Catchment Officer

About The Role

As a Catchment Officer, you’ll act as a coordinator and investigator—gathering data, uncovering issues, engaging communities, and creating momentum for change. Working within our Water, Land & Catchments Team, you’ll lead an ambitious programme of projects focused on river restoration, citizen science, and evidence-led environmental management.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate team, working predominantly within the Medway catchment, tackling some of the UK’s most urgent environmental challenges. This role sits alongside a Senior Catchment Officer to drive forward ambitious work across the region. We’ll support your development, amplify your impact, and help you thrive.

What you’ll be doing

As a Catchment Officer, you’ll be at the forefront of improving river health—connecting people, data, and action to create real change. Acting as both investigator and coordinator, you’ll uncover the issues affecting our rivers and work alongside communities and partners to develop practical, lasting solutions.

You’ll lead the development and delivery of impactful projects, from river restoration and research to citizen science and community engagement. Using data and insight, you’ll shape evidence-led approaches that drive measurable environmental improvements across the catchment.

A key part of your role will be bringing people together. You’ll lead Catchment Partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and empowering communities to play an active role in protecting their local rivers.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a motivated and knowledgeable individual with a passion for improving river environments and working with communities. You’ll bring:

• Strong understanding of river catchment management, ecology, hydrology, environmental science or stakeholder and community engagement.
• Experience in project development and delivery, ideally with nature-based solutions or citizen science.
• Confidence in collecting, analysing, and using environmental data.
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills.
• Ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Ability to work autonomously and proactively, taking ownership of tasks and driving work forward.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work across teams, support multiple projects simultaneously, and identify and bring together new opportunities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and wants to make a tangible impact on the health of our rivers and catchments.

Why work with us?

Join a purpose-driven organisation where your work will make a tangible difference to the health of rivers and the natural environment. As a Catchment Officer, you’ll play a key role in delivering impactful, evidence-led projects across predominantly the Medway catchment, helping restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, and empower communities through citizen science.

You’ll be part of a passionate, collaborative team that values innovation, initiative, and shared success. Working alongside experienced colleagues, including a Senior Catchment Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and deliver ambitious programmes while developing your own skills and expertise.

We offer a dynamic and supportive environment where no two days are the same—combining fieldwork, stakeholder engagement, and strategic project delivery. Alongside meaningful work, we are committed to your professional growth, providing opportunities to expand your knowledge, build networks, and progress your career.

If you’re motivated by real-world impact, enjoy working with diverse communities, and want to help drive positive environmental change, this is the place for you.

Site locations

The SERT region, covers the south east of England, extending from Hampshire in the west to Kent in the east, with the northern border being south of the Thames, extending down to the English Channel.

Our office is based in Leatherhead which you will be required to attend up to 4 times a month.

The amount of travel required depends on the role, and can be extensive. Most travel for an individual will be to work on project sites, which can be remote, or attending external meetings within the SERT region. The geographical range and frequency of travel is role dependent. Whilst the role is predominantly based in the Medway area, travel to work in other parts of the region may be required.

To support travel costs, SERT pays a mileage allowance for travel within the SERT region. We do not pay mileage, time or any other costs for travel outside the SERT region, nor for any commutes to the office. Toll charges and ULEZ cannot be claimed.

Interested?

Apply now, see the full job description for more information.

Catchment Officer JD

Application process

Closing date for applications: 28th June 2026, 11.59pm

• In person interviews (at our Leatherhead office) will be on: 15th July 2026
• We reserve the right to close this job advert early

For further information on the application process see our FAQ's