River Restoration Team Operative

Westcountry Rivers Trust is recruiting a River Restoration Team Operative. This is a 6 – 9 month Fixed Term contract.

The starting salary for this role is £26,500.00 - £28,700.00 per annum (dependent on experience).

About Westcountry Rivers Trust

Formed in 1994, the Trust was established to restore Westcountry rivers.  Measures to protect rivers can help to save money for farmers, lower costs for water companies, boost tourism, reduce the need to dredge estuaries and even benefit human health. 

Today the charity works with a wide range of stakeholders from landowners to local communities, businesses, farmers and water companies to restore and protect the rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal areas for the benefit of people, wildlife and the local economy. There has never been a more important time to work on the rivers of the West Country as the impacts of climate emergency and the ecological crisis is forcing society to invest in building catchment resilience. 

About the role

The River Restoration Team Operative plays a key role in supporting the delivery of practical environmental projects across the organisation. Working collaboratively with the Operations Team and other departments at WRT, the postholder will contribute to the delivery of a broad range of catchment management activities that support the charity’s mission to protect and enhance freshwater environments.

The role involves supporting and delivering projects such as tree planting initiatives, natural flood management schemes, arboricultural operations, habitat creation and restoration works, environmental monitoring, and community engagement activities. The postholder will ensure equipment and machinery is operated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications and health and safety requirements.

Reporting to the River Restoration Team Leader, the successful candidate will be encouraged and supported to develop their technical skills and sector knowledge, gaining valuable experience within environmental conservation and practical land management.

Responsibilities

• Safely operating equipment and machinery on site to support with the delivery of WRT project work such as but not limited to; chainsaw-based work, surveys and monitoring, installation of a variety of habitat features, and in-channel barrier removal.
• Support the Operation and other Trust teams with other site-based works commensurate with the level of the post.
• To take responsibility for project administration, including responsibility for regular and ongoing collection, recording and reporting of tasks. 
• Assist with the preparation and drafting of essential site and project related paperwork (e.g. RAMS, CPP, permits, and reports). 
• To build positive relationships and liaise regularly with colleagues and external partners or organisations in a professional manner.
• Undertake work-based activities independently with support from the team.
• Engaging with the public, volunteers, landowners and other stakeholders, were necessary.
• Ensuring a high level of Health & Safety standards are maintained.
• Checking and maintaining Trust equipment, machinery and tools. 
• To attend formal and informal training and develop relevant knowledge and skills (CPD) as appropriate.
• Delivering toolbox talks and other training to team members, where required.
• May be assigned to commercial projects or other catchment projects and may be required to carry out other duties from time to time commensurate with the level of the post.
• Attend team and project meetings as required.

Please see that attached job description for more information about the role and requirements and visit Westcountry Rivers Trust's website to learn more about the organisation. 

Apply

Apply by midnight on Sunday 19th July 2026 by CV and Covering Letter to: 
https://hr.breathehr.com/v/river-restoration-team-operative-47177

Interviews will be held in person at our offices in Stoke Climsland on Friday 31st July 2026.

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