Citizen Science Project Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Citizen Science Project Officer to join the River Waveney Trust team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of an innovative project developing a catchment-wide citizen science monitoring network across the River Waveney.

Building on a successful pilot programme in Bungay, the project will work with volunteers, communities, landowners and partner organisations to improve our understanding of water quality across the catchment. Through coordinating water quality and Riverfly monitoring, supporting volunteers and bringing together evidence from across the Waveney, the role will help identify and address pollution issues and inform practical action to improve the health of the river.

The evidence generated will also support the Trust’s wider work, including river restoration, natural flood management and other nature-based solutions, helping to lay the foundations for long-term improvements to the health and resilience of the River Waveney.

The role will suit an approachable, organised and collaborative individual with experience of delivering environmental or community-based projects and working with volunteers and a wide range of partners. You will be confident working independently, building strong relationships and coordinating activities across different organisations. An interest in rivers, water quality, catchment management and using evidence to bring people together and drive positive environmental change will be important.

The River Waveney Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to improving and protecting the River Waveney, making it a better place for people and wildlife. We deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, natural flood management, farm advice, river access, monitoring, volunteer activities, community engagement and education.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities and welcome applications from all groups, communities and personal circumstances. Our staff team is welcoming, open and inclusive and places a high value on supporting each other to work to the best of our abilities.

This role has been made possible through the generous support of East Suffolk Trust.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take overall responsibility for the planning, management, delivery and reporting of the River Waveney Trust’s East Suffolk Trust-funded Citizen Science Project, ensuring it is delivered on time, within budget and in accordance with agreed objectives, milestones and funding requirements.
• Develop and deliver a catchment-wide citizen science monitoring programme, building on the successful Bungay pilot and expanding activity across the River Waveney catchment.
• Recruit, train, support and retain volunteers, ensuring high standards of health and safety, data quality and volunteer experience.
• Coordinate water quality and Riverfly monitoring, supporting the collection of robust environmental data and using the evidence gathered to improve understanding of water quality and support action to address pollution issues.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with communities, landowners, businesses, volunteers and project partners to encourage collaborative action to improve water quality and river health.
• Organise and facilitate volunteer training, community events, stakeholder workshops and partnership meetings.
• Manage project budgets, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, maintaining accurate records and preparing reports and claims required by the funder.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to ensure monitoring evidence informs the Trust’s wider programme of river restoration, natural flood management and other catchment projects.
• Collaborate across the different teams within the Trust, supporting effective and joined-up working across all areas of our work.
• Promote the project through presentations, digital communications and the sharing of project learning and outcomes.
• Represent the River Waveney Trust at relevant meetings and events.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Location: Blended home and office working, with office space in Bungay and regular travel across the Waveney Catchment.

Hours of work: A working day is 7.5 hours, generally from 9am-5pm, with an unpaid half hour lunch break. Flexible work hours are fully acceptable for personal circumstances and we are happy to accommodate any requirements needed in order to make the role work for the right candidate.

Annual leave: Annual leave entitlement is 25 days, plus bank holidays, plus your birthday off.

Pension: 9% employer pension offered.

Driving licence and vehicle: A full driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. Due to the remote nature of the work, we cannot accept applications from individuals who do not have a driving licence or access to a car. The candidate is expected to insure their own vehicle for work-use (this should not increase the premium). Mileage expenses are paid at £0.55 a mile. Mileage does not cover commuting to the office but will cover agreed commutes from home and office within the catchment.

Application deadline: Sunday the 13th of September, 11.59pm.

Interview venue and format: Tuesday the 22nd of September, in-person at our offices in Bungay. Can be held online if necessary.

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please don’t hesitate to contact Martha Meek, the Trust’s Director, [email protected] or 07903 243108.