Environmental Monitoring Officer - 24894

1
South West, West Midlands
Shrewsbury , Tewkesbury , Fradley
Riversmeet House, Hafren House, Sentinel House
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time
Environment & Sustainability
£29,706
We’re proud to promote a safe, inclusive, flexible and supportive culture at the Environment Agency, as a life-enhancing place to work, creating better places for people and wildlife.

If you are an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist, a strong team player who can achieve results and adopt changing priorities quickly, join us and develop in a really fulfilling role.

The core work is aquatic ecological surveying, species identification and analysing data to assess the changing environment. We also support pollution, drought and flooding incident response.

The role is full of variety, there are many opportunities to build expertise and we provide specialist training.

• We work together in the field; undertaking ecological field surveys of aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, algae, fish and freshwater habitat.
• In our laboratories we analyse samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon level (including some to species) and identify algae.
• From offices, we monitor telemetry, interpret data and write compelling reports to inform and influence partners, protecting the environment through advice, regulation and enforcement.

Our working patterns and locations are flexible, including appropriate working from home. We develop our people, set clear objectives and commit to an inclusive, safe, fair and empowering culture.
Our officers help develop and schedule our monitoring programme, conduct surveys, analyse and report on quality-controlled data. We investigate environmental issues identified and our data underpins decision-making and delivering statutory responsibilities.

Our induction, development and team-working will help you gain proficiency within the organisation and build on the strengths you bring to our team.

All staff train to support our combined Area response to a wide range of incidents including pollution, flooding, waste and drought.
An ecological technical degree or sufficient relevant freshwater ecology experience will provide a strong base for this post.

A foundation in freshwater species identification, microscopy, using dichotomous keys and familiarity with field survey methodologies for macroinvertebrates, plants, fish and habitat in freshwater would demonstrate potential for success in this role.

Conducting ecological surveys and operating telemetry, populating databases, data interpretation and reporting are core work.

Expected behaviours include self-development, initiative, organisation, adaptability to changing priorities, effective team work and supporting our response to incidents.

Training is provided to achieve accreditation in river habitat survey, freshwater macroinvertebrate and plant identification as these capabilities are essential.
We are an area-wide team covering the whole of the West Midlands. The postholder can be based in either Lichfield (WS13 8RR), Shrewsbury (SY3 8BB), Tewkesbury (GL20 8JG) with some travel required between offices. There will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and help with field work across the area.

Accessing rivers means a valid driving licence, bankside mobility and swimming capability are genuine operational requirements.

If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Philip Wormald, Analysis and Reporting Team Leader on 07710903400 or email philip.wormald@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 12 December 2022.

04/12/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
Please outline your experience of freshwater ecology. This may include monitoring, invertebrate analysis, database systems, data analysis and interpretation.
Achieves Results
Give an example how and when you have managed many complex work streams. How did you ensure the work was done to a high standard? How did you prioritise?
Communicates Effectively
In this role you will need to be able to communicate to a wide range of people with varying levels of technical knowledge. Please describe when you have used your communication skills effectively to convey information and ideas clearly to others.
Data and Information Management
Please give an example of a time when you have analysed a variety of data to draw conclusions for environmental work. What was the outcome and what did you achieve?
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.