Sustainable Agriculture Officer

Purpose: The aim of this role is to help agri-business in Norfolk and the Cam & Ely Ouse catchments meet the target of producing fresh food with sustainable water management. The Courtauld 2030 initiative will work collaboratively with other initiatives that are on-going in Norfolk to act as a catalyst for system changes in key supply chains. The role will engage with growers, processors and retailers to facilitate knowledge exchange and a shift to more regenerative farming practices.

Reports to: Farming and Land Management Team Leader. Responsible for: Assistant project officers where applicable.

Location: Office at Bayfield near Holt with travel across North Norfolk

Job term: Full-time, 37.5 per week

Annual Leave Entitlement: 25 days plus 8 days bank holidays pro rata

Salary details: £25,787 to £32,742 (9% Employer Pension Contribution)

The East of England is one of the largest producers of root vegetables, fresh produce, poultry and pork yet receives the lowest annual rainfall in the UK. The impact of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, with wetter winters and drier summers, are causing significant challenges for sustainable food production. Heavy rainfall over short periods of time during winter often leads to high soil loss, water pollution and reduced aquifer recharge. Reduced storage of water in the aquifers together with dryer warmer summers can lead to greater water scarcity which again is a significant challenge for sustainable food production. Norfolk Rivers Trust’s Water Sensitive Farming work will engage with retailers already signed up through Courtauld and other partnerships, including The Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF which includes Tesco, The John Lewis Partnership, Aviva, Botanica by AirWick and Finish allowing for match funding to support project implementation.

Job Description

Principal Responsibilities

• Engage and collaborate with key supply chains to improve water use efficiency and sustainable production.
• Identify and develop bespoke solutions to tackle water risks to agri-food businesses.
• Provide targeted farm advice across key sectors to deliver practical on-farm measures that protect soils, improve water retention and infiltration.
• Communicate wider biodiversity and improve the resilience to the water environment by implementing Nature-based solutions.
• Lead the water stewardship board with external stakeholders to develop policy, showcase private sector engagement and improve wider water security.
• Development of tools to improve understanding of water risks and solutions – amongst growers, producer orgs and retailers.
• Leverage in additional funding from WRAP signatories and other businesses or funds.

Education

Minimum HND/FdSc/BSc or other relevant experience.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of working with agri-businesses and or food/drink producers
• Knowledge of agricultural production methods and industry drivers.
• Knowledge of key regional food and drink supply chains.
• Understanding of sustainable water resources management and local pressures.
• Experience of food or agricultural accreditation and stewardship schemes is desirable.
• Experience of using GIS is desirable.

Personal Skills and Qualities

• Clear commitment to vision and values of Norfolk Rivers Trust
• Excellent communication skills
• Good organisational and reporting skills
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary organisation.
• IT skills/maintaining a filing system.
• Exceptional listening and communication skills, with a proven ability to influence multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Project Management skills and development
• Awareness of the need for confidentiality and sensitivity
• Full UK driving licence with own car covered by business insurance is essential.

Applications

To apply, please send your completed job application form, completed equal opportunities monitoring information form and a covering email to jobs@norfolkriverstrust.org by 0900hrs on Monday 29th January 2024.

PLEASE NOTE: CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AS AN APPLICATION

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact: Sam Hurst 07944443652