Flood Forecasting Centre - Hydrometeorologist - 16786

1
South West
Exeter
Manley House
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Full Time, Other
Science, Analytical
£36,389
The disciplines of hydrology and meteorology have been combined creating a role of Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) Hydrometeorologist, jointly filled by Environment Agency (EA) and Met Office staff.

The Hydrometeorologist job represents the entry level into the FFC’s team of technical specialists. The appointment begins with an extensive programme of meteorology and hydrometeorology training delivered through the Met Office College and the FFC Hydrometeorology Technical Development Programme. This combines classroom training, on the job training and placements with ongoing vocational assessments.

Based within the Met Office Operations Centre, successful candidates will work at the forefront of flood forecasting science. You will be part of the 24x7 roster, delivering a range of hydrometeorological products that have a significant input into customers’ (Category 1 and 2 Responders including EA and Natural Resources Wales Flood Forecasting and Incident Management teams) decision-making and associated warning services. Team members will commit to agreed on-call arrangements and occasional off-shift work on development projects or customer engagement.

Responsibilities include service improvements work and CPD providing opportunities to build project, customer and team-working skills and to lead projects. You will develop business acumen, service delivery and customer service skills - essential for career progression.
Created in response to the Pitt Review, the FFC is working to improve the technical capability to forecast, model and warn against all sources of flooding to provide emergency responders with longer lead times to prepare and respond.

The purpose of the highly-skilled FFC Hydromet team is to bring together the two disciplines of meteorology and hydrology to ‘bridge the gap’ between weather and flood forecasting between the Met Office, EA and NRW.
• A degree in meteorology, a physical science or mathematics (at 2:1 or higher) or relevant technical experience.
• A-levels or the direct equivalent (e.g. Scottish Highers) in mathematics and physics. Alternative ways of demonstrating the required standard of maths and physics may also be acceptable or relevant technical experience.
• A good working knowledge of Flood Risk Management and Flood Forecasting or successful completion of the Met Office Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course or equivalent.
The post involves a large proportion of shift work, both days and nights.
The training includes the Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course; an intensive 3 month period (beginning September 2021) in the Met Office Exeter, followed by 3 months On the Job training – undertaking shift work - also in Exeter. Annual leave is restricted during these periods.
Continuation with the role will be conditional on the successful candidate passing both the Met Office Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course and subsequent on-the job operational assessments.
Successful candidates will need to undergo security vetting.
Relocation assistance may be available following the standard EA policy.

For further details please contact Gavin Robbins (gavin.robbins@environment-agency.gov.uk or 07900 136224) for an informal discussion.

21/06/2021, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Numerical Modelling and Forecasting
Provide evidence of a good working knowledge of Flood Risk Management and/or Flood Forecasting. Provide evidence that supports your commitment to undertake and complete advanced training in Hydrometeorology.
Works in Teams
Provide evidence of how you have contributed effectively as a member of a team. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of building and maintaining good working relationships.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Provide evidence of successful decision making to solve complex, operational issues.
Communicates Effectively
Demonstrate how you have communicated complex and uncertain information in a timely manner to both technical and non-technical audiences, including customers and senior staff.
Manages Self
Provide evidence of self-management. Provide examples of where you have taken responsibility for your personal development, with examples of continuous improvement and self-directed learning.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Demonstrate a strong customer and service focus, including evidence of where you have achieved improvements in service delivery.
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.