Trustee – Finance Director

 

In light of our recent growth and the exciting challenges ahead, we are seeking to recruit a new trustee to serve as Finance Director for the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust. This individual will work closely with the CEO and oversee the Finance Officer, ensuring robust financial governance, managing financial risks, and providing appropriate board oversight. As we continue to expand our work, we aim to remain proactive in shaping developments within our sector.

 

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust operates as a charity, governed by a board of Trustees who also serve as Directors of the Company. Our Trustees hold ultimate accountability for BART’s fulfilment of its public purpose through the achievement of its charitable objectives. Currently, we have five trustees, with one chairing the trust and another serving as Company Secretary.

 

When selecting trustees, we seek individuals who are passionate about rivers and wetlands and bring relevant expertise to the board. Our trustees play a crucial role in all aspects of our work, volunteering their time to provide the necessary skills and experience for strategic development, risk management, and decision-making on trust policies.

 

We are particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds or experience in the following areas:

• Qualified chartered accountant or financial qualifications and expertise
• Some exposure to charity finance, fundraising, and pension schemes
• Experience with the audit process, including the procurement and management of service providers in this area
• Ability to analyse proposals and assess their financial implications
• Willingness to challenge and present unpopular recommendations to the board
• Availability to offer advice and respond to inquiries from staff on an ad hoc basis

 

If the described role aligns with your interests and expertise, we encourage you to explore more detailed information in the BART Trustees Recruitment Pack and declaration form below.

 

For any questions or to discuss the role further, please feel free to reach out to us at info@bristolavonriverstrust.org  and we will arrange a convenient time for a discussion.

Head of River Recovery

 

Role Summary:             

Salary:                            £42,000 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on experience) +9 % employers pension contribution

Location:                       Home based and across the Bristol Avon catchment

Hours:                            Full Time, 40 hours per week.

                                        Flexibility required (some evening & weekend work)

Contract:                       Permanent

Closing date:                Midnight Sunday 22nd September 2024

Contact name:              Simon Hunter

Contact email:              simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org

 

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.

 

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 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.
• Demonstrable experience in effective leadership, with a proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate colleagues.
• 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.
• Ability to work from home, throughout the Bristol Avon catchment, and out on site.
• 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 22^nd September 2024

 

Interviews

Interviews will be held in person in the Bristol Avon catchment (location TBC).

 

How to Apply

To apply please email a copy of your CV and Covering Letter to simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org 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: info@bristolavonriverstrust.org  and we will arrange a convenient time for a discussion.

 

Catchment Restoration Manager – River & Floodplain Restoration Lead

 

Organisation:	Bristol Avon Rivers Trust
Salary:	C£33,500 – £37,100 dependant on experience + 9% employers pension contribution
Location:	Bristol Avon catchment
Hours:	Full Time, 40 hours per week. Flexibility required (some evening & weekend work)
Contract:	Permanent
Closing date:	Applications by midnight Friday 6th September2024
Website:	www.bristolavonriverstrust.org
Contact name:	Simon Hunter
Contact email:	simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org

 

Overview

 

This is an exciting opportunity to create, manage and deliver a range of projects that focus on nature’s recovery within the Bristol Avon catchment.

 

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust’s (BART) has grown its pipeline of projects significantly over the last year and as such the trust is looking to expand its project management capacity, through the recruitment of a Catchment Restoration Manager.

 

About Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)

 

Founded in 2012, the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is a charity that was established 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,’ which considers 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 wellbeing of our waterways. In 2012, a group of like-minded individuals began to realize their vision for the Bristol Avon’s rivers, setting the stage for what BART has become today. Now, with 15 employees and an annual turnover of around £1 million, we manage multi-year projects funded by a wide range of supporters, all aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and health of the Bristol Avon catchment.

 

We collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders—including landowners, local communities, businesses, farmers, and water companies—to safeguard and rejuvenate our rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal areas. This holistic stewardship benefits not only wildlife and the local economy but also people. Protecting our rivers can help farmers save money, lower costs for water companies, boost tourism, reduce the necessity for dredging estuaries, and enhance public health.

 

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 weathering these challenges.

 

The successful post holder will join a growing and ambitious team to deliver a wide array of multi-benefit projects aimed at protecting and improving the health of the rivers throughout the Bristol Avon catchment.

