Vacancies

About BART

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is an environmental charity dedicated to restoring, reconnecting and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment.

Our strategic plan, Vision of a Healthy River, is structured around three core priorities:

• Climate resilience
• Biodiversity recovery
• Community engagement

As BART grows in scale and influence – delivering complex restoration programmes, developing citizen science networks, and operating through our trading subsidiary (BART River Services Ltd) – robust governance and proportionate risk management are increasingly critical.

Purpose of the Role

The Trustee (Legal Expertise) will strengthen the Board’s oversight of legal risk, governance compliance, and strategic decision-making as BART expands its delivery and partnerships.

This is a governance role. The Trustee will not act as BART’s retained solicitor but will:

• Support the Board in identifying and managing legal risk
• Provide strategic input on complex agreements and structures
• Help ensure compliance with charity and company law obligations
• Support sound, proportionate governance as the organisation grows

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will:

• Fulfil the legal duties of a charity trustee under Charity Commission and company law
• Contribute to strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Ensure BART operates in line with its charitable objectives
• Support oversight of financial health and risk management
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and its beneficiaries

In addition, the Trustee with legal expertise will:

• Provide strategic guidance on:
  • Partnership agreements and MOUs
  • Commercial contracts and procurement
  • Employment and HR compliance
  • Land access and restoration agreements
  • Trading subsidiary governance
  • Data protection and regulatory compliance
• Help the Board determine when external legal advice is required
• Contribute to the Finance & Risk Committee (or equivalent sub-committee)

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified solicitor or barrister (current or former practising certificate)
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to interpret and explain legal risk in clear, practical terms
• Strategic mindset with the ability to operate at Board level
• Commitment to environmental restoration and public benefit

Desirable

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Charity law
• Environmental or planning law
• Commercial and contract law
• Employment law
• Public sector contracting
• Land agreements or conservation covenants
• Governance of trading subsidiaries

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year
• Participation in relevant sub-committees
• Occasional ad hoc strategic input between meetings

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Strategic Importance of the Role

Over the next 3–5 years, BART anticipates:

• Increased delivery of capital river restoration projects
• Greater engagement in development and planning contexts
• Expanded citizen science and community programmes
• Growth in commercial activity via BART River Services Ltd
• More formalised multi-agency partnerships

Legal expertise at Board level will ensure that growth is matched with strong governance, proportionate risk management, and organisational resilience.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

BART is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We actively welcome applications from individuals who bring varied backgrounds, lived experience, and perspectives.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please see more information below:

Becoming a Trustee – Legal

Trustee Declaration Form

Please send applications to simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org

Farm Advisor – Farming, Water Quality & Catchment Recovery

Location: Hybrid working – home and BART’s Bristol office, with regular travel throughout the Bristol Avon catchment
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £29,612- £37,000 (depending on experience) + 9% employer pension contribution
Closing date: midnight Sunday 8^th November 2026

 

Help farmers deliver healthier rivers and a more resilient farmed landscape.

Do you have strong agricultural knowledge, experience of working with farmers, and a passion for finding practical solutions that benefit both farm businesses and the environment?

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Farm Advisor to join our growing team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering practical, landscape-scale action across the Bristol Avon catchment. You will work with farmers and landowners to improve soil and water quality, enhance biodiversity and increase farm resilience through nature based solutions. The role combines practical farm advice, farmer engagement, project development and delivery, alongside an important role in bringing farmers together to develop collaborative action at a landscape scale.

You will help develop and facilitate Farm Clusters, organise farm events, talks and workshops, and build trusted relationships across farming communities.

A key part of the role will be supporting delivery of BART’s Upstream Thinking programme with Bristol Water and other partners, helping to protect drinking water quality at source through targeted action with farmers and landowners.

About BART

BART is an independent environmental charity working to restore and protect the rivers and landscapes of the Bristol Avon catchment.

We work at a catchment scale, bringing together farmers, landowners, communities, businesses, water companies, local authorities, statutory organisations and other partners to deliver practical action for healthy rivers.

