RECRUITMENT
Thank you for your interest in working for the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust.
October 2026 – Project Support Officer
Term: Permanent
Salary: £25,614 p.a.
Pension: NEST pension scheme (6% Employer Contribution)
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week). This role can be offered part time for the right candidate.
Holidays: 25 days plus statutory holidays
Place of work: This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our office in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Regular travel throughout the East Suffolk and Combined Essex catchment areas required.
The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (ESRT) is an independent environmental charity dedicated to improving and protecting rivers and estuaries across Essex and Suffolk. Working with communities, landowners, farmers, statutory bodies and businesses, we bring people, data and expertise together to restore nature, protect water, and build resilience for future generations.
About the role: The Project Support Officer role is an exciting opportunity to join our proactive and expanding team focused on action on the ground and influencing for change.
The Project Support Officer role will be focused on supporting the planning and delivery of projects across Essex and Suffolk that will protect and restore rivers and habitats. The primary focus of the role will be to provide project and administrative support to senior members of the team.
The role will support all team members in the delivery of practical projects by undertaking tasks such as desktop research, contributing to project reports, arranging and providing meeting support, and helping to identify funding opportunities and prepare applications for smaller projects.
The Project Support Officer will represent ESRT positively through collaboration with partners, landowners, farmers, volunteers, schools, community groups, and members of the public. The role will support organisation and delivery of events, workshops, citizen science, education, and volunteer activities.
About You: We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with a genuine interest in rivers, nature conservation and environmental restoration. This role would suit a recent graduate or someone at the start of their career who is keen to develop their skills and gain experience in the environmental sector. You’ll have opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues, gain hands-on experience in project delivery and build the skills needed to progress your career in conservation.
You will likely bring:
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently
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An ability to research information, prepare written materials and support project planning and delivery
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A proactive, flexible approach, with a willingness to learn and use your initiative
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An interest in environmental issues such as rivers, water management or climate resilience
Full details of the role and responsibilities can be found in the applicant pack.
If you have the skills and potential to grow into the role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every requirement.
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages or equivalent) outlining:
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Why you are interested in this role
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Your relevant skills and experience
Send your application to: recruitment@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org
Closing date: 11pm, Sunday 15th November 2026
Telephone interviews: w/c 16th November 2026
In-person interviews: w/c 23rd November (Stowmarket)
If you have any questions about the Project Support Officer role, please contact recruitment@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
November 2026 – Project Manager
Term: Fixed term 20 months
Salary: £37,503 p.a
Pension: NEST pension scheme (6% Employer Contribution)
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week). This role can be offered part time for the right candidate.
Holidays: 25 days plus statutory holidays
Place of work: This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our office in Stowmarket, Suffolk. Regular travel throughout the East Suffolk and Combined Essex catchment areas required.
The Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (ESRT) is an independent environmental charity dedicated to improving and protecting rivers and estuaries across Essex and Suffolk. Working with communities, landowners, farmers, statutory bodies and businesses, we bring people, data and expertise together to restore nature, protect water, and build resilience for future generations.
About the role: As a Project Manager you will lead projects that will help to protect and restore rivers across Essex and Suffolk. The role focuses on delivering nature-based solutions that provide multiple benefits, including improved habitats, enhanced biodiversity, and stronger links with wider environmental initiatives.
Working with landowners and partners, the postholder will develop and deliver projects such as river restoration, wetland enhancement, and wildlife corridor improvements. You will oversee all stages of project development, from feasibility and design through to permissions and on-the-ground delivery, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
The role also involves community engagement, securing funding, and maintaining a pipeline of future projects. Strong partnership working is essential, particularly with the Environment Agency and local stakeholders, to maximise environmental and community benefits. The postholder will work closely with the wider team to manage budgets, report outcomes and promote completed projects.
About You: We’re looking for a motivated and organised project manager with a genuine interest in rivers, nature conservation and environmental restoration. You will have experience of managing projects from development through to delivery, building strong relationships with landowners and partners, and balancing practical delivery with environmental outcomes.
You’ll be a confident communicator, able to manage budgets and competing priorities, identify funding opportunities and work collaboratively to deliver projects that make a lasting difference for rivers, wildlife and local communities.
You will likely bring:
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Excellent communication, problem-solving and project planning skills.
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Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
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The ability to identify opportunities, manage risks and adapt to changing project needs
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Experience coordinating project budgets, timelines and reporting requirements.
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An understanding of relevant environmental legislation, permissions and regulatory processes.
Full details of the role and responsibilities can be found in the applicant pack.
If you have the skills and potential to grow into the role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t meet every requirement.
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages or equivalent) outlining:
-
Why you are interested in this role
-
Your relevant skills and experience
Send your application to: recruitment@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org
Closing date: 11pm Sunday 22nd November
Telephone interviews: From w/c 23rd November 2026
In-person interviews: Date tbc (Stowmarket)
If you have any questions about the Project Manager role, please contact recruitment@essexsuffolkriverstrust.org
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, we therefore encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.