Job Title: Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project Officer (River Irt)

Location: The Old Sawmill, Thirlmere, Cumbria

Duration: Three year contract (with possible extension)

Salary Grade: £25,000

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Holiday entitlement: 25 days per year plus bank holidays

Overall Purpose of the Job

Securing the future of the freshwater pearl mussel in England

This project will bring together a number of local partnerships and organisations including West Cumbria Rivers Trust (WCRT) working to safeguard the future of remaining freshwater pearl mussel populations in England. This partnership of organisations will act to protect and sustain the remaining populations in England and to use this species as a focus for encouraging better, more locally-owned management of river ecosystems and landscapes that support them, and closer understanding and engagement by local communities in river life.

The freshwater pearl mussel is declining dramatically throughout its range and populations in England are now found in very low numbers with some populations facing extinction. Mussel populations have been affected by multiple pressures, primarily habitat degradation and declining water quality, but also wildlife crime from pearl fishing.

WCRT project objectives are:

PROTECT remaining key populations of the freshwater pearl mussel in the River Irt and maintain the potential for in-situ breeding capacity.
RESTORE habitat conditions that will support the natural recruitment in existing populations and the conditions for re-introduction of the species into suitable recipient habitats.
SECURE - put in place the mechanisms to deliver the conditions, infrastructure and support mechanisms (e.g. monitoring strategies) necessary to secure the long term conservation of the species in this habitat.
COMMUNICATE with local communities to raise awareness of freshwater pearl mussel conservation issues.

The project will conduct conservation actions directly aimed at addressing such problems as increased nutrient enrichment, siltation, poor species habitat and invasive species which have led to the decline of the river bed and riparian areas.

Restoring Habitats:

The primary objective of the project is to restore habitats, allowing existing pearl mussel populations to flourish. Habitat restoration will benefit both mussels and its host fish populations, on which the pearl mussel lifecycle is dependent. Actions will include:

1.Better protection and management of river banks by:

-Bank restoration – this action will look to target the significant problem of bank erosion on the rivers;

-Cattle access – we will look to address the issue of cattle access to the river by fencing the most vulnerable areas, installation of pasture and solar panel pumps and also measures to control cattle crossings;

-Balancing vegetation – we will plant and coppice specific areas so that there will be a balance shade for the river;

2.In-stream and riparian restoration works

-Undertaking removal of Himalayan balsam from the catchment;

-Establishing buffer strips and fencing off stretches of river, tributaries and ditches to allow natural regeneration of riparian habitat that will act as sediment traps;

-Gravel cleaning – consider cleaning of silted gravels;

-Ditch blocking and installation of silt traps to reduce nutrient and silt inputs.

3.Wetland and woodland creation

-Small ponds or constructed wetlands in farmland areas will be created to intercept enriched run-off before it reaches the river.

Securing Populations:

Where existing populations of pearl mussels are at risk of being lost, we will focus on securing these populations.

1.Captive rearing and reintroduction of juvenile mussels – a number of pearl mussel populations are now held at a hatchery facility on Lake Windermere as part of captive breeding programme to rear juvenile mussels. It is intended to continue this programme with the aim of reintroducing juvenile mussels back to their natural environments once conditions are considered suitable. This may be beyond the timescale of this project.

Communication:

Communications with local communities about pearl mussels will help raise awareness and encourage people to protect existing populations. Actions will include:

-promoting awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel amongst the younger generation.

- encouraging local families to recognise the damage that illegal activity can cause.

2.Project dissemination to a range of audiences

-raising awareness of the actions taken during the project, and how they can be applied more widely.

-involving volunteers and communities in conservation and monitoring activities.

-working with landowners on best practice techniques and demonstration farm events.

Location:

The successful applicant will be based at the West Cumbria Rivers Trust offices at Thirlmere near Keswick. However, this position will require significant time spent in the field working within the River Irtcatchment and their communities. The successful candidate will be prepared to adopt a flexible working approach. In addition to general PPE, provided facilities include a smartphone and a laptop computer.

Purpose of Role:

To achieve the objectives of the project
To allow the reintroduction of hatchery reared juvenile freshwater pearl mussels back to suitably improved natural habitat beyond the end of the project.

