Principal Scientist - 9104

1
East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, National
Bristol , Exeter , Leeds , Lincoln , Newcastle , Reading , Solihull , Wallingford , Warrington , York
Various
Staff Grade 6
Permanent
Full Time
Science
£43,777
We are looking for a Principal Scientist to lead our costal flood and erosion risk management research. You will establish national research priorities, commission and manage research projects, collaborate on research partnerships and provide in-house scientific advice to flood risk management practitioners.
The Flood & Coastal Risk Management Research team provide scientific evidence and advice to underpin flood and coastal risk management practice in the UK. We deliver research projects and partnerships as part of the England and Wales Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme.
We are seeking a person with extensive experience of flood and coastal risk management. You’ll be qualified to at least degree standard in a relevant scientific discipline and have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• coastal flooding and erosion
• extreme waves and sea-levels
• costal processes and morphology
• climate change adaptation on the coast

Other key requirements for this job include excellent verbal and written communication skills and a proven track record of delivering timely and effective environmental outcomes.
It would be advantageous to hold a post-graduate qualification in a relevant scientific discipline, have good experience of project management and some experience of working on research projects.
Closing date: 21st October 2018 at 23:55 hours
This role is predominantly office based, but will require frequent travel and overnight stays.
For further details please contact Dr Sean Longfield, Lead Scientist on 07796313238 or by email: sean.longfield@environment-agency.gov.uk.
For more information on the England and Wales Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme see:
http://evidence.environment-agency.gov.uk/FCERM

21/10/2018, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Programme and Project Management
Regularly reviews work undertaken by contractors or consultants against objectives and ensuring that the contractor is aware of any changes impacting on their work for the Environment Agency.
Plans, directs and co-ordinates activities to manage and implement complex interrelated projects from contract/proposal initiation to final operational stage.
Determines, monitors and reviews all programme economics to include all costs, operational budgets, staffing requirements, resources and risk. Ensures that programme is managed to maximise Environment Agency benefits.
Understands and applies project planning techniques to ensure project is delivered on time and to expected standards.
Agrees appropriate project options and delivers project objectives in the most cost effective manner. Contributes effectively to a project where another organisation takes the lead, including assisting with project management. Appraises the effectiveness of the collaborative project and communicates the outcome.
Sets appropriate milestones; recognises and plans for areas of particular difficulty, uncertainty and set backs, regularly reviews project progress and effectiveness.
Identifies, sets up and co-ordinates events to communicate and deliver, with maximum impact, the Environment Agency’s messages to internal or external audiences, positively promotes and publicises the work of the Environment Agency.
Organises and manages seminars and workshops for promoting dialogue with specific audiences or for the development and briefing of staff or others.
Communicates Effectively
Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style.
Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style.
Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback
When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience.
Is clear and to the point when speaking.
Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.
Scientific Knowledge
Applies scientific knowledge in appropriate areas, to enhance the effectiveness of the Environment Agency.
Keeps up to date with scientific trends and techniques.
Commissions and delivers appropriate scientific research to underpin the work of the Environment Agency in protecting and enhancing the environment and promoting sustainability.
Represents the Environment Agency at appropriate scientific and other fora, conferences and events.
Develops and maintains science networks
Customer and Partner Relations
Identifies and engages customers and partners in consultation over Environment Agency initiatives, using facilitation skills to gain their input in the most effective and constructive way. Feeds their comments and concerns back into the business.
Plans and prepares long-term influencing strategies for key players at a national level, taking into account their culture and priorities. Effectively influences and persuades them to make difficult decisions or take courses of action to which they were previously opposed.
Organises and monitors the provision of specialist information and advice, briefing team members fully regarding plans, requirements and standards.
Demonstrates an expertise in Environment Agency issues, procedures and legislation by providing appropriate environmental awareness training.
Prepares and presents evidence and information to external bodies and at formal public hearings in a manner fit for meeting purpose and audience. Handles questions, checks understanding and defuses volatile or violent situations.
Ensures customers and partners have realistic expectations of the Environment Agency and understand implications of changes to policies and legislation.
Identifies opportunities, in line with Environment Agency business plans or through contacts, for external collaboration. Approaches parties to secure a collaborative partnership agreement or secure Environment Agency’s involvement where other organisations have taken the lead.
Ensures the Environment Agency maximises its benefits from any information and data sharing whilst protecting Intellectual Property Rights.
Provides media briefs to Public Relations and speaks to representatives of the media in a way that demonstrates professionalism and promotes an objective and accurate view of Environment Agency initiatives and incidents.
Influences and Persuades Others
Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments
Listens to other’s opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance
Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments
Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing.
Seeks to achieve a “win-win” outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced.
Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively.
Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener’s mood and adjust accordingly
Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.
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.