Natural Capital Advisor
(South West)

WNC is seeking an experienced Natural Capital Advisor to join our team in the South West of England. In this role, you will provide expert guidance to farmers and landowners on sustainable land management and emerging natural capital markets.  Your focus will be on helping clients navigate new opportunities in agriculture, with particular emphasis on integrating Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) principles into farm practices.

You'll be responsible for managing natural capital projects and will have the opportunity to build and oversee your own portfolio of client projects. This position involves advising on balancing traditional farming methods with new approaches, including potential income streams from carbon credits, ecosystem services, and biodiversity units. As a Senior Land Advisor, you'll play a key role in our Land Services Team, working closely with ecologists and our Head of Land Services.

Team: Land Services

Location: South West England (with remote working options)

Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time/Contract

Rate/Salary Range: Competitive hourly rate

Application Deadline: 18 Dec 2024

• Provide comprehensive advice on land use, agricultural practices, and rural development strategies that align with BNG principles and environmental regulations

• Conduct thorough site visits and assessments of agricultural properties, evaluating their potential for biodiversity enhancements and sustainable management

• Develop detailed land management plans that balance ecological needs with agricultural productivity, considering factors such as soil health, water management, and habitat creation

• Liaise effectively with landowners, farmers, local authorities, and other stakeholders to communicate land management strategies and negotiate agreements

• Contribute significantly to the outreach, development, and implementation of BNG strategies in agricultural settings, working closely with our ecological team

• Advise on and facilitate entry into agri-environmental schemes and other relevant funding opportunities

• Prepare high-quality reports, including farm business plans, land use strategies, and BNG integration proposals

• Stay abreast of changes in agricultural policies, environmental regulations, and land management best practices

• Represent WNC at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings

• Degree in Agriculture, Land Management, Rural Estate Management, or a closely related field, or similar professional experience 
• Minimum of 3 years experience in agricultural consultancy or rural land management, preferably in the South West of England
• Strong understanding of UK agricultural policies, environmental regulations, and their practical application in farm settings
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience in preparing land management plans and farm business strategies
• In-depth knowledge of farming practices and their implementation in various agricultural systems
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple client relationships simultaneously
• Valid UK driver's license and willingness to travel across the South West

• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., RICS, CAAV)
• Master's degree in a relevant field
• Knowledge of BNG principles and their practical application in agricultural settings
• Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations in rural settings
• Understanding of natural capital accounting in agricultural contexts
• Proficiency in software tools for land management, mapping, and agricultural planning (e.g., GIS, LandApp)

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work and part-time options
• Continuous professional development opportunities, including support for further qualifications and conference attendance
• Opportunity to manage a portfolio of diverse clients and projects

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivations to info@wellsheadnaturalcapital.com. Include "Natural Capital Advisor" in the subject line.