Jobs & Volunteer Positions
Job Title: River Restoration Officer
Salary Band A Level 1 – Band C Level 2: £29,936 – £39,629 per annum (according to level of experience).
Contract length: Fixed term contract – 35 hours per week for 1 year – with likely possibility of extension
Location: Guildhall – Hybrid/ Flexible.
Responsible to: Thames21 River Restoration Programme Manager and Head of Improving Rivers
About Thames21
Thames21’s purpose is to deliver increasingly resilient and healthy rivers and landscapes that are closer to their natural state with an abundance of fish and wildlife, empowering and working with people to bring multiple benefits to the natural environment, to individuals and communities.
Diversity at Thames21
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success and as such we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds. This we feel is key in ensuring that everybody has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees, and we strive to work in a collaborative, innovative and balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.
About the role
In recent years we have significantly upscaled our planning and delivery of river restoration works and in 2020/21 we restored 5km of rivers. In the next 5 years we intend to continue to expand this work, and by 2027 we aim to improve 15km of river habitat annually.
To enable this, we are looking for a committed, self-motivated and technically capable River Restoration Officer.
If you have a strong interest in river/wetland ecology, have studied rivers, their restoration and have a grasp of the techniques, designs and permitting processes required to restore rivers and improve river health, you may be perfect for this position.
Your role is to carry out fieldwork, delivering nature-based solutions across river catchments, working with a variety of stakeholders and running events with volunteers and local groups. Other additional requirements may include project development, citizen science to support delivery, as well as oral presentations and reporting.
The role involves developing concepts and graphics for river restoration actions across catchments in London. The role will involve working with principal designers and contractors and applying the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), ensuring risks are effectively managed throughout the design and delivery of river restoration schemes.
This role is a key position in implementing Thames21’s mission. The selected candidate will be part of a successful and dynamic environmental charity, as well as part of a committed team. You will have the chance to input, help develop our goals and make a real difference to the health of London’s waterways.
The post may be appointed at different salary bands depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience. Applicants who do not currently meet all desirable criteria but demonstrate the potential to develop into the role are encouraged to apply.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Work with Thames21’s River Restoration Manager and Thames21’s Head of Improving Rivers, as well as other stakeholders, to develop and deliver river and wetland restoration projects throughout the areas we work.
- Obtain all necessary permissions to deliver the projects, potentially including flood risk activity permits and planning permission.
- Work outside in a riverside environment in a range of weather conditions – alone, with team members, with volunteers and other professionals.
- Co-ordinate and deliver a series of river habitat and floodplain improvements, including community-led river restoration activities.
- Preparation of documentation for river restoration construction: client brief, construction phase plans, health and safety files.
- Support, co-ordinate and deliver volunteering events.
- Work with contractors to implement projects so they achieve maximum environmental and community benefits.
- Transport of equipment to/from our offices and restoration sites.
- Occasionally present project updates and results to stakeholders and catchment partnerships.
- Work with project partners to develop and manage tender processes for works requiring contractors, ensuring all procurement activities meet the relevant requirements of partners, funders and legislation, including CDM 2015.
- Carry out assessments and opportunity mapping for river restoration projects.
- In partnership with others, use a range of monitoring tools to record and quantify the impact of different activities.
- Regular co-ordination with Thames21’s Communications Team to ensure key milestones are recognised and publicised.
- Maintain clear records of progress, ensure all administration and statistical information is kept, and regularly upload information onto the Thames21 database.
- Work with Thames21 colleagues to develop and implement Thames21’s 5-year plan.
- Adopt and promote Thames21’s core values.
This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the post at various times, and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other reasonable duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with other Thames21 activities with those in this document.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- 25 days paid annual leave are available (pro rata) plus public holidays. In addition, the Thames21 office is closed between Christmas and New Year.
- Thames21 have an ‘Auto Enrol’ Workplace Pension Scheme with NEST.
- Thames21 operate a flexitime system of working.
- Interest free season ticket loan.
- Thames21 benefits from a workplace union with IWGB
- 24/7 access to our employee assistance programme.
- Laptop & Mobile phone for company use.
- The post holder must be willing to travel sensibly throughout London.
- The post holder must be willing to occasionally work in the evening and at weekends.
- The post holder may be required to have a current or agree to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
- The post holder will agree to work to the Thames21 operating policies and codes of conduct.
Closing date for applications: 5pm,17 August 2026
Interviews proposed for Week commencing: 31 August 2026 (Subject to Change)
For more information and how to apply, please see the attached Job Description RRO0726
To apply for this position please, email an up-to-date copy of your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@thames21.org.uk with the reference (RRO0726) in the subject box of your email application.
We appreciate the time you took to apply for this role, and we understand that it can be disconcerting when you don’t hear back from a position you have applied for. However, due to the high number of applications we expect to receive, we are unable to respond to or provide feedback on individual applications. Nevertheless, we want to manage expectations. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Please advise in your application if you are happy for us to contact you for any future opportunities that may arise, should you not be successful in this position.
