Nature-based Solutions Advisor - Talgarth, United Kingdom - Wye and Usk Foundation

Description

This is a great chance to get involved with an organisation and sector that is growing fast and
join a dynamic team striving to improve the Wye and Usk and their catchments. We are at the
forefront of practical environmental management and the development of new approaches. WUF are
seeking new people to help us do this.


Location:
WUF Offices, Talgarth and home workingSalary: £26,000 to £32,000 pa depending on experience, plus pension and life

assuranceContract:
Initial 3 months fixed term (with potential to extend)

Hours: 37.5 hours/week. Flexitime and time off in lieu system in place, 24
days annual leave (pro-rata) plus bank holidays.

Objective of the role:
Support with the development, feasibility and implementation of NbS
(including wetlands and natural flood management), mapping of NbS opportunities, and working
with land managers and farmers to identify opportunities for NbS on their land.

Context of the role

The Wye and Usk Foundation (WUF) have a proven track record in designing and implementing
groundbreaking nature-based solutions including the design and installation of wastewater
treatment wetlands and natural flood management interventions. Recognition of the importance of
nature-based solutions in solving environmental problems is growing and we are looking to add
to our delivery team.

This role will be for an initial 3 month period but market opportunities in this area are
growing quickly and we plan to make more permanent additions to our team by the end of this
tasks to support the wider team of catchment advisors.

Role description


Your primary responsibilities will include:

Identification of NbS

Use risk mapping tools such as SCIMAP and Scalgo to identify priority areas for NbS

Support the NbS Lead and Catchment Advisors in developing and implementing NbS mapping
approach to identify catchment areas for enhancement and protection;
Provision of GIS maps to document and co-ordinate NbS opportunities

Development /feasibility of NbS

With farmers/landowners/clients, develop outline designs for measures and/or a land
management plan

Identify the necessary information for permitting and consents to deliver NbS in compliance
with applicable regulations

Work with the Monitoring Team to identify requirements for NbS monitoring to meet
stakeholder needs, and then support the design and implementation of this monitoring

Where necessary, support our NbS lead to conduct detailed design of NbS

Support our NbS team to undertake or commission the necessary baseline surveys, and seek
landowner, EA/NRW and other consents/permissions for delivering NbS

For certain measures, support the NbS team to contract and oversee delivery of NbS

Engagement with land managers and farmers to identify opportunities for NbS on their
land

Carry out natural capital farm surveys and walkovers to ascertain potential for different
types of NbS & NFM - including soil management measures, wildflower strips, riparian
buffers, in-field bunds, leaky woody dams, biodiversity/ecology baseline, attenuation ponds and
wetlands

Discuss and advise on different options with farmers and landowners, supporting the
development of catchment/landscape nature recovery plans

Coordinate and help facilitate workshops and other engagement events with
farmers/landowners to discuss issues, opportunities and solutions linked to NbS

Qualifications, training, knowledge and experience


Essential:

Applicable technical software solutions including GIS, Landapp, and risk
mapping/hydrological modelling tools such as HEC-RAS, SCIMAP and Scalgo

Batchelor degree in relevant discipline (or equivalent)


Understanding of some/all of the following ecosystem services:
NbS/SuDS/NFM design

biodiversity metrics eg. Biodiversity Net Gain

carbon markets

other ecosystem services

Proficient use of MS Word and Excel

Proactive, solutions-focussed approach

High level of interpersonal and communication skills

High level of report writing skills

Ability to work effectively with mínimal supervision

Ability to manage competing priorities

Travel between sites is needed so a full driving licence is required


Desirable:

Master's degree in relevant discipline - environmental science, hydrology, hydrogeology,
hydro-ecology, environmental engineering (or equivalent)

Good knowledge / experience of catchment hydrology and ability to analyse information about
flow and water quality data to present logically and accurately

Technical knowledge/experience of some/all of the following ecosystem services:
NbS/SuDS/NFM design

biodiversity metrics eg. Biodiversity Net Gain

carbon markets

other ecosystem services

Scoping, supporting and interpreting suitable site locations and ground investigations to
adequately inform NbS siting and design

General knowledge of farm and land management issues

Knowledge and understanding of construction management

Public speaking

Project management

Event co-ordination

Confidence to give profess