Key Accountabilities

General

Ensuring that all WCRT projects and activities are based on the principles of sustainability, sound scientific knowledge and good working practices, and include effective Health and Safety arrangements for staff, volunteers and the public.
Working with the Trust Director to deliver all practical and administrative project outcomes
Providing the Trust Director with all required administration, reports and other information to enable the efficient running of the Trust.
Publicising the WCRT’s successes through all forms of media
Contribute to the achievement of all Trust objectives and support all its activities in conservation and education
Ensure that projects and all Trust activities are managed within budget
Ensuring that the Trust fulfils its charitable aims

Project Management

Manage the delivery of the project within time and budget constraints.
Maintain excellent administration systems
Meet all project progress milestones
Ensure regular collection and safe keeping of all data.
Produce regular interim reports
Generate commitment and enthusiasm from catchment communities, statutory bodies, volunteers and business.
Build and develop excellent relationships with partners.
Build and develop excellent relationships with landowners and land users, visiting farms and identify and prioritise improvement works.
Liaise with farmers and contractors, draw up, cost and implement capital schemes.

Personnel Management

Recruiting, leading and motivating volunteers.
Providing, where possible, opportunities for volunteers to develop their skills
Ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers, contractors and others at all times
Ensuring full and timely communication with all volunteers
Reporting regularly to the Trust Director

Networking and Communicating

Establishing and maintaining excellent relationships with statutory partners, conservation bodies, Trustees and catchment communities.
Ensuring that, wherever possible, all Trust projects are delivered in partnership and involve the most suitable stakeholders.
Identifying opportunities for funding and working with partners to maximise funding potential.
Representing the Trust in local and national fora including the Rivers Trust.
Keeping Trustees, volunteers and relevant external bodies informed about the Trust’s activities through contribution to and production of a regular newsletter the WCRT website and regular social media updates on Twitter and Facebook.

Person Profile

Must have demonstrable previous experience in environmental improvement work and project management.
Technically qualified and experienced (ecology, fisheries, fluvial geomorphology, land management etc.)
Be educated to degree level or equivalent, preferably in a scientific, environmental or Fisheries discipline.
Have excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.
Good at networking and able to maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people and organisations.
A working knowledge of Environment Agency and Natural England policies and procedures;
Ambitious and self-motivated and be able to work on own initiative
Self-motivated and able to manage her/his time effectively.
Have the ability to drive current WCRT objectives and contribute to developing future strategies.
Have excellent administration skills
Able to work to and meet deadlines
Familiar with appropriate Health and Safety requirements
Able to lead, motivate and develop small enthusiastic teams of volunteers across the Irt catchment.
Competent swimmer
Enjoys outdoor work in all weathers

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, Experience

Familiarity with GIS data systems such as ARC GIS
Pesticides PA1 and PA6
First aid at work certificate

Ability to deliver public presentations, guided walks and talks

Working relationships

Post holder reports to: Director of West Cumbria Rivers Trust

Other key working relationships: Environment Agency; United Utilities; Natural England; RSPB; Farmers; Angling Clubs; The Rivers Trust; Cumbria County Council; DEFRA; National Trust; Woodland Trust; Forestry Commission; Lake District National Park, Riparian owners/tenants, local community and schools.

WCRT has a policy of equality of opportunity for all within the constraints that the job entails.

Other

Flexible working patterns will generally be accommodated and working from home is permitted as required in agreement with the Director.

Carrying out related tasks as requested/required by the Trust Director as and when will be required.

There are currently no company vehicles and it is expected that private vehicles will be used for work and mileage claimed (at 45p per mile). The necessary insurance and a current driving licence is therefore required.

A letter will be required from the applicant’s GP confirming his/her fitness to carry out the duties associated with this post.

Candidates for this post are required to declare any previous or pending charges of a criminal nature. CRB, or other relevant checks, may be required.

The successful candidate will be expected to live in the West Cumbria area.

How to apply

To apply for this post please send a current CV (no more than 4 pages) and covering letter (no more than 2 pages) to .

This project is supported by:

West Cumbria Rivers Trust Job Description: Freshwater Pearl Mussel Project Officer Feb 2015