Evidence and Engagement Officer

Westcountry Rivers Trust is an environmental charity working across the Southwest to improve our rivers for the benefit of all. With support from various funders, we deliver change in our rivers and on the land that drains into them. We bring together stakeholders and interest groups in catchments across the Southwest to develop and deliver catchment action plans that bring lasting and meaningful benefits for people and the environment.

The Evidence & Engagement Team supports the Trust's whole-ecosystem approach to planning and delivering nature-based solutions for catchment management and river improvement initiatives. The team helps ensure we deliver the right measures in the right places, and monitor and report the impact of our work. Effective engagement and communication are essential to keeping stakeholders, both external and internal, informed and involved.

This role will work primarily on the Community Water Enterprises (CWE) project. CWEs put communities at the heart of caring for nature-based solutions such as rain gardens and wetlands, which soak up rain, ease pressure on sewers, reduce flood risk, create greener spaces and protect rivers. A CWE is a locally rooted team bringing together customers, communities, water companies, councils, charities and others to look after many of these small features, creating local jobs and training to deliver routine care, quick fixes and clear public reporting. The multi-year programme is led by Wessex Water and funded through Ofwat's Water Breakthrough Challenge. It aims to prove the approach can be repeated and adopted widely. WRT leads the Southwest pilot, one of two nationally. 

This post will be central to making the pilot work on the ground, by building relationships with local people, running in-person events and workshops, supporting volunteers and community crews, and gathering the evidence that shows the difference the work makes. You will spend much of your time face to face with communities, in community venues and on sites, mainly in East Devon, West Dorset and Somerset.

Through your relationships, particularly with members of the public and local community groups you will also inform and inspire people to take further action for rivers; signing up to a pledge to our rivers, wider volunteering, or donating to support WRT’s wider work to bring our west country rivers back to life. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the environment and enjoys working with people, with a keen interest in evidence-based engagement. You will work closely with colleagues and with partners from across the water, local authority, community and charity sectors. 

Please see the job advert attached below for more details on the role, responsibilities, and requirements, and visit Westcountry Rivers Trust's website to learn more about the organisation. 

Apply

Apply by midnight on Sunday 15th November 2026 by CV and Covering Letter to: https://hr.breathehr.com/v/evidence-and-engagement-officer-49167

Interviews will be held in person at our office in Stoke Climsland on the 23rd November 2026.

For queries about this role or the application process please contact [email protected]