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Celebrating its 20^th anniversary year in 2024, The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, representing over 60 independent trusts across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain. Our vision is for wild, healthy, and natural rivers valued by all. We are at the forefront of environmental conservation, working to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and peatlands, while engaging communities in catchment management and advocating for sustainable water quality practices at policy level. The island of Ireland is the fastest-growing area of The Rivers Trust movement with 21 local Rivers Trusts. This is a pivotal time to join our expanding team and contribute to our vital work in freshwater landscapes. We are looking for a Project Communications Officer for our ongoing Interreg North-West Europe BUFFER+ Project, which aims to explore different approaches to peatland restoration and furthering climate adaptations and mitigation in the partner regions. The Rivers Trust has two peatland restoration demonstration and paludiculture pilots in Counties Mayo and Donegal and works with a wide range of stakeholders. This role will lead on the project’s: Communication, stakeholder engagement, the communication strategies, event management and PR activities. The successful candidate will live and work in Ireland (Republic of). It’s a part-time, home-based role, though the job holder may be required to travel within Ireland, the UK, and occasionally Europe. There is flexibility around working hours and time off in lieu is also available. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/​or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory holiday days. This is a part-time (0.5FTE) role, equivalent to two and a half days per week. The salary range for this role, based on experience, is €17,805 – €20,031 (equivalent to €35,611 — €40,061, if the role was full-time). In addition to salary, we also offer a 9% employer pension contribution (subject to 6% employee contribution) and life assurance. The main duties and responsibilities are: Internal Communication & Stakeholder Engagement:Development of a communication strategy based on a stakeholder mapping exercise and lead on the bespoke communication for each stakeholder category/​group.Maintain & update the peatland stakeholder data-base and communicate with different stakeholder categories, including local communities, government agencies, and partner organisations.Advocate for the benefits of peatland restoration through partnerships and strong science. Digital Communications for BUFFER+:Create content for the central BUFFER+ website covering activities of The Rivers Trust’s BUFFER+ Team in relation to the pilot work and other events.Support the European-level BUFFER+ Communication by creating Ireland-specific content for the project’s social media channels, news section and newsletter.Facilitate knowledge transfer between partner regions across north-west Europe & groups in Ireland. Occasional research on topics and writing briefing documents may be required from time to time. Event Management:Assist in the preparation & design of materials and organisation of peatland & Natural Flood Management training events at the Donegal pilot site.Assist in the planning and support the execution of the BUFFER+ partnership meeting in County Mayo in 2026 and ​‘Paludifair’ to showcase the successful paludiculture trial to key stakeholders, BUFFER+ partners, farming community and locals.Organise and manage project related events, including preparation, on-the-day support, and post-event follow-up. PR and Publicity:Identify media opportunities to promote the BUFFER+ project.Write press releases and respond to media inquiries. Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities: EssentialExceptional organisational and communication skills with proven experience in a similar role.Well-developed writing skills and good attention to detail.Fully competent in MS Office.Proven experience with design programmes, such as Canva, and Photoshop.Experience in communicating scientific information to a general audience. DesirableComfortable using digital marketing tools such as WordPress and CRM databases.Experience in communicating scientific information in relation to peatland and climate.Experience of working in a not-for-profit environment.Understanding and knowledge of peatland conservation & ecology.Understanding carbon sequestration and climate issues. Qualifications/​Education Education: Degree in Communications, Journalism, or equivalent experience (below). OR Environmental Science, Public Policy, or a related field WITH experience (below) Experience: Minimum 2 years in communications, advocacy, or community engagement, ideally within the environmental sector. It is essential that you have access to secure and private accommodation suitable for working from home, and a reliable broadband connection. You must be based in the Island of Ireland and have the permission to work in ROI. You must be comfortable with working alone and with minimal supervision. Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR. If you have any questions which will help you decide to apply and aren’t answered on our website, please get in touch with Constanze.​otoole@​theriverstrust.​org and she’ll get back to you. Please note we can only accept applications made through our careers site and not sent by email or other methods. Closing date: Thursday 16^th January 2025 Interviews: W/​C 27^th January 2025

