Chemicals Assessment Scientist, Risk management (Senior Specialist – SG6) - 8278

2
National
Various
Staff Grade 6
Permanent
Full Time
Science
£43,777
We are recruiting an experienced technical expert to develop our environmental risk management capability for chemicals, with particular emphasis on the REACH Regulation. Working closely with other colleagues and staff at the Health and Safety Executive and other government bodies, you will:

• Evaluate the level of risk posed by specific substances, based on detailed understanding of use patterns, regulatory exposure information and other data, and taking account of the efficiency of end-of-pipe control techniques;
• Assess options to reduce risks within the prevailing legislative and policy framework, including possibilities for voluntary action, alternative treatment techniques, limits on the supply or use of a chemical, and relevant socio-economic factors;
• Critically review and provide detailed comments on regulatory proposals circulated by the European Chemicals Agency, ensuring that relevant UK stakeholders are consulted and proposing alternative approaches where appropriate;
• Build the team’s expertise in relevant fields, such as options appraisal, modelling and data interpretation;
• Take responsibility for producing UK regulatory dossiers or positions concerning the environmental risk management of specific substances, ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence; and
• Assist in the strategic development and delivery of UK objectives, through networking and managing relevant research projects.
The Chemicals Assessment Unit supports the UK Competent Authority for the REACH and CLP Regulations, and also Defra as part of the UK’s other international chemical obligations. We provide dedicated technical expertise to assess the environmental hazards and risks of industrial and consumer chemicals (anything from soap fragrances to flame retardants), and propose risk management actions. We work with UK Government, European and global partners (including the chemical industry and other regulators).
You will need to enjoy the detail of analysing complex scientific and numerical data, but also be good at seeing the big picture. You must be skilled at presenting your analyses to different audiences. You will need to be educated to degree level in environmental sciences or other appropriate scientific disciplines (e.g. geography, chemical engineering). A post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) is preferred.

You will have at least one member of the team reporting to you so management experience is desirable.

The role requires excellent written and oral communication, time management and organisation to ensure all deadlines are met. You will have a strong grasp of environmental risk management principles as it applies to chemicals, ideally with some practical experience (e.g. in a factory setting or through consultancy work associated with relevant legislation). Experience of representing your organisation at national or European level would be advantageous but is not essential.
Closing Date: 24th June 2018 at 23:55 hours

This is a permanent role. It is office-based and can be located in Wallingford or Rotherham. The successful applicant will be expected to travel for meetings across the UK and abroad.

For more information please contact Steve Dungey (Tel: 02030259764, Email: steve.dungey@environment-agency.gov.uk)

Interviews will be held w.c. 16 or 23 July 2018.

24/06/2018, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
What level and type of expertise would you bring to us in a scientific field that is relevant to the environmental risk management of chemicals?
Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder to follow your advice on the direction of a major project or piece of work.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Tell us about a time when you have had to co-ordinate information from a variety of sources in order to solve a difficult technical problem.
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.