Land Adviser/Project Manager

Post title: Land Adviser/Project Manager
Responsible to: Head of Conservation
Responsible for: To develop and deliver on-farm advice
Status: Full time, 37 hours per week
Duration: 2 year fixed term contract – with a view to becoming permanent
Salary: £29,000.00 p.a.
Based at: Queenswood Country Park and working from home

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust (HWT) is a wildlife conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Herefordshire. We are dedicated to protecting the unique habitats and special wildlife in Herefordshire and encouraging people to enjoy, care for and act for nature. We own and manage 60 Nature Reserves across the county and have over 6,000 members. Our 2023-26 Business Strategy aims to place nature’s recovery at the forefront of tackling the climate emergency - for wildlife itself, for the natural services it provides and for everyone’s wellbeing. Together we can make sure that future generations living in Herefordshire will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers.



HWT is committed to creating an organisation that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential.



Purpose of the job

The successful candidate will work with farmers and landowners to identify and implement sustainable changes in land use practices that will have benefits to wildlife, habitats and river systems. As a land adviser you will utilise a variety of funding streams including the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, Environmental Land Management Scheme and Farming in Protected Landscapes grant to allow implementation of recommendations and deliver the dual purpose of protecting watercourses and habitats whilst also realising cost savings or efficiencies on the farm.

This exciting new post will form a pinnacle role within the newly formed land consultancy service which is being trialled by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. This new service will provide advice and guidance to farmers and landowners and will help to support and bolster existing project work.

You will need to be aware of the business and legislative implications of the advice you give. You will need to be aware of current UK legislation including SAFFO Regs, Farming Rules for Water, farming in NVZ’s and cross compliance. Clients may include: farmers, growers, landowners, and other agricultural businesses.

As a land advisor for HWT, you will be required to provide specialist advice on:

• environment and conservation
• regenerative agriculture
• sustainable agricultural practices
• grazing and livestock management
• nutrient management plans
• yard infrastructure
• waste management

Main Duties & Responsibilities

As part of your role you will be responsible for the day to day delivery of the Trusts Land Management Consultancy Service including but not limited to:

actively market and promote our land consultancy services to new customers across Herefordshire
network with farming community, utilising contacts to gain clients
manage other land advisors and support them with their learning and progression
carry out administrative duties, manage budgets and accounts, and report regularly to the line manager
visit clients to identify and evaluate their requirements, identifying and prioritising opportunities for improvements
write detailed whole farm plans

• identifying appropriate grant funding to support implementation of advice

assist clients with planning applications, government grant applications, legislative advice and new business ventures
collect and analyse data such as soil/water sampling
prepare or modify land management plans
organise presentations, workshops, demonstrations, training and farm walks for clients, colleagues, partnership organisations, professional bodies and other interested groups
communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with clients, colleagues and members of the public
write advisory leaflets, technical notes, press releases and articles
actively seek new clients whilst maintaining existing client relationships
research and keep up to date with any relevant developments in agriculture and conservation
liaise with partners and stakeholders and attend monthly farm group meetings

• Any other duties as reasonably required

Other duties


1. Undertake Health and Safety duties commensurate with the post and as detailed in the Trust's Health and Safety policy; and ensure any volunteers, trainees or 3rd parties do like-wise
2. Comply with all other organisational policies and relevant legislation e.g. Equal Opportunities – it being the responsibility of the post holder to make themselves aware of such items
3. Take advantage of formal and informal opportunities for personal and professional development, participate in appropriate training activities in consultation with your line manager
4. Cascade relevant skills and knowledge to relevant staff and volunteers
5. Encourage, develop and support Trust volunteer involvement in your work (Volunteers being recognised as a major resource that makes a vital contribution to the Trust)
6. Act as an ambassador for Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, constructing and maintaining positive relationships with volunteers, visitors and other organisations
7. Actively encourage those you with whom you come into professional contact to become members of HWT (all staff are regarded as membership recruiters)
8. Promote HWT through participation in HWT events, provision of ‘good news’ briefings for internal and external communications and engagement with the media
9. Undertake any other work that might be deemed necessary by HWT commensurate with the level of responsibility of this post. Work with the broader HWT team on any other activities that match your skills and abilities as agreed with your line-manager
Support and lead on other land based projects as and when required