Head of River Recovery

Role Summary:

Hours: Full Time, 40 hours per week.
Flexibility required (some evening & weekend work)
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 22nd September 2024
Contact name: Simon Hunter
Contact email: [email protected]

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)

Founded in 2012, the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) was created to restore and protect the
rivers of the Bristol Avon. Our work is deeply rooted in using the best available evidence and
is guided by an ‘ecosystems approach.’ This approach means we consider the health and function
of the entire catchment area, not just the rivers themselves.

BART is a grassroots organisation, born from the collective passion and concern of individuals
dedicated to the health of our waterways. Now, with 15 employees and an annual turnover of
around £1 million, we manage projects funded by a wide range of benefactors, all aimed at
restoring and enhancing the natural beauty and health of the Bristol Avon catchment.

We collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders—including landowners, local communities,
businesses, farmers, and water companies. This holistic stewardship benefits not only wildlife
and the local economy but also generates good quality blue spaces for people to enjoy.

In the face of the climate emergency and ecological crisis, our mission has never been more
urgent. Building resilience within the Bristol Avon catchment is crucial to adapting to these
challenges.

The Role

Our mission is to deliver a “Clear future our river”. To support our mission, we are seeking an
innovative, experienced, and flexible individual to lead our River Recovery Team in restoring
the region’s rivers.

As the Head of River Recovery, you will be responsible for developing, designing, coordinating
and overseeing all aspects of River Restoration, Nature-Based Solutions, and Natural Flood
Management.

We’re seeking someone with excellent technical knowledge, a strategic approach, and a proven
ability to motivate a team. You will lead the Trust’s River Recovery Team (currently 7 staff)
ranging from early-career professionals to seasoned experts, and work closely with
stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, community groups, and other
environmental charities.

As a Head of Department, you will provide leadership for your team and develop and implement
strategies in line with the Trust’s charitable objectives and plan. As a member of the Trust’s
Management Team, your role will be pivotal in the effective management of the organisation,
working collaboratively across all teams.

Key duties:

• Lead and manage the River Recovery Project Team, ensuring a positive and productive work
  culture is developed and maintained.
• Manage a programme of projects, receiving reports from several project managers, ensuring
  that project deliverables are met and delivered on time.
• Effective project management of complex projects which are managed directly.
• Act as an ambassador for the team and Trust with external partners and collaborate with a
  wide range of partners and stakeholder groups.
• Responsible for the effective line management and performance of staff in the team which is
  underpinned by following the Trust procedures, including managing capability, performance and
  disciplinary processes.
• Prepare monthly project financial and resource reports for Senior Management Meetings.
• Develop strategies, plans, and tactics to meet BART’s wider strategic goals.
• Encourage innovation and stay abreast of developments in the field, exploring new
  technologies, methods, and best practices.
• Secure project funding for river restoration and nature-based solution activities
• Identify and mitigate risks that could impact the department’s operations or the
  organisation as a whole.
• Ensure the implementation, active management, and monitoring of effective health and safety
  systems and procedures within the team, supported by the H&S Manager.
• Ensure the team’s work meets quality standards and regulatory requirements, implementing
  processes for continuous improvement.
• Work in partnership with the peer Head of Department and provide effective leadership,
  mentorship and guidance for their team, bringing together team aspirations, ideas and
  opportunities.
• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post and grade as may be assigned.

Person specification:

• Maintain a professional approach, providing a level-headed and consistent tone and working
  environment.
• Be a team player, collaborating with other Team members to address problems jointly.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and collaboration, inspiring the team to tackle challenges.
• Foster a listening and inclusive environment, encouraging comments and engagement from all
  team members.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation and relationship building skills
• Show ambition, striving to achieve the best outcomes for yourself, your team, and your
  projects.
• Exhibit tenacity, working diligently to tackle key long-term issues.
• Ability to work from home, throughout the Bristol Avon catchment, and out on site. 

Skills & Knowledge:

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of all aspects of river catchment conservation,
  including river survey techniques, river restoration methods and river ecology.
• Demonstrable experience in effective leadership, with a proven ability to lead, develop,
  and motivate colleagues.
• Demonstrable experience in managing a complex programme of projects, direct project
  management, project planning and design.
• Proven ability to in manage risk and resources effectively, including budget management.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Experience in writing successful bids and identifying bid opportunities.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for a wide range of audiences, including
  internal and external partners, contractors, and community interest groups.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Your own means of transport and a clean driving license to attend various sites and
  meetings across the Bristol Avon catchment.

Qualifications/Membership

• A degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, or a related field. A higher degree
  would be an asset but is not essential.
• At least 5 years of experience in river restoration or a related field.
• Management or leadership experience.

Closing date

The closing date for applications for this role is midnight Sunday 22nd September
2024

Interviews

Interviews will be held in person w/c 30th Sept in the Bristol Avon catchment (location TBC).

How to Apply

To apply please email a copy of your CV and Covering Letter to [email protected] addressing how
you meet the criteria set out in the job advert, by the closing date. We look forward to
receiving your application.

If you would like an informal conversation about this role, or if you would like more
information, please contact us at: [email protected] and we will
arrange a convenient time for a discussion.