Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Location: Okehampton / Peninsula House with flexible home working
Salary: £34,000 – £38,000
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

We’re looking for a passionate and driven Project Officer to join the South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP)—a collaborative programme delivering large-scale peatland restoration across Cornwall, Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Hosted by South West Water, this role puts you at the heart of environmental recovery, working alongside National Park Authorities, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and leading conservation organisations.

This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and restoring some of the UK’s most important habitats.

What you’ll be doing:

You’ll take the lead on peatland restoration projects at site level, managing works from planning through to delivery:

• Acting as Project Manager for restoration construction sites

• Leading on design, planning and delivery of restoration works

• Managing contractors and applying Construction Design & Management (CDM) Regulations 2015

• Developing restoration plans using field survey data and GIS tools (QGIS/QField)

• Managing budgets (up to £1m annually) and overseeing contractor payments

• Leading stakeholder engagement, including landowners, farmers, and public bodies

• Ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance, and health & safety standards

• Supporting monitoring, research projects, and training activities

• Collaborating across a wide partnership of environmental organisations

What we are looking for:

We’re seeking someone with a strong blend of technical expertise, project management capability and stakeholder engagement skills.

Essential:

• Experience delivering nature conservation or land management projects

• Strong contract and contractor management experience

• Proven ability to manage budgets and project delivery

• Competence in GIS for site assessment and survey

• Experience engaging and negotiating with land managers and stakeholders

• Understanding of peatland, wetland or upland ecology

• Knowledge of health & safety and construction compliance

Desirable:

• Degree in a Natural Science (or equivalent experience)

• Experience applying CDM regulations

• Field survey and ecological monitoring skills

• SMSTS / SSSTS certification

What's in it for you:

We know our people drive our success — so we’re committed to offering an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Generous holiday allowance + bank holidays

• Discretionary bonus

• Competitive contributory pension

• Share-save scheme

• Health benefits & wellbeing support programmes

• Group discounts

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Financial support services

• Development and training opportunities

• … and much more!

Closing Date: 10th June 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.