Herefordshire Meadows is looking for a Meadows Adviser to lead on small scale project management and delivery and support ongoing meadow restoration projects and grassland conservation across the county. The role requires a self-employed individual to work a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 days (28 hrs) per week. Remuneration is £20 per hour plus travel (reimbursed at 0.45p per mile) with potential for increase after 6 months based on performance and role responsibility. The role will involve a combination of home office and on site working. The role will run for an initial period of 6 months starting on 31st March 2025 with scope for extension based on performance, and also the possibility to move to an employed status. Background Formed from a farmer discussion group, Herefordshire Meadows became a registered charity in 2022 and aims to protect, conserve, improve and increase flower-rich grasslands in Herefordshire as well as to educate the public on all the benefits of species rich grasslands. Over the past 6 years Herefordshire Meadows has created over 350 hectares of species rich grassland across the county, built a network of over 900 supportive farmers and landowners, hosted hundreds of events and training workshops on a whole variety of topics, and advocated and lobbied for the better recognition and protection of this distinctive and rare habitat. Role Description The responsibilities of the new team member will include the following: - Project development and coordination – Working under the Herefordshire Meadows Director to develop and manage small-scale projects and ensure key deliverables are all met on time. Advising landowners who are restoring, creating and managing flower rich grassland across Herefordshire including on current SFI and CS options which support these actions. Raising awareness of the multiple benefits of diverse swards and flower rich meadows in the agricultural and wider community of Herefordshire. And additional responsibilities in one or more of the following areas: Communications - Maintaining and expanding the profile of Herefordshire Meadows through the website, social media platforms, press releases, articles, presentations, and through the charity’s monthly newsletter. Fundraising – Raising funds for Herefordshire Meadows through campaigns, donations, and grant applications. Education – Supporting knowledge exchange and improving skills with a diverse audience through training, events, discussion, and working with schools. Volunteer development – Developing Herefordshire Meadows’ volunteer network of individuals who can help us to achieve our aims through botanical surveys, citizen science, practical tasks, and coordination with Herefordshire Biological Records Centre. The Herefordshire Meadows team members are currently all self-employed, making their own home working arrangements. There is a requirement to communicate efficiently to ensure effective team working. Most team communications will be held through Teams, email and phone calls and will include weekly team meetings and occasional field team meetings. Interested candidates should already have some meadow plant identification skills and be enthusiastic about the role of diverse swards in farming and the wider landscape. Person Requirements a. Essential Some prior experience of managing small-scale projects including budgeting and delivery schedules. Strong written and oral communication skills including the ability to engage with a range of landowners and partners, adapting language as appropriate to the audience e.g. farmers, smallholders, advisers and representatives from partner organisations. Self-motivated with a firm focus on achieving required objectives. Ability to manage own workload. Able to work both independently and within a team. Valid driving licence and own transport. Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings. IT skills (competence in Microsoft Word, Excel and email, mapping e.g. QGIS, LandApp). Social media and communication skills. Interest in native plants. b. Of Benefit Prior experience of working with farmers and other rural landowners. Some understanding of Herefordshire and its farming sectors Experience of working with Stewardship schemes and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (Rural Payments Agency and Natural England derogations). Knowledge of regenerative farming principles. Communication skills, e.g. press-releases, social media management, website editing. Experience of fundraising for an environmental charity. Experience of providing education, training, and supporting knowledge exchange through giving talks and running workshops. Experience of volunteer development and management. A basic knowledge of grassland plant identification (ability to identify at BSBI skills level 2 preferably 3 or above - BSBI Botanical Skills Pyramid). Support will be given to the right candidate in appropriate circumstances. The Meadows Adviser will report to: Rory Johnson, Director, Herefordshire Meadows roryherefordshiremeadows.org.uk Deadline for applications 5pm on 14th February 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on the morning of Tuesday 25th February at Woolhope Village Hall with an anticipated start date of 31st March 2025.