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.
In particular, the role will be closely collaborating with Dartmoor Headwaters Natural Flood Management colleagues hosted by the National Park Authority; delivering closely aligned goals for the upland environment on Dartmoor.
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.
You’ll take the lead on peatland restoration projects at site level, managing works from planning through to delivery:
Leading on design, planning and delivery of ecologically ambitious restoration works at remote peatland sites across the region.
Acting as Project Manager for restoration construction sites
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
We’re seeking someone with a strong blend of ecological expertise, project management capability and stakeholder engagement skills.
A strong foundation of ecological expertise and field skills.
Understanding of peatland, wetland or upland ecology
Experience delivering nature conservation or land management projects
Strong contract and contractor management experience
Competence in GIS for site assessment and survey
Experience engaging and negotiating with land managers and stakeholders
Degree in a Natural Science (or equivalent experience)
Knowledge of health & safety and construction compliance
Experience applying CDM regulations
SMSTS / SSSTS certification
Ability to manage budgets and project delivery
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: 23rd August 2026, with interviews week commencing 1st September.
Interviews will be held at DNPA offices at Parke, Bovey Tracey.
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.
