Fish Health, Ageing and Species Technical Officer 1 – Molecular Diagnostics - 13951

1
East of England, National
Brampton
Brampton Office
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Science, Other
£28,123
This is an exciting opportunity to join a hard-working, high achieving national team that contributes to the protection and development of fisheries across England.
We are looking for a Technical Officer 1 to join the Fish Health, Ageing and Species team within National Fisheries Services at Brampton. You will help ensure delivery of our services to area operational teams and external fishery customers. The primary focus of this role will be related to the development and implementation of our molecular service in support of disease diagnostics. You may also assist in a range of other laboratory disciplines.
The FHAS team provides national operational services and technical advice for fish health, ageing and non-native species management, and is responsible for running a number of laboratory services. We conduct post-mortem examinations, disease diagnostics and incident support during fish kills, carry out fish health checks to support fish movement operations, and provide risk assessment and monitoring for high risk, novel and new and emerging diseases and non-native fish species.
Practical experience and an understanding of molecular approaches is essential to this role. Experience working in laboratory teams, leading areas of work and overseeing the day to day running of laboratory disciplines would be advantageous. Knowledge of disease diagnostic principles, freshwater fish diseases and freshwater fisheries is preferable but not essential.

As the successful candidate, you will be self-motivated and organised with good team skills and excellent attention to detail. You should be able to prioritise demanding seasonal workloads, be comfortable working to tight deadlines, and have a clear pragmatic approach to achieving objectives. You will also be an excellent communicator, and should have strong influencing and inter-personal skills. A strong team ethic is essential, as is an ability to work independently as well as part of a highly motivated team.
This permanent post will primarily be laboratory and office based, situated within the National Fisheries Laboratory, Brampton, Cambridgeshire, but may require some external travel for meetings.
For more information please contact Amy Reading at amy.reading@environment-agency.gov.uk

23/02/2020, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
The fish health team is a small national team with a high output and busy seasonal peaks of work. The successful candidate will be able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and within tight deadlines, whilst ensuring that their work, and that of others, is of the highest standard. The development and integration of molecular diagnostic methods, alongside existing techniques, will require a positive and determined approach in order to achieving results.

Please provide examples of this competency.
Communicates Effectively
As molecular lead, the post holder will need to liaise closely with the FHAS team, partner laboratories, and other expert external parties. They will need to be able to give clear, concise and directional instruction, and be able to interpret and share complex information in an easily digestible manner. With the FHAS team having a wide and varied customer base, it is vital that the successful candidate is able to recognise what style and level of communication is required for different customers, and to adapt this accordingly.

Please provide examples of this competency.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
As laboratory lead for a key diagnostic discipline, the post holder will have responsibility for day to day sample submissions, working effectively on their own as well as within the wider team. They will need to take decisions under pressure and solves problems, and must have an ability to anticipate forthcoming issues and adjusts actions as necessary. An awareness of when to seek help, and the importance of developing networks to ensure processes and procedures are robust and efficient, is required.

Please provide examples of this competency.
Scientific Knowledge
The FHAS team is responsible for operating a number of different laboratory areas and diagnostic disciplines, and we provide technical services on a range of subjects including fish disease and fisheries management. It is important that the successful applicant has an existing understanding of molecular approaches and an interest in developing further skills in this area.

Please provide examples of this competency.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

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This Vacancy is closed to applications.