Farm Adviser

Farm Adviser – Catchment Sensitive Farming

At Natural England, we advise the UK Government on the natural environment. We’re here to make sure people and nature can thrive. From advising farmers on sustainable land management, to gathering and analysing environmental data, and promoting health and wellbeing through the great outdoors, we love what we do. Join us and you’ll be part of an inclusive, motivated and ambitious team, committed to achieving results for our environment, for everyone.

At a time in which we are evolving our farm advice service, you will partner with Defra and the Environment Agency, plus a wide range of partner organisations and the agricultural industry to tackle environmental impacts resulting from agriculture. As a member of the Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF)team, you will have access to a structured training programme in which we will see to it that you have the skills to make a difference. This training will then enable you to work with farmers and landowners to raise awareness of the nature-based solutions that could be adopted to mitigate issues relating to water quality, flood risk and ammonia.  

On a day-to-day basis, you will have the chance to guide farmers and landowners in improving the condition of their land. Providing training and information that will include one-on-one advice plus group events and workshops, you will see to it that they understand these key pollution issues and the measures that can be taken to mitigate them. Working collaboratively with external entities such as water companies, you will develop formal partnerships where they would be beneficial, and you will determine where incentives such as Countryside Stewardship would be helpful. Using data that has been validated locally, you will take responsibility for determining the environmental priorities for CSF within your area.

This role offers plenty of opportunity to learn and develop your skills. As such you will be keen to gain an understanding of Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s). To excel in this role you will ideally have a good level of agricultural knowledge with the ability to identify farming practices which are environmentally unfriendly, particularly those relating to agricultural water and air pollution. Ideally you will have some understanding of agri-environment schemes such as Countryside Stewardship, and it would also be helpful if you have a working knowledge of ArcGIS or similar GIS software. Above all else, you will have the capacity to engage successfully with farmers and landowners, and you will be keen to learn and to share knowledge.

We welcome and encourage applications from all communities and, wherever possible, we accommodate requests for both full and part-time hours and other flexible working patterns. Everyone at Natural England is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. You can also look forward to great benefits including a Civil Service pension. 

If you’re inspired to protect and enhance England’s wildlife, and want to work for a leading science-led organisation, apply here.