Field Advisors sought

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) are seeking a Field Advisor or advisory team to join the Dreel Burn Investment Readiness Partnership in Developing Farm Transition Plans for a Sustainable Future in the Dreel Burn Catchment.

Location: Hybrid
Contract value: Circa £50,000 (excluding VAT)
Hours: As required, in line with tender response
Contract Type: Fixed Term until end of March 2026
Closing Date: 16th July 2025, 12:00

About the role:

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust is seeking a qualified and experienced consultant or consultancy team to join a pivotal project in the Dreel Burn water catchment, a vital agricultural landscape covering approximately 5,000 hectares. This initiative aims to work collaboratively with landowners to develop 20 comprehensive farm transition plans. These plans will serve as roadmaps for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future in the catchment, integrating environmental enhancements with profitable farming operations.

This project is a collaborative effort, and the successful consultant will work in close partnership with interdisciplinary experts from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Fife Coast & Countryside Trust (FCCT) and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS). A key component of this project is to build in-house capacity within our team; therefore, the consultant will be expected to provide work shadowing and coaching opportunities for our staff members to develop their skills in farm advisory services.

About you:

We are seeking a consultant or consultancy team with a proven track record in the following areas:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in providing farm business and environmental advice to landowners in a UK context.
• Sound understanding of natural processes with strong technical knowledge of agricultural systems, soil management, and land use.
• Expertise in the design and implementation of interventions for the benefit of; water quality and quantity, river health and morphology, soil health, biodiversity and ecosystem function.
• Experience in habitat data gathering and baseline measurement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively and build rapport with farmers and landowners.
• Experience in collaborative working with a range of stakeholders, including community, public bodies and environmental organisations.
• A clear understanding of the current agricultural policy landscape and available funding schemes in Scotland.
• Experience in mentoring or training others.

Desirable:

• Experience of working in the Fife region or a similar agricultural landscape.
• Knowledge of the specific environmental pressures and opportunities within the Dreel Burn catchment.
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., BASIS, FACTS).
• Understanding of existing and emerging natural capital markets and associated metrics.

The closing date for receipt of tenders is 12 noon on 16th July 2025. Tenders should be submitted electronically to ed.heather-hayes@fifecountryside.co.uk

About FCCT:

Fife Coast & Countryside Trust are an organisation driven by a passion for Fife and are committed to developing and delivering high quality, impact led projects for the benefit of people and nature. We believe that our people are our greatest asset and look to work with individuals who bring a positive, energetic, constructive, and committed attitude to the workplace.

This project is supported by The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS), delivered by NatureScot in collaboration with The Scottish Government and in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.