Portsmouth Water
Senior Catchment Officer
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Senior Catchment Officer
Catchment Officer – Portsmouth Water
We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
As a key member of our collaborative catchment team, you will lead the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s Catchment Management Strategy, driving targeted projects and campaigns that improve water quality across our region. You’ll work directly with farmers, agronomists, and landowners to champion sustainable land management, support the uptake of funded in-field measures and capital grants, and help shape innovative pilot trials. The role also includes undertaking detailed catchment walkovers and contributing to the ongoing development of our Catchment Drinking Water Safety Plans.
Key Responsibilities
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Coordinate and lead the delivery of Portsmouth Water’s catchment incentive schemes:
- Farmer Capital Grant Scheme
- «Payments for Ecosystem Services» scheme – rewards farmers in target catchments for adopting practices that reduce nutrient and pesticide runoff to water bodies.
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Gain a deep understanding of each catchment:
- Identify and prioritise water quality risks
- Assist with delivery of the catchment walkover programme
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Act as the Key Catchment Management and agronomy lead for the Company
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Conduct farm engagement visits (solely or jointly with the Catchment Officer and Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer), which may include fieldwork involving livestock.
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Provide agronomic advice and support on:
- Nutrient management
- Manure use
- Soil conservation
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Support farmer cluster groups (e.g., South Downs Farmer’s Group):
- Facilitate engagement and participation in larger Catchment Partnership meetings
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Plan and deliver catchment workshops and presentations:
- Covering Portsmouth Water’s catchment management strategy and programme delivery
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Design and implement strategies to measure the impact of land-use and farming practice changes on:
- Nitrate leaching to groundwater
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Lead and review health & safety (H&S) risk assessments for key responsibilities
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Support the Catchment Team with Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) Catchment Risk Assessments
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Oversee regulatory work and consultations related to catchment management (e.g., biodata approvals)
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Manage budgets and report on the performance of catchment incentive schemes
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Mentor and develop new Catchment Officers, especially in agri-focused areas.
Requirements
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies
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Essential:
- Strong agricultural knowledge and experience
- A degree (or equivalent) in an environmental or related discipline (e.g., geography, chemistry, water sciences)
- Ability to communicate effectively with regulators, landowners, and the farming community
- Full UK driving licence required
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Desirable:
- BASIS Foundation qualification
- Further BASIS qualifications (e.g., FACTS)
- Knowledge of soils, water quality, and geology/hydrology/hydrogeology
- Experience working in environmental fieldwork and grant/funding schemes, including agri-environment initiatives
- Technical and scientific expertise in agronomy and catchment management
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Apply directly by submitting a cover letter and CV as part of the application process.
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Portsmouth Water Benefits
At Portsmouth Water, we recognise and value the success of our people. Here’s a preview of what our benefits package offers:
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27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays – plenty of time to unwind.
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Generous pension scheme: Company contributions of up to 15% to support your long-term financial future.
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Performance-based non-contractual bonus, up to 6% of base salary, linked to company performance.
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Family-friendly policies:
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay
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Social well-being:
- Fully funded summer and winter social events
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Life assurance scheme: Offers a 4x salary lump sum for your dependents in unforeseen circumstances.
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Comprehensive wellbeing support:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for mental health and wellness advice – 24/7 access.
- Virtual GP service, available 8am–10pm, 7 days/week for physical health needs (yours or immediate family’s), via the HealthHero app.
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Exclusive Perks: Enjoy discounts with leading brands and schemes, including:
- Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year service)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
Additional Notes
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Our role is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion – we welcome applications from all backgrounds.
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Due to eligibility requirements, candidates must be legally entitled to live and work in the UK.
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Applicants may experience early advert closure due to high volume – we encourage early applications to avoid missing out.
Within 4 weeks of submission, successful candidates will typically receive further communication.
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