The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity in Great Britain and on the island of Ireland, and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement which comprises over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this important part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda. The island of Ireland is the fastest-growing area of the rivers trust movement, and as part of what is a major team expansion, we are looking for a motivated and highly organised person to join our team and fill a newly-created Environmental Social Scientist role. We have recently secured funding for an EU-funded, multi-partner, Interreg Europe Project called RiWET. The project focuses on public-social-private partnerships to increase the contribution of local communities in restoration, management and stewardship of rivers and wetlands to answer questions like: Can municipalities, regions and public agencies restore river and peatland areas in a more efficient and less costly way by engaging communities, civic organisations and other landowners? What are the best tools and strategies for these partnerships? Introductory video to the project can be viewed here. In the Interreg Europe programme, policy instruments are improved through a collaborative and iterative process involving regional and local governments. The primary goal is to enhance the effectiveness of policies related to regional development by sharing knowledge and best practices across Europe. The Rivers Trust (TRT) has partnered up with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication (DECC) to improve Ireland’s Climate Action and Environment Policy by contributing to the rehabilitation of peatlands, specifically in the high-impact area of ​‘changing our land use’ using our community-based approach and interregional learnings. This is a part-time (0.2FTE) role, equivalent to an average of one day per week. The salary range for this role, based on experience, is €8,545 – €9,969 (equivalent to €42,727 — €49,847, full-time). We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory holiday days. In addition to salary, we also offer a 9% employer pension contribution (subject to 6% employee contribution) and life assurance. The main duties and responsibilities are: Management Plan and Strategy Development: Work on the management plan and strategy to improve the targeted policy instrument (Ireland’s Climate Action and Environment Policy), leveraging insights from ​‘Experience of Exchange’ partner meetings, workshops, and exchanges with the Associated Policy Authority. Stakeholder Collaboration: Guide the collaboration of the ​‘high stakeholder’ working group, which includes representatives from relevant state departments involved in the implementation of Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, particularly focusing on the high-impact area of land use change related to peatland rehabilitation. Organisation of regular wider stakeholder meetings and leading on the communication with all stakeholders. Monitoring and Reporting: Develop and implement a system for monitoring the progress of policy improvements and regularly report on the outcomes and impacts to relevant stakeholders and authorities. Societal Research: Conduct societal research to understand the social dynamics, attitudes, and behaviours of private peatland owners. Use this research to inform the policy improvement for engaging and motivating landowners to participate in peatland rehabilitation efforts. Application of suitable approaches & good practices review: Use the learning from the ​‘Experience of Exchange’ workshops, application of the Comparable Cooperation Framework & community-based approach, Theory of Practice for the development of the policy instrument improvement. Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities: EssentialKnowledge of environmental policies in relation to land use & peatlands, regulatory frameworks, and the policy-making processes. This includes understanding how policies can be influenced and implemented.Insight into the socio-economic dynamics of land use, including the motivations and barriers for private landowners in restoring peatlands.Proven ability of being able to persuade and influence a wide range of people.Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.Strong time management, organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to resolve complex issues quickly and efficiently, work as part of a team and on own initiative.Inquisitive and willing to learn new skills​.An understanding or awareness of the issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss and relationship to restoration of peatlands and other habitats. DesirableExperience in contributing to or leading policy development initiatives, particularly those related to environmental conservation and land use management.Experience in community engagement and outreach programmes, particularly those aimed at promoting sustainable land management practices among private landowners.Experience in data collection and analysis related to peatland policy, including environmental, social, and economic data. Qualifications/​Education Minimum Qualification Level: FETAC/​QQI Level 8 or equivalent. Fields of Study: Environmental Science, Ecology, or Social Sciences. Experience: Minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience relevant to the role. Remote Working & Work Culture & Other Requirements Must be available to travel both nationally and internationally as required by the role. It is essential that you have access to secure and private accommodation suitable for working for home, and a reliable broadband connection. You must be based in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and have the permission to work in ROI. You must be comfortable with working alone and with minimal supervision. Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR. If you have any questions which will help you decide to apply and aren’t answered on our website, please get in touch with Constanze.​otoole@​theriverstrust.​org and she’ll get back to you. Please don’t use this email address to apply as we can only accept applications made through our careers site. Closing date: Midday Thursday 16^th January 2025 Interviews: W/​C 27^th January 2025

Westcountry Rivers Trust is recruiting a Senior Project Ecologist. An exciting and new opportunity to provide support to ecological activities across the Trust in delivering project work on our catchments, with a particular focus on biodiversity and ecology. Across the Trust, there are a growing number of projects delivering habitat creation, fish passage improvements, nutrient neutrality and natural flood management through the establishment of Nature-based Solutions and land use change. As part of this there is a need for specialist ecology and biodiversity support such as watching briefs, before and after interventions and BNG assessments to ensure suitable site location and determine habitat change. Much of this is around working with landowners to deliver solutions, including wetland restoration, weir removals and creating riparian buffers. Reporting to the Head of Fisheries and Ecology, the post holder will be encouraged to develop their knowledge and experience of ecology to support the delivery of conservation interventions such as those outlined above to develop resilient transformational land management, contributing to the sectors climate mitigation and environmental efforts. The role will be office, home and site-based working at various locations on our catchments throughout the South West, supporting on the delivery of an array of project outputs for the Trust. Key responsibilities include: Producing and contributing to technical reports including Preliminary Ecological Appraisals (PEA), Ecological Impact Assessments, Invasive Species, Habitat Regulations Assessments and Biodiversity Net Gain assessments including River Condition Assessment for the Watercourse Metric, particularly as part of baseline assessments of conservation projects including fish passes, wetland creation and land enhancement schemes.Work across grant funded conservation projects to deliver best ecological outcomesUnderstand and advise appropriate ecological survey design requirements across conservation projects across the trust.Watching brief and ecology oversite at sites where works are taking place (ECoW)Supporting the Trust’s nature-based solutions outputs and opportunities for tree planting, natural flood management schemes, habitat creation and restorationCompiling and applying for consents, permits and exemptions required to deliver project work.Design and input ecological screening process for WRT’s conservation activitiesWorking with the in-house Operations Team to safely and professionally deliver work on WRT projects.Support on applications to environmental schemes such as the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and tree planting projects.Undertake desk and site based ecological surveys and assessments including habitat and species surveys, impact assessments, licensing and mitigation requirements.Co-ordinate, attend and contribute to relevant meetings, workshops or stakeholder groups to achieve project aims and to share best practice, raise awareness and promote WRTs role.Work closely with Project Managers to ensure project outputs, deadlines and reporting are met as well as with other key members or Teams at WRT e.g. for delivery, admin etc.Liaise with statutory authorities and proactively build contacts across sectors to further identify opportunities which align with project remit or achieve mutual objectives e.g. EWCO, Community Initiatives etc.You may be asked to work on other duties or tasks which are believed to be commensurate with the level of the role.There may be an occasional requirement to travel to sites in the WestcountryThis role is a new role within the Trust and as so the duties may be subject to change as this area of work develops. Person specification. Knowledge and Experience Ecological survey experience and ecology training and skills including botany and priority habitat types, Biodiversity Net GainSound knowledge of UK nature conservation legislation and planning processExperience of catchment-scale approaches and processes, familiar with concepts of Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital, Green Finance, Natural Flood Management, Nature Based Solutions etcKnowledge and competence