Engagement Officer

Wessex Rivers Trust (Wessex RT) is an environmental charity, dedicated to the protection and conservation of rivers and chalk streams in the Wessex area. Wessex RT is part of the Rivers Trust movement; the umbrella organisation helping to protect and enhance most of the UK’s rivers. The Trust acknowledges that education and engaging with a wide and diverse audience is essential to sustain long-term interest in our local chalk streams and empower local communities to take ownership of these precious rivers. To deliver on this ambition, the Trust offers an education and engagement programme to all areas of Wessex. We are a dynamic, growing and friendly team based in a beautiful location on the outskirts of Salisbury next to Hampshire Avon, an internationally renowned chalk stream.

Wessex RT is seeking to recruit an Engagement Officer to primarily support the development and implementation of engagement activities for an innovative and new project called ‘Our Healthy Headwaters,’ which will focus on the river catchments on the upper reaches of the Hampshire Avon. The post holder will connect with individuals, community groups, schools, businesses and local government organisations through a range of engagement strategies. 

The primary focus of the role is to engage with communities on the headwaters of The Hampshire Avon and support them to take positive action that will help improve the health of the river catchments. The project, ‘Our Healthy Headwaters’, funded by Wessex Water is a new five-year programme focusing on different issues which affect river health, and how residents, schools and businesses can contribute to improvements to the delicate chalk stream ecosystem. The project will have four core areas of focus:

1. ‘Save Every Drop’ - Promoting water-saving behaviours at home, school and at work.
2. ‘What’s Going Down the Plughole’ - Raising awareness of the chemicals used in domestic cleaning, personal care and in gardening.
3. ‘Septic Smart’ – Awareness-raising campaign about how to use and maintain septic tanks in ways that minimise pollution to rivers and groundwater.
4. Pet Medications - educating communities about the impact of spot-on pet treatments on aquatic life.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Education and Engagement Manager on the development of the ‘Healthy Headwaters’ programme and collaborate and liaise with the other team members involved with this project, including the education, catchment, and communication teams. The successful candidate will focus primarily on ‘Our Healthy Headwaters’ project but will be required to support other Wessex RT projects with an engagement focus. We are looking for someone who is passionate about conservation and sustainability; a person who is reflective, who can adapt and evolve their approach when innovating; someone who can demonstrate excellent communication and presentation skills to inspire communities and people of all ages to make positive changes.

For the Job Description / Person Specification and more information about Wessex Rivers Trust visit the Trust’s website.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 17th June 2025.