Overview

West Cumbria Rivers Trust is a registered environmental charity dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the wildlife and habitats of rivers, lakes and the surrounding countryside in West Cumbria. We are a young and successful Rivers Trust with a territory covering several principal river catchments which include seven iconic lakes spanning a substantial part of the Lake District National Park and West Cumbria. We have an impressive track record of successful delivery of projects and a steady growth and are looking to employ a project officer to help manage the expanding number of projects we have in our catchments.

WCRT’s Ellenwise Project is funded by United Utilities ‘Catchmentwise’ programme and has been running successfully for four years on the River Ellen in Cumbria. The aims of the project are to tackle water quality issues in lakes, rivers and coastal waters by protecting and enhancing the water environment through managing the surrounding land. The initiative aims to drive a change around wastewater issues by tackling diffuse pollution at source to improve water bodies and to move them towards ‘good ecological status.’ United Utilities are also currently funding a PhD student through Lancaster University to work with the Ellenwise project and monitor nutrient levels in the catchment. The success of the Ellenwise project has also elicited further funding and partnership working through Natural England’s Countryside Stewardship facilitation fund. Continuation of this strong farmer engagement project is also part of this role.

The successful candidate will have a degree in an environmental or agricultural subject or relevant qualification and at least 2 years of experience in successful project delivery of river related projects and in particular a strong background in working with landowners and farmers. You will be a self-starter who can demonstrate a committed, mature and flexible approach and have the passion to take our Ellenwise project to the next level. You will also have excellent organisational, communication and reporting skills.

You will be part of a small but expanding team based in Keswick, Cumbria, reporting to the Trust’s Assistant Director and supported by the Director, WCRT’s Trustees and staff.