This is a great chance to get involved with an organisation and sector that is growing fast and join a dynamic team striving to improve the Wye and Usk and their catchments. We are at the forefront of practical environmental management and the development of new approaches. WUF are seeking new people to help us do this.

Location: WUF Offices, Talgarth and home working
Salary: £26,000 to £32,000 pa depending on experience, plus pension and life assurance
Hours: 37.5 hours/week. Flexitime and time off in lieu system in place, 24 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus bank holidays.

Objective of the role: Support with the development, feasibility and implementation of NbS (including wetlands and natural flood management), mapping of NbS opportunities, and working with land managers and farmers to identify opportunities for NbS on their land.

Context of the role

The Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF) have a proven track record in designing and implementing groundbreaking nature-based solutions including the design and installation of wastewater treatment wetlands and natural flood management interventions. Recognition of the importance of nature-based solutions in solving environmental problems is growing and we are looking to add to our delivery team.

 You will support the NbS Capability Lead along with specific tasks to support the wider team of catchment advisors.

Role description

Your primary responsibilities will include:

Identification of NbS

• Use risk mapping tools such as SCIMAP and Scalgo to identify priority areas for NbS
• Support the NbS Lead and Catchment Advisors in developing and implementing NbS mapping approach to identify catchment areas for enhancement and protection;
• Provision of GIS maps to document and co-ordinate NbS opportunities

Development /feasibility of NbS

• With farmers/landowners/clients, develop outline designs for measures and/or a land management plan
• Identify the necessary information for permitting and consents to deliver NbS in compliance with applicable regulations
• Work with the Monitoring Team to identify requirements for NbS monitoring to meet stakeholder needs, and then support the design and implementation of this monitoring
• Where necessary, support our NbS lead to conduct detailed design of NbS
• Support our NbS team to undertake or commission the necessary baseline surveys, and seek landowner, EA/NRW and other consents/permissions for delivering NbS
• For certain measures, support the NbS team to contract and oversee delivery of NbS

Engagement with land managers and farmers to identify opportunities for NbS on their land

• Carry out natural capital farm surveys and walkovers to ascertain potential for different types of NbS & NFM - including soil management measures, wildflower strips, riparian buffers, in-field bunds, leaky woody dams, biodiversity/ecology baseline, attenuation ponds and wetlands
• Discuss and advise on different options with farmers and landowners, supporting the development of catchment/landscape nature recovery plans
• Coordinate and help facilitate workshops and other engagement events with farmers/landowners to discuss issues, opportunities and solutions linked to NbS

Qualifications, training, knowledge and experience

Essential:

• GIS mapping
• Batchelor degree in relevant discipline (or equivalent)
• Understanding of some/all of the following ecosystem services:
• • NbS/SuDS/NFM design
  • biodiversity metrics eg. Biodiversity Net Gain
  • carbon markets
  • other ecosystem services
• Proficient use of MS Word and Excel
• Proactive, solutions-focussed approach
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of report writing skills
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
• Ability to manage competing priorities
• Travel between sites is needed so a full driving licence is required

Desirable:

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline – environmental science, hydrology, hydrogeology, hydro-ecology, environmental engineering (or equivalent)
• Other applicable technical software solutions including, Landapp, and risk mapping/hydrological modelling tools such as HEC-RAS, SCIMAP and Scalgo
• Good knowledge / experience of catchment hydrology and ability to analyse information about flow and water quality data to present logically and accurately
• Technical knowledge/experience of some/all of the following ecosystem services:
• • NbS/SuDS/NFM design
  • biodiversity metrics eg. Biodiversity Net Gain
  • carbon markets
  • other ecosystem services
• Scoping, supporting and interpreting suitable site locations and ground investigations to adequately inform NbS siting and design
• General knowledge of farm and land management issues
• Knowledge and understanding of construction management
• Public speaking
• Project management
• Event co-ordination
• Confidence to give professional advice to landowners

Key working relationships:

Internal: NbS Capability Lead, Land Use and NbS Team members, Landuse (England) Capability Lead, Landuse (Wales) Capability Lead, Agri Supply Chain Lead, Monitoring Lead, Programme Manager – Land Use and Natural Capital, COO, CFO

External: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, Farmers and landowners in the Wye and Usk Catchment, Farming groups, Other Rivers Trusts, Natural Resources Wales, Environment Agency, Funders

Application process: Please send your CV and a covering letter telling us why you are suitable for this role and why you are applying to: [email protected]

Closing date: 9am Monday 10th June Interview date: Thursday 13th June (tbc)

Introduction to the Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF)

The Wye & Usk Foundation (WUF) is a registered charity concerned with the ecology and, more specifically, restoring the habitat, water quality and fisheries of the rivers Wye and Usk. The Foundation is a delivery organisation: working in partnership with other organisations, we raise significant sums of money to remedy problems such as habitat degradation, poor water quality and diffuse pollution, barriers to fish migration, over-exploitation of our fisheries and advance the education of the public in the conservation of our rivers. WUF is the largest rivers trust in England and Wales in terms of output.

Our charitable objects are:

To conserve, protect, rehabilitate and improve the salmon and other indigenous species of animal and plant life of the rivers Wye and Usk, their tributaries, streams and watercourses ("the River") and the banks, riparian lands and catchments of the river ("the River Corridor") and to advance the education of the public in the conservation of rivers, river corridors and their animal and plant life and the need for conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvement of such environments.

Our Values:

• Approachable – we are open-minded and value diversity
• Non-judgemental – we focus on the potential, not the past
• Inspiring – we lead by example
• Empowering – we enable positive change
• Passionate – we are absolutely committed to improving the Wye and Usk and their catchments

These values inform how WUF and its staff fulfil their objectives and responsibilities.

WUF is an equal opportunities employer.