Chief Scientist and Director of the Chief Scientist’s Group - 22098
1
National
Various
Director
Permanent
Science
£93,000
Are you passionate about good quality science and its use in decision making? Do you want to use your scientific knowledge and skills to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment? The Covid pandemic has highlighted the need for the best available evidence and effective science communication to underpin policy decisions. This role provides a unique opportunity to apply strong science leadership to address current and emerging environmental challenges.
The Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist provides strategic direction and scientific advice to ensure that our decisions are underpinned by sound evidence. The role leads the Chief Scientist’s Group, the focal point for scientific knowledge and professional expertise across the Environment Agency. The Chief Scientist's Group leads on a wide range of science, research, analysis and evaluation for the Environment Agency, putting strong science and rigorous analysis at the heart of our work.
The Chief Scientist is responsible for:
• identifying future environmental risks, developing an understanding of them and informing how the business responds;
• providing scientific advice in response to major environmental and other incidents;
• leading our relationship with counterpart Chief Scientific Advisers across Government, Universities and the UK Research Councils on areas of shared interest.
The Environment Agency’s Chief Scientist provides strategic direction and scientific advice to ensure that our decisions are underpinned by sound evidence. The role leads the Chief Scientist’s Group, the focal point for scientific knowledge and professional expertise across the Environment Agency. The Chief Scientist's Group leads on a wide range of science, research, analysis and evaluation for the Environment Agency, putting strong science and rigorous analysis at the heart of our work.
The Chief Scientist is responsible for:
• identifying future environmental risks, developing an understanding of them and informing how the business responds;
• providing scientific advice in response to major environmental and other incidents;
• leading our relationship with counterpart Chief Scientific Advisers across Government, Universities and the UK Research Councils on areas of shared interest.
The Chief Scientist’s Group comprises around 150 scientists and technical specialists working in research, innovation, evaluation, data analysis and reporting, and horizon scanning. They have an extraordinarily diverse range of specialisms and many are leading experts in: air quality, water quality, waste and recycling, climate change, groundwater, hydrology, geomorphology, fisheries science, ecosystems, data science, ecotoxicology and science communication. The team works closely with the Flooding and Coastal Risk Management Research Team and Social Science Team.
This senior leadership role requires scientific credibility to work with expert scientists internally and externally, a PhD (or equivalent) in an environmental science area is desirable in order to achieve this but is not essential.
An understanding of the UK environmental policy landscape and UK environmental science sector is essential.
Strong people leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to build relationships with external partners are essential.
Experience of influencing within a large, complex organisation is essential.
The ability to communicate scientific information in a clear, non-technical way is essential.
An understanding of the UK environmental policy landscape and UK environmental science sector is essential.
Strong people leadership, strategic thinking and the ability to build relationships with external partners are essential.
Experience of influencing within a large, complex organisation is essential.
The ability to communicate scientific information in a clear, non-technical way is essential.
We are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. Diversity: it’s in our nature.
For more information and how to apply instructions please download a candidate pack. In the meantime, you have any questions about the role please contact: Harvey Bradshaw, Executive Director Environment and Business at PAExecutiveDirectorEnvironmentandBusiness@environment-agency.gov.uk
For more information and how to apply instructions please download a candidate pack. In the meantime, you have any questions about the role please contact: Harvey Bradshaw, Executive Director Environment and Business at PAExecutiveDirectorEnvironmentandBusiness@environment-agency.gov.uk
29/05/2022, 23:55 hours
Basic Check
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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
This Vacancy is closed to applications.