No agencies, please.
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Job Title: Evidence Project Officer
Salary: £26,950 to £29,569 per annum (Band A – Learning skill level)
Contract: 1 year fixed-term with possibility of extension – 35 hours per week
Location: Thames21’s main office at the Guildhall, City of London; but we also offer hybrid working. You will also be expected to work out on site at various locations across London several times a week.
Responsible to: Evidence Team Manager
About Thames21
Thames21 is a leading environmental charity, working across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis through restoring rivers, whilst also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them.
Diversity at Thames21
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success and as such we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds, this we feel is key in ensuring that everybody has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees, and we strive to work in a collaborative, innovative balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.
Purpose of the job
The successful candidate will be employed as part of the Evidence Team working in a supportive, dynamic and fast-moving environment. While the post is initially funded for a year, there is likely to be further funding to work on projects related to the monitoring of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) beyond this date. The role is to aid in the delivery of a range of projects within the Evidence Program. These projects will focus on evidence collection in relation to nature-based solutions for flooding and water quality issues, as well as supporting a network of citizen scientists to carry out water quality sampling. The role will require close collaboration with a variety of project partners from local to national scales.
You will work across several projects to collect and analyse water quality evidence relating to NbS that have been installed across London or are planned to be installed. This will involve visiting sites across London regularly to survey sites, collect samples, and speak to local stakeholders.
You will work closely with our network of citizen scientists to support their efforts to measure water quality in their local area. This will involve distributing equipment and PPE, responding to their queries, and visiting sites with them to discuss local pollution issues and potential solutions.
This job would suit somebody who has an interest in river water quality, enjoys working outside, is a good problem solver, and likes working with people.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Routine water quality sampling of NbS installations.
- Installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment (e.g. real-time water quality sensors).
- Data inputting, analysis, presentation, and visualisation using a variety of software and online tools such as Excel, ArcGIS, and QGIS.
- Production of high impact verbal and written reports aimed at a range of expert and non-expert audiences.
- Work with local stakeholders to aid in the delivery of a range of river-related projects.
- Support monitoring carried out by citizen scientists.
- Delivery of other types of project work, as and when required by project or team managers.
- Work outside in a riverside environment in a variety of weather conditions.
- Work with Thames21 colleagues to develop and implement Thames21’s vision.
For more information
Other Duties
This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within Thames21. At various times the post-holder will be directed to carry out other reasonable duties in support of other Thames21 activities that are consistent with those in this Job Description EVO0726
To apply for this position please, email an up-to-date copy of your CV to recruitment@thames21.org.uk with the reference EVO0726 in the subject box of your email application.
The closing date for applications is: 5pm Tuesday 19th August 2026.
Interview dates: Week commencing 31st August 2026 (subject to change).
We appreciate the time you took to apply for this role, and we understand that it can be disconcerting when you don’t hear back from a position you have applied for. However, due to the high number of applications we expect to receive, we are unable to respond to or provide feedback on individual applications. Nevertheless, we want to manage expectations. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Please advise in your application if you are happy for us to contact you for any future opportunities that may arise, should you not be successful in this position.
No agencies, please.
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Voluntary Company Secretary
Help Govern One of London’s Leading River Charities
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity that works with communities to restore and look after rivers, water and nature across London and the Thames Basin. We believe that every river should be healthy, thriving and valued by the community it serves.
What We Do
Empower communities to care for rivers
- We support thousands of volunteers and community groups each year to improve their local waterways and green spaces.
Restore rivers and nature
- We deliver practical river restoration projects that improve habitats, water quality and biodiversity.
Build climate resilience
- We create nature-based solutions that help communities and ecosystems adapt to climate change and reduce flood risk.
The role
We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a Voluntary Company Secretary to support our Board of Trustees and help ensure our governance is as strong as the environmental impact we deliver. Your professional skills will support an ambitious and growing charity making a real difference to rivers, wildlife and people.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in charity governance roles.
The Role
The Company Secretary plays an important role in supporting the effective operation of Thames21’s governance.
Working closely with the Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and Board, you will help ensure that meetings are well organised, decisions are properly recorded and the charity meets its statutory obligations as both a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.
You will be expected to attend four Board meetings and approximately two sub-committee meetings each year, together with occasional planning discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive. The role is voluntary, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
What You Will Be Doing
- Supporting the smooth operation of the Board of Trustees and its committees.
- Working with the Chair and Chief Executive to plan Board and committee meetings.
- Preparing and distributing agendas and meeting papers.
- Attending meetings and ensuring accurate minutes and action logs are maintained.
- Maintaining key governance records and statutory registers.
- Supporting the filing of statutory returns and governance documents with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- Advising trustees on governance processes and good practice.
- Assisting with trustee induction and governance documentation.
- Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and relevant legal requirements.
- Supporting governance reviews and improvement initiatives as appropriate.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking someone who has:
- Experience as a Company Secretary, governance professional, trustee, board administrator or in a similar governance role.
