Assistant Farm Environment Adviser – Devon

Overview

FWAG SW specialises in delivering environmental improvements in the farmed landscape. We
concentrate on delivering real change on farmland by working with farmers and landowners across
the region. Combining an understanding of farming systems, land management and farm businesses
with soil, water and nutrient management, FWAG SW is able to effect positive environmental
change in the wider landscape. We focus on helping farm businesses to manage their natural
capital assets like soil, water, biodiversity and carbon. FWAG SW advisers deliver
environmental gains by making complex information accessible and meaningful for farmers at a
practical level: government policy, environmental incentives and regulations and emerging
environmental markets.

We are seeking applicants for the post of Assistant Farm Environment
Adviser to cover Devon. This post will provide comprehensive reporting, administrative
and mapping support to the existing team. Additionally, they will provide support to advisers
on farm visits and habitat surveying work and in the delivery of projects. Applicants must have
excellent written and spoken communication skills, a keen eye for detail and an understanding
of farming systems and environmental issues.

This post will suit a highly motivated individual looking to develop a career in the farm
environment and land management sector. In return, we can offer training and development
opportunities, both external and internal and the opportunity to progress rapidly, subject to
meeting certain conditions.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for
this role, as stated in the Person Specification. We are an open and inclusive organisation
seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce. We assess your application solely on your
demonstrated suitability for the job. Nothing else.

Main purposes of the role

• To assist with the delivery of independent, objective and professional environmental advice
  to farmers, landowners and land managers.
• To work with Farm Environment Advisers to provide farm advice on chargeable work (such as
  SFI applications, hedge assessments, habitat surveys) and projects work (current projects
  include implementing natural flood management features on farms, carrying out Biodiversity Net
  Gain surveys, and advice on compliance with regulations such as SSAFO and the Farming Rules for
  Water).
• To liaise with farmers and partners via phone, email, face-to-face and online teams/zoom
  sessions to support the delivery of FWAG’s work, advising, inspiring and encouraging changes in
  land management practices to reduce environmental impacts.
• To produce outputs to farmers and project partners, such as advice reports, GIS mapping
• Assist with organising events
• To assist with administration and data management
• Support the development of FWAG South West’s work

For further information about the role and how you can meet our person specification,
please see the Work for Us page of our website.

Salary and contract

• Starting salary: £24,610 per annum, with fast progression available subject to meeting
  training and development criteria
• Full-time, but part-time applications of a minimum of 4 days per week will be considered

Holiday

• 25 days per annum, rising by a day a year with service, up to 30 days per annum, plus
  statutory holidays
• Flexible working and TOIL for all employees

Other benefits

• Access to an excellent and extensive in-house training programme covering all aspects of
  FWAG’s work learning from experienced advisers and farmers
• Full support to undertake further training and qualifications
• Company pension after 3 months 
• Staff Wellbeing Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Generous annual outdoor clothing allowance/branded clothing available

Office location

The post will mainly cover the county of Devon, worked largely from home, but with office bases
in Exeter and Wellington. 

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION 

Please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability for the role. Please
ensure that the information you provide closely correlates with the particular requirements of
this job, as detailed in the Key Responsibilities and Person Specification above.

Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]. Please send any
queries to this address too.

Receipt of applications will be acknowledged by email. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable
applications. If you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as
possible.

Closing date for applications: Monday 14th October 2024, 1800
hours

FWAG SW does not reimburse costs for attending interviews.