Job Description

Role Title:

Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser (CSFA)

Employer:

North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster CIC (NECFC)

Location:

North East Cotswolds, including Chipping Norton and surrounding areas

Contract Type:

Full-time

Salary:

30,000.00-34,000.00pa (DOE)

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Role Description

This role is a partnership between Natural England and the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster CIC (NECFC), bringing together national expertise and local delivery to support sustainable agriculture, nature recovery, and farm-scale environmental improvements across the North East Cotswolds.

The successful applicant will work as a Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser (CSFA), supporting farmers and landowners to improve water and air quality, adopt sustainable land management practices, and access funding through Government schemes.

Natural England (NE) delivers Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) in partnership with Defra, the Environment Agency, and the Forestry Commission as part of NE's farm advice service. CSF operates through a network of Catchment Sensitive Farming Advisers (CSFAs) and local partners in each priority catchment. CSF delivers Defra's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) ambitions for water quality, air quality (ammonia), and sustainable water management through nature-based solutions, contributing significantly to nature recovery by helping farmers take action.

The North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster (NECFC) has grown over the past years, now including over 160 farms and land holdings across the North East Cotswolds. These farms share a vision of leading a landscape-scale regeneration of the farmed environment, developing local food networks, and ensuring collaboration, knowledge exchange, and meaningful action. NECFC also supports the Cherwell Farming Cluster, a dynamic environmental group committed to sustainable land management and water quality protection within designated catchment areas.

This is a full-time employed position with the North East Cotswold Farmer Cluster CIC (NECFC), currently delivered in partnership with Natural England's Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) programme. While the role is initially focused on CSF delivery, there is strong potential for it to evolve over time, supporting the NECFC's wider portfolio of work, such as Landscape Recovery, additional farmer clusters, and other emerging areas of environmental interest. With this in mind, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who have a background in ecology, environmental science, or a strong interest in developing expertise in these areas alongside the essential agricultural knowledge and extension skills as part of a collaborative and progressive team.

Key Responsibilities

Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser (CSFA):

Evaluate and understand environmental priorities for CSF within the specified catchment(s) using national data validated locally. Work in priority areas to develop and lead specific CSF training, information, and advice campaigns for farmers and landowners. Provide advice on-farm, and organise and deliver, with the support of specialists, further advice, group events, and workshops. Secure agreement and ownership in the priority area on key pollution issues and solutions. Support farmers and landowners to take action and adopt new practices. Communicate, advocate, and promote CSF activity internally with Natural England colleagues and externally with farmers, land managers, and partners. Work with Natural England colleagues and partners--such as land management advisers, the Environment Agency, water companies, and catchment partnerships--to deliver a joined-up approach. Deliver support using a range of tools including specialist training, advice (own or procured), and incentives such as Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes. Support applications on priority farms for water and air quality improvements. Advise on suitable land management options and/or capital items, approve CS Capital Grants and advise on water/air quality measures in Higher Tier applications. Offer general advice on other agri-environment options such as those addressing biodiversity and/or signpost applicants to additional advice where targeting overlaps. Work with the Environmental Contracted Services (ECS) Contract Manager to support group events and farm advice. Conduct quality control to agreed standards and timelines. Record interactions and advice given. Monitor the effectiveness of engagement with farmers and landowners. Understand the relevant Diffuse Water Pollution Plan(s) and Shared Nitrogen Action Plan(s) and integrate these into CSF planning and activity. Report CSF delivery and completed milestones to the CSF Partnerships team for monitoring and support.

Person Specification

Ability to communicate effectively and build trusted relationships with farmers and landowners, supporting them to identify and implement solutions that enhance the natural environment. Essential A good level of agricultural knowledge, particularly relating to water and air pollution. Essential An academic or practical background in ecology, environmental science, or conservation is desirable but not essential. We also welcome applicants with a strong interest in these areas and a willingness to develop their knowledge as part of the role. Desirable Project and contract management experience - Desirable Understanding of agri-environment schemes such as Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive. Desirable Basic GIS skills (e.g. ArcGIS, LandApp) are an advantage. Desirable Ability to assess farming practices and recommend suitable interventions to reduce water and air pollution. Essential

Additional Information

Site Visits and Partnership Working:

Regular farm visits and stakeholder engagement required. Some national travel and occasional overnight stays may be needed.

Support and Training:

Supported by our current CSFA, Manager at NECFC and Contract Manager within Natural England. Access to national support tools, evidence resources, and services via the CSF Evidence Team.

Flexible Working:

Flexible working patterns are supported to promote a good work/life balance.

Other:

Full UK driving licence and access to a car required. Mileage paid at 0.45/mile. The role includes remote working, regular farm visits, and attending events . Expectation to meet weekly in a centrally located North East Cotswolds hotdesking space.
This role would suit someone with an ecological background or a strong interest in the natural environment, who is passionate about sustainable agriculture and landscape-scale recovery.

Both Natural England and NECFC teams are inclusive, motivated, and ambitious to achieve results for our environment. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role criteria.

This role will remain advertised until a suitable number of strong applications have been received. We encourage early applications and are hopeful for a start date in July or before.*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-34,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Flexitime
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence & Vehicle (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 25/07/2025