Our work spans river restoration, water quality, sustainable farming, natural flood management, nature-based solutions, community engagement and landscape-scale nature recovery. Our work includes design and delivery of river and catchment initiatives alongside community engagement, and school education programmes.

BART is entering an exciting period of growth, increasing our capacity and the scale and impact of our work with farmers and landowners across the catchment.

About the role

As Farm Advisor, you will be a key member of BART’s catchment resilience and land management programme.

You will work directly with farmers and landowners to understand their businesses, identify environmental risks and opportunities, and develop practical, achievable solutions that improve water quality and deliver wider environmental benefits.

A strong understanding of the commercial realities of farming will be important. We are looking for someone who can provide credible environmental advice while recognising that recommendations need to be practical, affordable and workable within individual farm businesses.

You will also help develop collaborative approaches across whole farm clusters and landscapes, bringing farmers together to share knowledge, explore opportunities and develop collective action.

Your work will include:

• Undertaking farm advice visits and assessments, identifying sources and pathways of runoff, sediment, nutrients and other pollutants, and developing practical recommendations and Farm Plans.
• Working with farmers to identify opportunities to optimise land, soil and livestock management to increase the sustainability of the farm.
• Developing practical advice that supports both farm business objectives and environmental outcomes.
• Identifying and developing opportunities for nature-based solutions, habitat creation, natural flood management and wider landscape recovery on farms.
• Developing and facilitating Farm Clusters, bringing farmers together to identify shared challenges, exchange knowledge and develop collaborative projects.
• Planning and delivering farm events, workshops, talks, demonstrations and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Building trusted, long-term relationships with farmers and landowners and supporting them to identify and access appropriate funding, advice and support.
• Playing a key role in delivering BART’s Upstream Thinking programme with Bristol Water and partners, translating catchment priorities into practical action on farms to protect drinking water quality.
• Supporting the development and delivery of wider BART farming, water quality and catchment programmes.
• Identifying opportunities for new projects and investment, and helping turn farmer and catchment needs into practical, funded delivery.
• Working collaboratively with organisations including South West Water, Bristol Water, the Environment Agency, Natural England, farming organisations, local authorities and other conservation partners.
• Monitoring and reporting on project progress, outputs and outcomes, ensuring projects are delivered effectively, to agreed timescales and within budget.
• Producing clear farm advice reports, Farm Plans, project reports and other technical and project documentation.
• Signposting farmers and landowners to relevant funding schemes, grants and specialist advice.
• Using GIS and spatial information, where appropriate, to help identify and target environmental risks, opportunities and investment.
• Helping to develop innovative approaches, practical trials and demonstration projects that show what can be achieved through collaborative working with farmers.

What a typical week might look like

No two weeks will be the same. You might:

• Visit a farm to assess soil, runoff and water quality risks and develop a practical action plan with the farmer.
• Meet with a group of farmers to develop a new Farm Cluster and identify opportunities for collaborative action.
• Organise and deliver a workshop on soil health, nutrient management or water quality.
• Work with Bristol Water colleagues to identify priorities for Upstream Thinking delivery.
• Map environmental risks and opportunities across a priority catchment.
• Develop a proposal to secure funding for a package of farm interventions.
• Work with a farmer and project partners to deliver nature-based solutions or pollution-reduction measures.
• Prepare a farm advice report or project update and contribute to wider BART programme development.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience

• Good knowledge and understanding of agricultural practices and farm businesses, and their relationship with water quality, soils, biodiversity and the wider environment.
• Relevant degree, or equivalent qualification, or substantial relevant professional experience in agriculture, farming or land management.
• Experience of working directly with farmers and/or landowners in an advisory, conservation or land management context.

• Understanding of agroecology, regenerative and organic farming, as well as conventional farming systems.

