Academic internship: Coastal landfills at risk of erosion - 8209

1
South West
Bristol
Horizon House
Staff Grade 2
Internship
Full Time
Science
£18,102 pro-rata
The internship would involve working with information from the Environment Agency, and other sources, on the historical coastal landfills most at risk of releasing waste into the environment. Seventy nine landfills have been identified as being at risk of coastal erosion by 2025.
The purpose of the work is to better understand, and to categorise, the risks to the environment and the potential for these sites to be subject to landfill mining. Available information on the landfills and their likely content would need to be gathered alongside sources on the changes in UK landfill waste composition over time and the potential for reclaiming resources from the landfills.
The Climate Change and Resource Efficiency (CCRE) team provides the Environment Agency scientific lead on climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation. We also lead on resource efficiency and waste research for the Environment Agency. With strong links to academia and within the Defra family, the CCRE team produce, use and commission research to improve the way the Environment Agency tackles the challenges of climate change and waste management.
The post requires the available information on the landfills a risk to be brought together and critically reviewed. Applicants must have experience of desk based research and data analysis. They must be confident working with quantitative and qualitative data and information and be able to draw reliable conclusions. They will need good communication and writing skills and the ability to synthesise scientific information for a non-expert audience.
Closing Date: 4th June 2018 at 23:55 hours

Please contact Mark Bourn, Principal Scientist, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency, for further information:
mark.bourn@environment-agency.gov.uk
Tel. 02084746530
Mobile. 07768907613

This post will be based in Bristol. Interviews will take place in Bristol w/c 11th June.

04/06/2018, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Up to 12 weeks. End date 28/09/2018
Scientific Knowledge
The main areas of scientific knowledge necessary for the project are in
• Landfill and landfill degradation processes
• Waste treatment techniques in particular those associated with landfill mining
• Risk assessment in particular approaches to categorising and prioritising risks

A background knowledge of climate change and sea level rise would also be useful in understanding the risks posed by coastal erosion.
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
This internship is a chance for you to apply the analytical skills, knowledge and experience you have gained whilst studying at university.
Environmental Awareness
The Environment Agency works to protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. Within England we’re responsible for regulating major industry and waste, treatment of contaminated land, water quality and resources, fisheries, inland river, estuary and harbour navigations, conservation and ecology and managing the risk of flooding. We are looking for a student who is passionate about these issues, and is looking for a career in environmental protection.
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.