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 Project 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 over 20 employees and an annual turnover of c£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

We’re looking for a passionate and organised Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of impactful projects that improve the health of our rivers – benefiting both nature and local communities.

In this role, you will take responsibility for the operational delivery of a wide range of catchment-based projects focused on protecting and restoring freshwater species and ecosystems. This includes overseeing the planning and on-the-ground activities such as river restoration, Natural Flood Management (NFM), and the implementation of nature-based solutions. You’ll also be involved in overseeing field surveys (including ecological, water quality, and NFM assessments) and play a key role in the development of new project ideas and funding bids.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you’ll ensure that existing projects are delivered on time and to a high standard, while also helping to secure future funding to extend our impact. You’ll support the Heads of Department and Chief Executive Officer in meeting funder requirements, ensuring compliance, and providing timely reporting to partners and stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a deep passion for river restoration and a strong track record in project management – someone who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment and is driven to make a lasting impact on the health of our freshwater ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the project management of a diverse range of catchment restoration initiatives, including wetland creation, farm cluster development, sustainable land management and infrastructure projects, and Natural Flood Management schemes.

Develop and oversee catchment monitoring programmes, including water quality monitoring, and maintain strong liaison with key stakeholders throughout.

Manage all aspects of project delivery, including resources (BART staff and contractors), budgets, timelines, recordkeeping, and progress reporting.

Proactively identify and manage project risks, incorporating mitigation measures into delivery and communications plans, and ensuring appropriate budget allocations.

Work closely with Heads of Department to ensure project costs align with agreed budgets and maintain records in accordance with funding requirements and BART’s document retention policy.

Provide effective line management, actively supporting and promoting BART’s Vision, Mission, and values.

Offer guidance and mentoring to junior staff, helping to build technical capabilities across the team.

Prepare and manage tender documents and requests for quotations, including for technically complex work, liaising with colleagues as needed.

Oversee the management of suppliers and contractors in accordance with the CDM (Construction, Design and Management) Regulations framework.

Prepare and submit applications for all required consents, including Environment Agency permits, landowner agreements, and planning applications.

Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, delivery partners, landowners, and local communities to support long-term partnership working.

Contribute to, and where appropriate lead, the creation of publicity and marketing materials to promote project outcomes and the work of the Trust.

Undertake other tasks and responsibilities as required to support the effective operation and growth of the Trust.

Candidate Profile

Essential

Passion for nature conservation, with an excellent knowledge of the environmental issues impacting our land and rivers.

You will have experience in Project Management in the eNGO, environmental, water or conservational sector.

Excellent project management skills, demonstrated through successfully leading multiple projects from inception to completion.

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

Appropriate Project Management qualifications – APM/PRINCE 2.

Knowledge of the Bristol Avon Catchment.

Experience in overseeing environmental restoration or conservation projects, in particular land management, river restoration, Natural Flood Management or Nature-Based Solutions.

Experience of working for a small organisation and the public or voluntary sectors.

Working knowledge of GIS data systems such as ArcGIS.

Experience working with a variety of stakeholders.

Proven track record of securing new business.

Experience in the successful 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. There is the option to also work from our central office in Bristol.

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: melissa@bristolavonriverstrust.org by Friday 5th September 2025.

Interviews for this post will take place in the Bristol Avon catchment during w/c 15th September 2025.

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.

Project Manager – Catchment Restoration