Farm Environment Adviser

Overview

FWAG SW provides environmental advice to farmers on a wide range of agricultural, conservation
and soil and water management issues. We are seeking applicants for the post of Farm
Environment Adviser to join the Gloucestershire team. The post will have responsibilities to
provide advice in a whole-farm context considering habitat and species conservation, diffuse
pollution mitigation, soil management, nutrient management, compliance to legislation and
regulation, protection of archaeological features and landscape value – all as part of a
profitable farm business.

The post will include the delivery of high-quality environmental advice to farmers through
one-to-one farm visits, reports, events and workshops, plus the preparation of reports and news
articles for FWAG farmer members. As well as providing advice, the successful applicant will
contribute to the delivery and outputs of existing projects, and, where appropriate, project
management, partnership working and the development of new projects, with support from managers
and colleagues. The successful applicant will be line managed by a Senior Farm Environment
Adviser and will be supported by other experienced Advisers.

FWAG SouthWest are seeking someone with a passion for food, farming and the environment. With
growing demand for services to provide advice to farmers on agroecological practices, whether
this is to reduce agricultural diffuse pollution, part of adopting a regenerative farming
system, delivery of the public goods policy agenda or part of supply-chain initiatives, we are
looking for applicants who can bring their own specialisms and experience to strengthen our
team. We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds within the sector, whether that
is environment and wildlife, soils, nutrients, farm infrastructure, farm management, cropping,
livestock, or Integrated Pest Management.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who meet the essential criteria for
this role, as stated in the Person Specification. We are an open and inclusive organisation
seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce.

Main purpose of the role and key responsibilities

The Farm Environment Adviser is expected to:

• Co-ordinate and undertake the delivery of independent, objective and professional advice on
  land related environmental matters to farmers, landowners and land managers throughout
  Gloucestershire and occasionally within the wider South West region when required.
• Work independently and provide whole-farm advice to farmers on agroecological practices,
  environmental management and water and air pollution mitigation, dependent on skills and
  experience.
• Prepare grant applications, including Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside
  Stewardship, and other sources of funding for farmers.
• Write farm reports and management plans to support assurance scheme, supply chain
  requirements or business transition to adopt agroecological practices and the delivery of
  public goods.
• Assist with the delivery of Gloucestershire- based projects.
• Form part of the FWAG SW team delivering advice through DEFRA’s Farm and Land Management
  Advice Framework.
• Organise and run farm walks and workshops and other events with our membership team, or as
  part of farmer groups.
• Promote management of the environment for the provision of public goods using regenerative
  and agroecological practices to farmers, communities and public bodies in the rural community.
• Establish themselves within the local farming and land-owning community in Gloucestershire
  as a point of contact for advice and assistance on conservation and environmental improvement.
• Develop project ideas and prepare funding applications with support from senior colleagues.
• Attend partnership meetings to represent FWAG SW in Gloucestershire and build relationships
  that enhance delivery of FWAG SW’s objectives.
• Promote FWAG SW membership to farmer clients and others.
• Understand the administration and reporting requirements of projects/contracts and fulfil
  those requirements. Where applicable, assist the admin team with the preparation of project
  claims and invoicing.
• Develop their own technical specialisms in agricultural and environmental practices to
  support delivery of advice for clients and supporting colleagues as part of a
  multi-disciplinary team.
• Assist colleagues and undertake such other duties that FWAG SW require and attend
  appropriate training courses and seminars approved or organised by FWAG SouthWest.

Additional information

• Our working hours are 37.5 hours per week, but applications from those looking
  for a minimum of 30 hours per week will also be considered
• 25 days annual leave, rising by a day a year with service, up to 30 days, plus public
  holidays, plus the opportunity to buy more or sell annual leave

Other benefits

• Company pension after 3 months (employer contribution 4%, employee contribution 4%) with
  salary sacrifice applicable, subject to the applicant meeting scheme requirements
• Employee wellbeing scheme
• Flexible working and TOIL for all employees
• Paid subscription to relevant professional bodies suited to the post (and agreed with line
  manager)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Outdoor clothing allowance/company branded outdoor clothing