Environment Monitoring Officer - 14415

We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic candidates who enjoy working outdoors in all weathers in a physically demanding job. The role involves carrying out field-based tasks to collect environmental data for various reasons, including water chemistry, biology, hydrometry, ecology and fisheries. This means taking samples from rivers, boreholes, boats and commercial businesses. You will be working alone for the majority of the time however some team work takes place. You will use and calibrate your hand held field meter to set specifications to ensure good quality data. Therefore attention to detail and following clear instructions for tasks is really important along with the ability to raise and resolve problems. It will involve driving, lifting and carrying samples and equipment, working in and near water. You will maintain and manage yourself to work in accordance with current Health Safety and Wellbeing procedures. We are looking for candidates who are happy to work in a role where there is repetition of tasks whilst every day is different. You will be representing the Environment Agency externally so good people skills and ability to handle queries on the spot are needed.

The Thames Valley Team is one of 14 Field Monitoring Teams, which form part of the National Monitoring Service. It collects field based samples for both local, national and statutory requirements. The samples collected provide key data for multiple teams across the Environment Agency.
The Team is dispersed and its territory covers Banbury in the north to Reading in the south, Cirencester in the west to High Wycombe in the east.

We’re seeking a candidate who is happy and confident to work in all weather conditions and environments. Has a passion for learning and working in the outdoor environment. However, on the job training will be provided.
A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.
Other key requirements for this job include
• self-motivated;
• basic computer literacy in word, excel, Office 365;
• confident working with smartphone technology;
• a good eye for attention to detail;
• orderly and good at following set instructions;
• reliable and able to work on your own as well as part of the wider team;
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills for both internal and external customers;
• navigational skills – the ability to find your way around urban and rural areas;
• comfortable driving a van;
• good level of numeracy skills;
• comfortable working in water.

A badged vehicle is provided for you to deliver field aspects of the role along with appropriate clothing and Personal Protective Equipment. The core hours for this role are 37 per week Monday to Friday, however there may be occasional need to work longer hours during the week or at weekends.
The base location for this role will be Wallingford where you will be required to pick up equipment and drop off samples most days. The majority of the time however you will be outside collecting samples from different locations across the team territory. Occasional travel to other parts of the country may be required.
For further enquiries about the role please contact Neil Lewin by calling on 02030 251905 or by email – neil.lewin@environment-agency.gov.uk

Please give an example of where you have previously had to manage yourself in order to achieve results. Explain the situation and the methods you employed in order to do this.

Please describe a situation when you have demonstrated your ability to prioritise and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results. Please set out how you ensured high work standards and met targets.

Please describe any experiences where you have demonstrated your ability to collect, record and manage field material or data, and the equipment and systems used.

Making sure your own behaviour reduces risks to the health and safety of yourself and others is essential in this role. Please describe when you have identified a risk to your own Health & Safety at work.

Full, clean driving license is essential