• Understanding of the impacts of agricultural runoff, sediment, nutrients and other diffuse pollution on rivers and freshwater ecosystems.
• Experience of translating technical environmental or agricultural issues into practical and achievable advice for farmers.
• An understanding of the commercial realities of farming and the ability to develop recommendations that work alongside farm business objectives.
• Experience of developing and maintaining strong relationships with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• A collaborative and diplomatic approach, with the confidence to facilitate discussions and bring people together around shared objectives.
• Experience of delivering environmental or land management projects from development through to delivery and reporting.
• Good project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• Experience of planning and delivering meetings, workshops, events or training sessions.
• Understanding of relevant agricultural and environmental regulation and good practice.

• Knowledge or experience of Natural Flood Management, Nature-Based Solutions or landscape-scale nature recovery.
• Ability to identify opportunities, develop practical solutions and use initiative.

• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear reports and project documentation.
• Good IT skills and confidence using standard office software.
• Understanding of health and safety, risk assessment and lone-working procedures.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle suitable for work across the catchment, with appropriate business-use insurance.

Desirable knowledge and experience

• BASIS Soil and Water qualification.
• FACTS qualification.
• Experience of providing advice on nutrient management, soil health or agricultural inputs.

• Experience of working with Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Land Management schemes or other agri-environment funding.
• Practical farm management experience
• Experience of developing or facilitating Farm Cluster Groups.

• Knowledge of the Bristol Avon catchment and its farming communities.
• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems and catchment management.
• Experience of working with water companies, particularly around drinking water quality or catchment management.
• Experience of using GIS and spatial data to inform advice or project delivery.
• Experience of securing funding or contributing to successful funding applications.

What we can offer you

BART is a growing organisation with an ambitious programme of work across the Bristol Avon catchment. You will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference to rivers and the farmed landscape while working alongside a committed and expanding team.

We offer:

• 37.5-hour working week, with flexible working arrangements. We are open to considering part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
• Hybrid working, with home and Bristol office-based working and regular travel throughout the Bristol Avon catchment.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• 9% employer pension contribution through the River Trust Pension Scheme, subject to eligibility.
• Flexible working and TOIL for occasional evening and weekend work.
• 55p per mile mileage reimbursement and reasonable business expenses.
• Opportunities for professional development and relevant training.
• The opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of farming, water quality, nature recovery and catchment-scale projects.
• The opportunity to work closely with farmers and landowners and see practical environmental improvements delivered on the ground.
• The chance to play a key role in an ambitious programme of catchment recovery across the Bristol Avon.
• We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The person

We are looking for someone who is practical, approachable, knowledgeable and passionate about farming and the environment.

You will be someone who enjoys being out on farms, talking to farmers and finding solutions. You will be confident working independently but equally comfortable collaborating with colleagues, farmers and partners.

Most importantly, you will be able to build trust. Our work depends on developing long-term relationships with farmers and landowners and supporting them to make changes that deliver genuine benefits for their businesses, their land and the wider catchment.

If you are excited by the opportunity to combine farming, conservation, farmer engagement and landscape-scale river recovery, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit:

• Your CV; and
• A one-page covering letter explaining your interest in the role, your relevant experience and what you could bring to BART.

Applications should be sent to:

Lauren Dunphy, Trust Administrator
info@bristolavonriverstrust.org

We look forward to hearing from you.

Project Assistant

Location of job: Hybrid working – home and Bristol office based, with regular travel throughout the Bristol Avon catchment.

Post holder reports to: Catchment Restoration Project Manager

River Engagement Officer Salary: £26,709 –  per annum (9% employer pension contribution)

Position type: permanent position

Working arrangements: Full-time role (37.5 hours per week) with a flexible working approach. 25 days Annual Leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 25th October 2026. Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if a high volume of applications is received. We encourage early application.

 

Help us restore rivers, restore nature and make a difference

Do you have a passion for rivers and nature conservation? Are you looking for a varied role where you can get outdoors, work with communities and help deliver practical action for our rivers?

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Project Assistant to join our growing team.

