Sustainability Researcher

Riverford is a long-standing leader in the field of organic farming, and is truly committed to sustainable agriculture. We’re seeking a dedicated and passionate Sustainability Researcher to join our brilliant in-house Sustainability Team.

Each week, Riverford delivers outstanding organic food to around 65,000 homes across the UK. This takes loads of brilliant people, from veg growers and box packers to IT experts, and more besides.

We’re a friendly, forward-thinking bunch, and our core values run through everything we do. Riverford is 100% employee owned, so working here makes you a ‘co-owner’ – and it’s not just a name! Everyone can play a part in shaping our business. Success means much more than just profits; we want this to be a place people enjoy coming to work, and a business our co-owners feel proud of. 

Riverford is proud to be a B Corp; the certification for ethical businesses which work to benefit people and planet. In 2022, we were named one of the Best for the World™ B Corps! This means that our positive impact on staff scored in the top 5% of all B Corps of our size worldwide.

What is involved……..

Riverford is a long-standing leader in the field of organic farming, and is truly committed to sustainable agriculture. We’re seeking a dedicated and passionate Sustainability Researcher to join our brilliant in-house Sustainability Team. 

You’ll be leading research projects focused on sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. This involves working directly with farmers, providing guidance on navigating funding options such as countryside stewardship, English Woodland Creation Offer, and other public and private grant schemes. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in sustainability research, a deep understanding of farming practices, and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead Research Projects:

Design and lead research projects focused on sustainable farming practices, biodiversity conservation, soil health, water management, and other relevant areas.

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including academic institutions and government agencies, to ensure the successful execution of research projects.

Work Directly with Farmers:

Continue the work on Riverford’s Biodiversity Actions Plans at Wash and Sacrewell Farms

Provide expert advice and support to farmers on implementing sustainable farming practices.

Conduct on-site visits and assessments to identify opportunities for improvement and provide recommendations.

Funding and Grant Assistance:

Stay up to date with funding opportunities, including countryside stewardship, English Woodland Creation Offer, and other public and private grant schemes related to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Assist farmers in navigating the application process for funding opportunities

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in sustainability, environmental science, agronomy, or a related field.

Proven experience in leading and conducting research projects, preferably in the context of sustainable agriculture.

Knowledge of organic farming principles, biodiversity conservation, soil health, water management, and other sustainability-related topics.

Familiarity with funding options and grant schemes in the field of environmental conservation and agriculture.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.

Valid driver's license, and willingness to travel to farms and research sites as required.

This is a fixed term maternity contract for 14 months position. The role is 40 hours per week. Normal hours are Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm Based at Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU.