CLA South West - Surveyor

Are you passionate, with a knowledge of rural affairs?  Are you interested in influencing policy and believe change is possible?  Do you enjoy working with other people and are willing to learn? Perhaps you want to move away from the world of fee earning targets and timesheets?

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is a dynamic, forward thinking membership organisation for owners of land, property and rural businesses, which has been championing the interests of rural England and Wales for over 100 years. CLA members own or manage around half the rural land in England and Wales and more than 250 different types of businesses.

We are now looking for an Surveyor to join us at an incredibly exciting and pivotal time for the rural sector, and start, or continue, their rural advisory/surveying journey to advise members, work on policy issues affecting the South West of England and support the delivery of all CLA activities in the region. 

With the adaption to a new agriculture policy in England underway, and the continued challenges of Covid-19, this role is a fantastic opportunity to play an integral part in supporting CLA members to navigate the challenges they face, highlight opportunities to help them thrive, and lobby on their behalf.

The ideal person will: 

• Be positive and have willingness and energy to engage in a variety of new subjects 
• Genuinely want to make a difference by helping farmers, landowners and rural businesses and influencing policy
• Enjoy working with rural communities and building professional relationships
• Have a broad appreciation of rural issues 
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Have a high level of computer literacy 

Working closely with the South West team, and advisers across the CLA, you will provide advice, opinion and guidance to CLA members on a range of issues relating to land ownership, occupation, land use and rural business; as well as representing members’ views at stakeholder meetings and contributing to our policy development work.  This role will focus in particular on future funding and policy in farming, rural grants, water and designated areas.

The Location, Team, and Working Arrangements

The role is based in Biddestone, near Chippenham in Wiltshire. We operate from a converted stable building set in the rural location, which is bright and spacious. On reviewing our ways of working, some flexible working will be available on request, but contact time in the office will be required each week, with a requirement to travel across the South West to unique and special landscapes.

You will be working in a small and friendly team, who are very passionate about the organisation and rural affairs in general, as well as being part of the CLA's supportive team of over one hundred highly motivated individuals acorss England and Wales.

What we can offer

Competitive salary, depending on experience. The CLA  offers its staff a large number of benefits which include;

• 24 days holiday, increasing to 26 after 2 years' service, and 29 days after 3 years' service
• Employer's pension contribution up to 10% of salary
• Access to a private 24-hour GP service
• Workplace benefits such as payment of flu vaccinations, eye tests and option for Payroll Giving
• Access to wellness portal, including Employees Assistance Programme
• Discount offers at over 800 retailers

Added 2 June 2022