BART is an ambitious environmental charity working across the Bristol Avon catchment to restore rivers and create healthier landscapes for people and wildlife. Our growing pipeline of projects means we are looking for someone who wants to play a hands-on role in delivering positive change across the catchment.

This is a varied role, offering the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects. No two weeks are likely to be the same. You could be carrying out a river survey in the morning, helping deliver habitat restoration in the afternoon and leading a volunteer river clean at the weekend.

Working alongside experienced project staff, you will support projects spanning river restoration, natural flood management, water quality, fisheries, land management, community engagement, education and citizen science.

You will have opportunities to develop your skills and experience across a broad range of conservation activities, with responsibility increasing as your confidence and experience grow.

What you’ll be doing

The role will involve a mixture of field-based, project and community work, including:

• Carrying out catchment and river surveys, including ecological, water quality, fisheries and Natural Flood Management surveys, with support from senior staff.
• Supporting the delivery of practical river and habitat restoration projects.
• Working with landowners, farmers, volunteers, schools, community groups and other partners.
• Organising and delivering community activities, events, workshops and river cleans.
• Supporting citizen science and education activities.
• Helping deliver land management and nature recovery projects.
• Developing maps, survey materials and other project resources using GIS and mapping tools.
• Supporting desktop research and contributing to project reports.
• Recruiting, supporting and mentoring volunteers.
• Helping identify funding opportunities and prepare applications for smaller projects.
• Representing BART positively with partners, communities and the public.
• Providing project and administrative support to senior members of the team.

About you

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about nature and wants to make a practical contribution to improving the health of our rivers.

You don’t need to know everything about rivers or their restoration. What matters most is your passion, curiosity, willingness to learn and ability to work positively with people.

You will need:

• A genuine passion for nature conservation and an understanding of the environmental pressures facing our rivers.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline, such as river restoration, freshwater ecology, hydrology or the wider water sector.
• The confidence to work with a wide range of people, including landowners, volunteers, schools, community groups and partner organisations.
• The ability to organise and lead elements of projects, surveys or group activities.
• An interest in environmental fieldwork and the ability to undertake walkover surveys safely and effectively.
• Experience of GIS or other mapping tools.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate with different audiences.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently, use your initiative and solve problems.
• A willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety and following agreed procedures.
• The ability to manage small budgets and demonstrate good value for money.
• A willingness to undertake relevant training and develop new skills.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance.

It would be great if you also have

• Knowledge of the Bristol Avon catchment.
• Experience of environmental surveying, such as habitat, water quality or land management surveys.
• Experience of organising or managing volunteers or community groups.
• Experience working for a charity or within the public or voluntary sector.

We are particularly interested in people who can demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. If you don’t meet every desirable criterion but believe you have the skills, attitude and passion to make a difference, we would still encourage you to apply.

What we offer

You will join a growing, ambitious and collaborative team working on practical projects that make a real difference for rivers, wildlife and local communities.

The role provides the opportunity to develop a broad range of conservation and project management skills, working alongside experienced colleagues across the Bristol Avon catchment.

As your skills and experience develop, there will be opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and contribute to the Trust’s growing programme of work.

Where you’ll work

The role is hybrid, with a blend of office work and home working with regular travel to a variety of locations, throughout the Bristol Avon catchment.

The work is varied and will involve time outdoors, including occasional full-day walkover surveys and practical river restoration activities in all weather conditions. You will need to be physically fit enough to undertake this type of fieldwork safely.

Some evening, weekend and public holiday work will occasionally be required to support community activities, events and project delivery.

We are committed to working in an environmentally responsible way and expect all staff to consider sustainability, resource efficiency and value for money in their work.

How to apply

Please send us:

• A CV
• A one-page covering letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and what you could bring to BART.

Applications should be sent to:

Lauren Dunphy, Trust Administrator
info@bristolavonriverstrust.org

Please note that, due to limited resources, we will only contact candidates who are invited to interview.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust. We look forward to hearing from you.