4126 - Life R4ever Kent Catchment Management Adviser

The Catchment Management Adviser role is an exciting opportunity to be part of the EU LIFE Programme funded R4ever Kent Project (LIFE20 NAT/UK/001013) led by Natural England in Cumbria.

The R4ever Kent Project is a partnership project to deliver catchment restoration actions in the River Kent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in the Lake District National Park and South Cumbria.  The River Kent, which partly flows through the Lake District’s World Heritage Site landscape has some of the UK’s rarest and at-risk species. It is the only major English river system where native crayfish populations are still abundant throughout and the only UK river where native crayfish and freshwater mussels are found together. Freshwater mussels formerly occurred more widely in the Kent, but the population is now near to extinct with less than fifty individuals found across two locations. 

This project will move the 88.9ha SAC towards Favourable Recovering/Favourable secure condition by using a range of river/riparian restoration and invasive control best practice methods. The projects key objectives will improve the resilience of the river's habitats and species to future pressures and threat:

1. Restore the SAC: A range of river/riparian restoration and invasive control best practice methods will improve the resilience of the river's habitats and species to future pressures and threats.
2. Increase critically endangered species’ populations. The project will reinforce the site’s population with donor stock from other suitable sites and improve the breeding facilities to secure England’s long-term freshwater mussel population. It will also protect the endangered White-clawed crayfish from crayfish plague, provide optimum conditions for FPM's salmonid hosts and maintain bullhead populations.
3. Trial new techniques: By using biocontrol methods and eDNA surveying techniques to detect key species movement/distribution and provide an early warning system for crayfish plague, the project will research the effectiveness/sustainability of these methods.
4. Secure the long-term sustainable management of the River Kent’s catchment: Targeted advice and training for landowners and to the agricultural/forestry sector will improve practices and reduce nutrient/sediment inputs entering the SAC.
5. Transfer knowledge/skills: A programme of communications and outreach, together with networking with other UK and European projects will inspire conservation action and raise awareness of the value and function of more natural riverine systems.

We are looking for a team player who is keen to work with the project partners and landowners / managers to help improve the water quality of the River Kent SAC. You will have an understanding of agri-environment schemes, and be able to connect with different people using different communication styles, tools, and techniques to suit the person/people you are engaging with. You will be located in the north-west of England with good access to the South Lakes / South Cumbria and have a love of the outdoors including a desire to protect and enhance the natural environment.

It is a full-time, fixed term role until the end of May 2026. The role is office based (either Kendal or Penrith), with opportunities to work from home and be out on site, dependant on the tasks being delivered.

Key Tasks

• Develop and implement a strategy with delivery plan to promote sensitive catchment management to improve water quality in the River Kent SAC.
• Promote sensitive management in the Kent catchment and work with Landowners / Managers with an aim to reduce anthropogenic diffuse water pollution sources of nutrients, sediment and chemicals entering the SAC.
• Promote land use/land management practices that maximise natural rainfall retention within the catchment and reduce run-off energy and associated diffuse pollution.
• Liaise with Cumbria area Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers
• Hold workshops, provide advice/ training, carry out farm walkovers, promote agri-environment agreements and produce specific guidance for key landowners / managers.
• Explore and embrace lessons learned by previous Catchment Sensitive Farming Partnerships, draw on these techniques/experience in your own delivery
• Demonstrate the advantages of working sensitive catchment management at a smaller more detailed scale, sharing lessons learned with wider stakeholders and help replicate project actions on other sites, both within and outside the SAC.

 Additional Information

A driving licence is essential for the role as travel to rural parts of Cumbria is not always possible with public transport.

The role will require frequent travel to sites within the River Kent catchment. National travel will also be required, which will involve some overnight stays and anti-social hours. Natural England encourages staff to travel by public transport wherever this is feasible.

On taking up this post, the post holder will be expected to follow certain time-recording and expenses claim rules and will be required to sign a letter allowing Natural England to use their payroll information and request copies of pay slips for project claims and audits.

How to Apply 

We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. STAR stands for:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency. Please ensure you read the Candidate Information Pack before you begin completing the application form.

We are the Government’s statutory advisor for the natural environment, playing a vital role in delivering the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. This describes an ambitious vision, bringing new opportunities to protect and enhance, and to achieve real outcomes for the environment.  

At Natural England, we love what we do. We’re here to make sure people and nature can thrive. A healthy natural environment is fundamental to our wellbeing, prosperity and happiness – that’s why we collaborate with scientists, lawyers, project managers and experts to implement environmental policy and shape decisions. 

We work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and customers on a huge range of projects, from influencing construction, advising farmers and landowners how they can manage their land in a sustainable way for the benefit of the environment, gathering and analysing environmental data, and carrying out vital statutory duties. Across the country, we’re helping nature to support people and our planet.  

We are focusing our efforts on six key programmes:  

Greener Farming and Fisheries – supporting those who manage land and sea to operate in harmony with the environment 

Sustainable Development – creating great places for people to live and work 

Connecting People with Nature - promoting health and wellbeing through the great outdoors  

Resilient Landscapes and Seas – protecting and restoring wildlife and natural beauty for future generations 

Specialist Science and Evidence - an evidence-led organisation that is driven by science 

Managing the Organisation – gathering business data to enable decision making 

Natural England staff are inclusive, motivated and ambitious to achieve results for our environment, for everyone. We welcome and encourage applications from all communities and we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role. 

Wherever possible Natural England accommodates requests for both full-time and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns to help employees achieve a good work/life balance and maintain their health and wellbeing.  

From induction to ongoing learning and development, everyone in Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.  

See more about the work of Natural England at: 

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england 

This role can be carried out from our Kendal or Penrith offices. 
You can view a map of our office locations here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/natural-england-office-locations  

For queries, contact:

Carla Dynda

carla.dynda@naturalengland.org.uk

tel. 07799 218360