plans where appropriate.
• Perform frequent farm and site visits, including in inclement weather; travel may involve national routes and overnight stays.

Requirements

• Degree in agriculture, conservation or equivalent, or relevant experience (essential).
• Experience providing on farm advice to farmers and effectively communicating and persuading them to engage (essential).
• Good knowledge of agri environment schemes such as SFI, capital schemes, FETF.
• Good understanding of agricultural water and air pollution and farming practices that can cause pollution.
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or similar GIS software (desirable).
• Current, valid full UK driving licence and willingness to drive.

Competencies

• Technical Skills and Knowledge
• Personal Effectiveness
• Work Delivery
• Creating Resilient Landscapes and Seas

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements - full time, part time and hybrid.
• Generous leave allowance of 25 days per year (pro rata), increasing by one day per year up to 30 days.
• Access to Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution.
• Additional benefits such as shopping discounts, cycle to work scheme and Civil Service Sport club discounts.
• Opportunity for career progression, training and development, including annual learning days and volunteering days.

EEO Statement

We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee led diversity networks foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.