HomeWessex WaterEarly careersTechnical apprenticeshipsCatchment delivery adviser apprenticeship

About the catchment services delivery team

The catchment services delivery team works to improve water quality upstream of drinking water sources and downstream of water recycling centres.

The team aims to make improvements by delivering nature-based alternatives or sustainable solutions that blend with traditional built assets.

Vital in our ambition to become carbon neutral, these improvements are delivered by engaging with those working in the agricultural sector and involve providing advice and introducing measures to reduce pollution.

This apprenticeship is an exciting and innovative role and will contribute to our ambition of delivering sustainable and natural solutions to water quality problems as we work towards carbon neutrality.

What will you be doing?

You will be working with farmers and growers to provide technical advice and in-field soil and water data to help them optimise nutrient and pesticide usage.

This will involve:

  • representing Wessex Water and its priorities to farmers
  • meeting and engaging with farmers to develop sustained, trusted relationships
  • developing and offering scientifically robust, appropriately tailored advice
  • developing a good understanding of the pressures on agriculture; facilitating conversation and cooperation between the two industries
  • collecting, collating and analysing farm and hydrometric data in a safe and sustainable manner
  • using data to inform advice and measures implementation
  • arranging and agreeing appropriate measures to reduce nutrient or pesticide leaching and/or runoff
  • reporting and presenting, both verbally and in writing
  • working outside in all weathers.

Where will you work?

You will be based at our Corfe Mullen office near Poole, Dorset but your role could include travel across the Wessex Water region. The role will be approximately 70% in the field and 30% in the office.

What do we look for?

You will need:

  • to have a keen and active interest in the environment and how it is impacted by agriculture and the water industry
  • to be self-motivated
  • have an inquisitive mind
  • a willingness to explore new ideas and practices
  • to be personable
  • the ability to communicate and engage with people of wide range of interests and professions
  • a strong work ethic
  • to be able to work within, and contribute to a successful team
  • flexibility and adaptability
  • the desire to learn and develop both practically and theoretically.

Further information

Duration

Three years

Qualifications

  • Agriculture Professional Adviser
  • BASIS-FACTS Certification and Training Scheme (Agriculture and Horticulture) – Option 2 (Nutrition and Fertiliser Adviser)
  • Level 6

Training provision

Training by the University of Lincoln will include:

  • Distance learning.
  • Assessment in the workplace.
  • Potential block release at the university.

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