 

The Role

 

The Catchment Restoration Manager will oversee and manage a variety of projects aimed at enhancing the health of our rivers for the benefit of both nature and people. This will be achieved through the operational delivery of projects in riparian and river habitats to improve and protect native species and ecosystems. Using best practice, evidence-based methods, you will complete current projects and engage in diverse tasks such as conducting catchment field surveys (ecological, water quality, Natural Flood Management, and Nature-Based Solutions), developing projects, and managing the delivery of river restoration, Natural Flood Management and nature-based solution schemes.

 

The post holder will support the Heads of Department and Chief Executive Officer in ensuring funding compliance and reporting to all relevant funders and partners. Additionally, they will scope new projects and collaborate with the Heads of Department to write funding applications, securing a pipeline of future projects.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

• Delivery and oversight of a range of catchment restoration projects, including river restoration, wetland creation and Natural Flood Management schemes.
• Manage project resources, budget and schedule, including recordkeeping.
• Work with the Heads of Department to ensure project costs are in line with overall project budgets and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.
• Provide line management to Project Officers and Project Assistants and actively promote the Vision, Mission and work of the Trust.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to support junior staff including line reports, in developing their technical skillsets.
• Create Project delivery plans and communicate this to internal and external audiences.
• Identify project risks and build mitigation for these into the delivery plan. Same for communications plans and budget.
• Scope tender documents and requests for quotation, including for technical aspects of work which may require input from colleagues within the Trust.
• Management of suppliers, contractors within CDM Framework.
• Identify and communicate with stakeholders necessary to secure permissions/ permits necessary to ensure successful delivery.
• Preparation and submission of applications to obtain consents to deliver work on the ground (including Environment Agency Permits, Landowner Agreements and Planning applications).
• Work with and coordinate a team of conservation professionals and volunteer network. across a variety of projects.
• Maintain and grow the Trust’s partnerships, with stakeholders, delivery partners and landowners.
• Contribute and in some instances, lead on the production of publicity and marketing materials.
• You may be required to carry out other duties and tasks as required from time to time for the efficient operation of the Trust.

 

Candidate Profile

 

Essential

• Passion for nature conservation, with an excellent knowledge of UK river species

and habitats and aware of the environmental issues impacting our rivers.

• You will have experience in delivering projects in the environmental, water or conservational sector (for example hydrology, engineering, fisheries science, or geomorphology).
• Environmental surveying experience (habitat surveys, water quality, land management etc.).
• Excellent project management skills, demonstrated through having managed multiple projects, contractors and procurement.
• A confident and clear communicator working with a variety of stakeholders and groups.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and decisive with an ability to follow your own initiative.
• Effective collaborator able to be a proactive and supportive member of the team.
• Confidence to engage and build relationships across organisations with differing objectives and priorities.
• Excellent literacy, computer, numeracy and report-writing skills.
• Full UK driving license and access to vehicle with full business insurance cover.

 

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Bristol Avon Catchment.
• Experience in overseeing environmental improvement projects, in particular River Restoration, Natural Flood Management or Nature-Based Solutions including wetlands.
• Experience of working for a small organisation and the public or voluntary sectors.
• Working knowledge of GIS data systems such as ArcGIS.
• Practical river restoration experience.
• Proven track record of securing new business.
• Experience in the management and coordination of staff and volunteers.
• Association of a relevant Professional Body and/or Educating Organisation demonstrating continuous professional improvement.

 

 

General Notes

• The position will be working from home with travel around the Bristol Avon Catchment.
• This position will from time to time require work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post.
• You will need to be physically fit as the position will require occasional full day walkover surveys and implementation of river restoration in all weather conditions.
• We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner, ensuring as little damage to the environment as possible.
• Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.
• You will be expected to apply ‘sound value for money’ principles and follow procurement guidelines in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

 

 

Interested parties should submit a CV and a one page covering letter explaining why you would perform well in this role and what you could bring to BART. These should be sent to: simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org

 

Interviews for this post will take place in the Bristol Avon catchment during w/c 16^th September 2024.

 

Please note, due to limited resources you will only be contacted should you be successful in gaining an interview. We would like to thank you for your interest in this position.

 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a role with the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust.