Fish Health, Ageing and Species Technical Officer 2 - 5658

2
East of England
Brampton
Brampton Office
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Full Time
Science, Other
£22,211
This is an exciting opportunity to join a hardworking and high achieving national team, contributing to the protection and development of fisheries across England.
We are looking for a Technical Officer 2 to join the Fish Health, Ageing and Species team within National Fisheries Services, Brampton. You will primarily be working within the Fish Health team, helping to ensure delivery of our services to area operational teams and external fishery customers. This will include conducting fish health checks and supporting fish disease incident investigations, with disease detection and diagnostic testing for important fish pathogens integral to the role.
National Fisheries Services provide front line fisheries services to internal and external customers across a wide range of fisheries disciplines.
The Fish Health, Ageing and Species team provide national operational services and technical advice for fish health, ageing and non-native species. We are primarily a laboratory and office based team, with post mortem and disease diagnostic work being integral to the Fish Health role.
A strong background in biology, fish disease, fisheries management and/or laboratory work is preferable, with an interest in freshwater fisheries and the environment being essential.
As the successful candidate, you will be self-motivated and organised with inherent attention to detail. You should be able to prioritise demanding seasonal workloads, be comfortable working to tight deadlines, and have a pragmatic approach to achieving objectives. You will also be an excellent communicator at all levels, and in multiple forms. A strong team ethic is essential, as is an ability to work independently.
Closing Date: 2nd July 2017 at 23:55 hours

This permanent post will be office and laboratory based, situated within the National Fisheries Laboratory, Brampton, Cambridgeshire.

For more information please contact Amy Reading at amy.reading@environment-agency.gov.uk

02/07/2017, 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 their work is of the highest standard.
Communicates Effectively
The fish health team has a varied customer base which includes internal Environment Agency staff, fishery owners, anglers, partner organisations and academic institutions. In order to communicate effectively 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.
Works in Teams
We are a small team with a strong work and team ethic. This is essential to achieving results, and an ability to work alongside others, understand and respond to work pressures, and support colleagues as and when required is integral to the role. Effective communication within the team is vital.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
The team has a varied customer base, with a multitude of external and internal customers. Rapid and effective responses are required, and it is important that individuals take personal responsibility for meeting customer needs in a professional, timely and courteous manner. Managing customer expectations is essential, as is an ability to prioritise workloads and manage conflicting priorities.
Scientific Knowledge
The Fish Health team is responsible for operating a number of different laboratory areas, namely post mortem, bacteriology and histopathology, 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 or an interest in developing skills in relation to these areas, with knowledge of fish biology, fish disease, disease diagnostics and fisheries management being integral to this.
Manage your health and safety
Much of the Fish Health team’s work is conducted within a laboratory environment. As such, use of personal protective equipment, an awareness of hazards, and an ability to follow safe working practices is essential. Your behaviour should reduce risks to the health and safety of yourself and others.
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.