Agricultural Catchment Advisor - APEM Field Surveys Team

Salary: £20,000 - £27,000 + benefit package

Location: Manchester (preferred site) though Cardiff, Dorset, Oxford & Edinburgh all Considered

APEM Limited is Europe’s largest specialist aquatic science consultancy, offering our clients an integrated approach to every aspect of the scientific study and management of freshwater and marine habitats. As a result of APEM’s continued growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a high calibre and motivated Agricultural Catchment Advisor to join our Field Surveys team, which is at the heart of ensuring the efficient and professional provision of APEM’s services. The Field Surveys team specialises in aquatic ecological survey work throughout the UK.

The successful candidatewill have a BSc / MSc with at least 2+ years experience within a scientific organisation, as well as a keen interest in all things aquatic and agricultural with the desire to expand their knowledge and skills further.

The Agricultural Catchment Advisor’s responsibilities include developing and implementing a series of advice initiatives which would engage farmers, agronomists and stakeholders to address key pollution issues in rivers throughout the UK.

A proven history of working in agriculture will be essential, along with preferred qualifications in relevant subjects e.g. BASIS Soil and Water. Modern farming practises as well as experience in agri-environment schemes and resource protection are also desirable with preferred experience of the application of these schemes in a consultative capacity.

As a key staff member in the APEM Field Surveys Team you will be confident, have a strong team leader aptitude and have experience of undertaking onsite assessments in a range of environments.  A track record in client / farmer relations and project management are desirable attributes, with a current driving licence essential for the role. A good understanding of the aquatic environment and its pressures from agricultural sources is clearly desirable.

Reporting to the Field Manager your day to day activities will likely include: walking rivers to identify problems, compiling technical documents relating to priority rural and urban locations with known sources of aquatic pollution, site visits and landowner liaison to follow up on these reports, advising landowners with respect to mitigation in order to promote ongoing improvements in water quality as dictated by the Water Framework Directive.

If you think you have what it takes, click the online application form.  Completed application forms should be emailed together with a covering letter and an up-to-date copy of your CV to recruitment@apemltd.co.uk by 13th February 2012.

Please state ‘Agricultural Catchment Advisor application’ as the subject heading of the e-mail and ensure you have included all documentation as requested above.

For more information on the role please contact APEM Ltd on 0161 442 8938.