We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
Portsmouth Water is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Senior Catchment & Environment Officer to join our Catchment and Environment Team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the delivery of our Catchment Management Programme, including the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). You’ll drive a range of projects focused on water quality improvement, from catchment research initiatives to innovative field trials, working closely with local farmers, landowners, agronomists, and key agronomy organizations. If you’re passionate about environmental stewardship and thrive in collaborative, project-driven environments, we invite you to bring your expertise to our dedicated team.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s catchment incentive schemes, including the Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and Payments for Ecosystem Services, to encourage sustainable farming practices that reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff. Serve as the primary Catchment Management and agronomy contact for the company. Lead solo and joint farm engagement visits with the Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, often involving proximity to livestock. Provide agronomic advice on nutrient, manure, and soil management to farmers and relevant landowners. Support and engage with Catchment Partnership groups and farmer cluster groups, such as the South Downs Farmer’s group, to promote sustainable practices. Design and implement monitoring strategies to assess the impact of agricultural practices on nitrate leaching into groundwater. Lead on catchment research projects and trials to identify and mitigate water quality risks. Oversee regulatory work and consultations specific to Catchment Management, ensuring compliance and alignment with environmental policies. Manage budget and reporting for the Downs and Harbours Clean Water Partnership and Catchment Management Plan. Support, coach, and mentor the Catchment Officer to develop skills and achieve team goals. What do you need?
Skills, Competencies & Qualifications
Agricultural knowledge and experience essential. A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline. BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable. Additional BASIS qualifications are advantageous (FACTS qualification). Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management. Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the farming community is vital. Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management. Geology, hydrology and hydrogeology knowledge would be desirable. Administration and organisation skills. Project Management skills desirable. Excellent coaching and mentoring skills. Understanding and experience of working in environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g. agri-environmental schemes). Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Full UK driving license required. We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, this means we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may want. We support equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all sections of society. The Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work and live in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications received we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates. If your application is of interest to us, we will normally contact you within 2 weeks of receiving your application.
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Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and lead on the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s catchment incentive schemes, including the Farmer Capital Grant Scheme and Payments for Ecosystem Services, to encourage sustainable farming practices that reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff. Serve as the primary Catchment Management and agronomy contact for the company. Lead solo and joint farm engagement visits with the Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer, often involving proximity to livestock. Provide agronomic advice on nutrient, manure, and soil management to farmers and relevant landowners. Support and engage with Catchment Partnership groups and farmer cluster groups, such as the South Downs Farmer’s group, to promote sustainable practices. Design and implement monitoring strategies to assess the impact of agricultural practices on nitrate leaching into groundwater. Lead on catchment research projects and trials to identify and mitigate water quality risks. Oversee regulatory work and consultations specific to Catchment Management, ensuring compliance and alignment with environmental policies. Manage budget and reporting for the Downs and Harbours Clean Water Partnership and Catchment Management Plan. Support, coach, and mentor the Catchment Officer to develop skills and achieve team goals. What do you need?
Skills, Competencies & Qualifications
Agricultural knowledge and experience essential. A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental discipline or a related discipline. BASIS Foundation qualification is desirable. Additional BASIS qualifications are advantageous (FACTS qualification). Strong scientific and technical skills in agronomy and catchment management. Ability and experience in talking to and dealing with the farming community is vital. Knowledge of soils and soil/nutrient/manure management. Geology, hydrology and hydrogeology knowledge would be desirable. Administration and organisation skills. Project Management skills desirable. Excellent coaching and mentoring skills. Understanding and experience of working in environmental field and understanding of grant/funding schemes (e.g. agri-environmental schemes). Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Full UK driving license required. We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, this means we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may want. We support equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all sections of society. The Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work and live in the UK. Due to the high volume of applications received we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates. If your application is of interest to us, we will normally contact you within 2 weeks of receiving your application.
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