Catchment Sensitive Farming Higher Officer

The primary focus of this role is to work directly with farmers and land managers, providing practical, on-the-ground advice and support to encourage the adoption of practices that protect and enhance water quality, air quality, and soil health.

The role holder will also collaborate with partner organisations, the agricultural industry, farmers, land managers, and other government agencies to secure environmental improvements. This is achieved by a range of tools, including technical advice, guidance, and the promotion of sustainable land management practices.

The Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser role sits within Area Teams and serves as the main interface between Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF), Natural England (NE), and key local stakeholders who wish to engage with and influence CSF activity. The role covers the full range of protected habitats and the wider farmed environment, encompassing a diverse range of agricultural sectors and land management practices.

The post holder reports to a Senior Manager for line management purposes. Functional management is provided by a Senior Officer within the relevant work area, unless the line manager is operating in a player-manager capacity with functional responsibility for that area. Catchment Sensitive Farming Advisers also work closely with the Catchment Sensitive Farming National Team.

Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities

Support farmers and landowners to improve water quality alongside long-term sustainable food production/agricultural transition and natural flood management.

Work in priority areas to develop and lead specific CSF training, information and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners. Give bespoke advice on farm to farmers and organise and deliver, with the aid of specialists, further advice, group events and workshops.

Deliver targeted CSF training, information, and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners in priority areas.

Provide bespoke on-farm advice focused on reducing pollution through the principles of Source, Pathway, Receptor and other catchment-specific priorities.

Secure farmer and landowner engagement, ownership, and commitment to addressing key pollution and environmental issues.

Influence behavioural change and support the adoption of improved land management practices to reduce diffuse water pollution and other environmental impacts.

Promote and advocate CSF activity internally across Natural England and partner organisations, and externally with farmers, land managers, and stakeholders.

Collaborate with partners including the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, water companies, catchment partnerships, and Defra programmes to deliver a coordinated catchment-based approach.

Maximise delivery through specialist advice, training, contractors, grants, and incentives such as Countryside Stewardship, SFI, FETF, Capital Grants, and the Slurry Infrastructure Grant.

Provide guidance on suitable management options, capital items, and wider environmental opportunities, including signposting to additional sources of support.

Contribute to procurement and contract management processes for advisory services and events, ensuring quality assurance and delivery to agreed standards.

Maintain accurate records of farmer engagement and advice provided, monitoring the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions.

Understand and apply relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plans, Shared Nitrogen Action Plans, and other catchment priorities within CSF delivery plans.

Take responsibility for ensuring personal safe working in line with corporate guidance