in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & Outlook) and GIS applicationsExperience of safe working on site-based activities (D)Local area knowledge (D)Protected species licence holderMembership of professional association (D) Skills and Competencies A proactive approach and evidence of using own initiative with effective problem-solving skillsExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate, engage and present at multiple levels and across different sectorsAbility to develop and maintain good working relations with internal staff and external clientsWork with third party, private landownersAdaptable and organised in prioritising workload, managing conflicting demands and working effectively to deadlines with minimum supervisionAbility to travel regularly and to remote sitesReliable, positive attitude & work ethicAbility to deliver accurate and timely project reporting and administrationTeam player, tactful, diplomatic and confident. Willing to work with others to seek solutionsPro-active attitude towards meeting and exceeding goalsApproachable, professional, trustworthyInnovative, adaptable, practicalSupports and promotes the WRT ethos Qualifications Appropriate degree level qualification (or equivalent work experience) in an ecological or conservation or related field. You may be asked to work on other duties or tasks which are believed to be commensurate with the level of the role. This role is a new role within the Trust and as so the duties may be subject to change as this area of work develops. Contract This is a permanent contract after a successful 6 month probation period.The starting salary for this role is £30,800.00 to £34,900.00 depending on experienceThe role is 37.5 hours per week.We support Hybrid working, so there will be the opportunity to work from home in this role and work flexible hours. Travel to sites throughout the Westcountry will also be required regularly; this role is a mixture of office and site based. Benefits while working for Westcountry Rivers Trust 25 days Annual Leave per annum, with a reward for long service — an additional 1 day per year for each year worked over 5 years, up to a maximum of 30 days for employees serving 10 years continuous service.Additional Leave covering the Christmas Closure period.9% Employer Pension, plus Life Assurance coverFlexible working To apply: Send your CV and a one page covering letter clearly marked as applying for the job of Project Ecologist https://​hr​.breathehr​.com/​v/sen… For further information see www​.wrt​.org​.uk Submission by: 5pm on Monday 20^th January 2025 Interviews will take place on: Tuesday 28^th January 2025 For queries about this role or the application process please contact recruitment@​wrt.​org.​uk

Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a regional charity established in 1998 to conserve the Ribble Catchment, particularly its rivers, brooks, becks, and streams. Over the last 10 years, RRT has developed and grown into a sector-leading organisation, known for getting things done, strong partnership working and a collaborative approach. We have five teams focusing on Data and Evidence, Land Management, People and Learning, River Conservation and Core Services. Every team member is empowered to achieve their best. Our teams work collaboratively on integrated projects to improve, protect and create a mosaic of habitats and land uses that will lead to a healthy riverine environment. This is underpinned by a science-driven approach that delivers multiple benefits. Through funding from the Environment Agency’s National NFM Programme, we have launched a series of projects to implement Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures upstream of three communities that are at-risk from flooding: Clitheroe, Darwen and Wrea Green. The projects have significant amounts of on-the-ground habitat conservation activities, including leaky dams, wetland creation, tree planting and moorland restoration. The projects also have elements of community engagement and volunteering. This role will undertake the monitoring of the impact of the NFM measures, specifically focusing on flood risk in the affected communities, localised hydrological regimes, water quality and habitat quality. The role will also work with Citizen Science volunteers to aid in the monitoring. As such, the Trust is looking to recruit a competent and enthusiastic person who will be joining a creative team, committed to making a difference to the environment and local communities. This person will have knowledge of delivering monitoring of Natural Flood Management projects. The successful candidate will have knowledge of topics such as catchment-scale hydrological processes, ecosystem services, river restoration, and how physical improvement projects deliver these topics. You can download the full job description here and via the link below. To apply Please send your completed application form to admin@​ribbletrust.​com The closing date for this role is Sunday 2^nd February, and interviews will be conducted week commencing the 10^th February.

A coalition of water and nature-focused charities including The Wildlife Trusts, the Rivers Trust and Sustainability First have called on Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to formalise and strengthen the Water Restoration Fund in the upcoming Water (Special Measures) Bill.