- An understanding of company and/or charity governance.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to produce concise and accurate minutes.
- Good judgement and discretion.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The confidence to provide procedural advice and guidance when needed.
- An interest in environmental issues, community engagement and the mission of Thames21.
Desirable but not essential:
- Experience working with charities, membership organisations, companies limited by guarantee or not-for-profit organisations.
- Knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission requirements.
- An interest in charity governance and governance improvement.
Why Join Thames21?
This role may appeal to an experienced Company Secretary, governance professional, trustee or board administrator looking to use their skills in support of a meaningful environmental cause. It could suit someone seeking a voluntary role alongside their career or as part of a portfolio of charitable commitments.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Join a friendly, passionate and professional organisation committed to creating lasting environmental and social impact.
- See the tangible results of your contribution through projects that improve rivers, wildlife habitats and local communities.
- Use your professional skills to support a respected and ambitious environmental charity.
- Work closely with an experienced Board of Trustees and leadership team.
- Gain insight into charity leadership, strategy and governance.
- Build relationships with professionals from across the environmental, water, local government and charity sectors.
- Support practical action on river restoration, biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.
Most importantly, you will help ensure that Thames21 has the strong governance foundations needed to deliver lasting environmental impact.
Time Commitment
Approximately 6–10 days per year, including:
- Four Board meetings annually.
- Approximately two subcommittee meetings annually.
- Preparation time for meetings and governance administration.
- Occasional discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter with the reference CS0726 explaining:
- Why you are interested in becoming Thames21’s Company Secretary; and
- How your experience and skills would support the role.
Applications should be sent to recruitment@thames21.org.uk.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position
Thames21, Guildhall, City of London, London EC2V 7HH. Registered Charity No. 1103997
We appreciate the time you took to apply for this role, and we understand that it can be disconcerting when you don’t hear back from a position you have applied for. However, due to the high number of applications we expect to receive, we are unable to respond to or provide feedback on individual applications. Nevertheless, we want to manage expectations. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
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Reporting and Finance Officer
Salary: £36,353 – £38,536 per annum (pro rata) (depending on experience and skill level)
Contract length: 1.5 days a week/0.3FTE (working days flexible) for 2.5 years from August/September 2026 to the end of March 2029.
Location: London (Guildhall) with options for remote and flexible working.
Reporting to: The Roding Rises Project Manager
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity that works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact, nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, while also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them.
Diversity at Thames21
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success, and as such, we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds. We believe this is crucial in ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against due to their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees and strive to work in a collaborative, innovative, and balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.
Purpose of the job
To work with Thames21’s Head of Finance and The Roding Rises delivery team to oversee the administration of The Roding Rises, a three-year project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund that aims to kick-start the revitalisation of the River Roding. This position will work alongside Thames21’s Head of Finance and The Roding Rises Project Manager to ensure that every day finance functions for The Roding Rises project operate efficiently and accurately. To successfully deliver this job, the postholder will have a strong eye for detail and have experience in budget management/bookkeeping to ensure funding claims and invoices are paid on time.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Track project costs against projected budget to ensure budget vs actual expenditure is effectively managed, raising concerns early with Thames21’s Head of Finance and The Roding Rises Project Manager.
- Complete The National Lottery Heritage Fund claims process at agreed intervals to ensure an appropriate cash flow.
- Assist with relevant reporting tasks back to project funders.
- Work with the Thames21 Head of Finance and Thames21 Finance Officer to ensure all payments are completed in a timely manner in line with internal financial processes and any outstanding payments are managed in line with the approved funding agreement/ project proposal documentation.
- Support The Roding Rises Project Manager with the administration of the Roding Grant Scheme.
- Support the development and integration of improved financial tracking and reporting processes across wider Thames21 teams.
Other Duties
This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within Thames21. At various times, the post-holder will be directed to carry out other reasonable duties in support of other Thames21 activities that are consistent with those in this Job Description. RFO0726
How to apply
To apply for this position, please email an up-to-date copy of your CV and a covering letter to recruitment@thames21.org.uk with the reference RFO0726 in the subject box of your email application.
The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 10 August 2026 (subject to change)
We appreciate the time you took to apply for this role, and we understand that it can be disconcerting when you don’t hear back from a position you have applied for. However, due to the high number of applications we expect to receive, we are unable to respond to or provide feedback on individual applications. Nevertheless, we want to manage expectations. Therefore, if you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Please advise in your application if you are happy for us to contact you for any future opportunities that may arise, should you not be successful in this position.
No agencies, please.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Roding Rises is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are working with partners to bring communities together to restore, protect and deepen connections with the River Roding and its surrounding environment.
The Environment Agency is also supporting The Roding Rises through providing match-funding via its Water Environment Improvement Fund.
Please visit our website for more information about this project: https://www.thames21.org.uk/connecting-communities/the-roding-rises/.
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