Biodiversity Technical Officer - 17242
1
South West, West Midlands
Fradley, Shrewsbury , Tewkesbury
Riversmeet House, Hafren House, Sentinel House
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability
£28,785
We’re seeking an experienced ecologist with expertise in UK river corridor habitats and species to join our West Midlands team.
The role requires an evidence-lead, risk-based approach to;
• regulate permitted activities and influencing development, the water industry and flood-plain infrastructure to work sustainably to reduce risk to the environment, gain opportunities to enhance water bodies and support the delivery of biodiversity net gain
• evaluate ecological status, undertake habitat risk assessment and use the ecosystem services approach, to protect and restore water bodies, designated sites, protected species and to increase habitat quality and connectivity
• respond to incidents to reduce impact on the environment and investigate to support remediation and enforcement action
• engage effectively with customers, partners and businesses to raise awareness, provide high quality, best practice technical advice, seek multiple benefits through partnerships and projects
You will collaborate with a network of teams, influence customers to address the on-going and historic impacts on the water environment of water quality and quantity, climate change, land-use, dredging and impoundment, to restore a more natural, sustainable river corridor environment for wildlife, fish and people.
The role requires an evidence-lead, risk-based approach to;
• regulate permitted activities and influencing development, the water industry and flood-plain infrastructure to work sustainably to reduce risk to the environment, gain opportunities to enhance water bodies and support the delivery of biodiversity net gain
• evaluate ecological status, undertake habitat risk assessment and use the ecosystem services approach, to protect and restore water bodies, designated sites, protected species and to increase habitat quality and connectivity
• respond to incidents to reduce impact on the environment and investigate to support remediation and enforcement action
• engage effectively with customers, partners and businesses to raise awareness, provide high quality, best practice technical advice, seek multiple benefits through partnerships and projects
You will collaborate with a network of teams, influence customers to address the on-going and historic impacts on the water environment of water quality and quantity, climate change, land-use, dredging and impoundment, to restore a more natural, sustainable river corridor environment for wildlife, fish and people.
Our West Midlands Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team comprises a welcoming group of collaborative professionals with skills in fish, river corridor ecology and dynamic processes, customer engagement, habitat creation and project management, environmental legislation and incident investigation. Our work is full of variety and we’re passionate about protecting and restoring the environment. We influence many activities in river corridors from local permits to strategic National infrastructure projects.
A first degree in environment and ecology or relevant equivalent qualification and technical expertise in environmental legislation, river dynamics, protected and invasive species, habitat and ecosystems and the way regulated activities impact them is essential.
Strong communication, collaboration and influencing skills, effective time management, adaptability, resilience and initiative are required.
Relevant professional body membership, project management or expertise in channel structures and flood-plain habitat is advantageous.
Driving in the UK, walking over rough ground during field visits and swimming competence for work in or near water are essential occupational requirements.
You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation which takes pride in welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. Continued professional development is provided. Flexible working options and some working from home may be considered.
Strong communication, collaboration and influencing skills, effective time management, adaptability, resilience and initiative are required.
Relevant professional body membership, project management or expertise in channel structures and flood-plain habitat is advantageous.
Driving in the UK, walking over rough ground during field visits and swimming competence for work in or near water are essential occupational requirements.
You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation which takes pride in welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. Continued professional development is provided. Flexible working options and some working from home may be considered.
For further information, please contact Philip Wormald or Nichola Tomlinson at philip.wormald@environment-agency.gov.uk or Nichola.Tomlinson@environment-agency.gov.uk
09/05/2021, 23:55 hours
Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
Tell us about your scientific expertise relevant to this role and give examples of how you marshalled evidence to make an important decision or advise customers to achieve a substantial benefit.
Building Legislation, Codes, Directives and Regulatory Issues
Describe your understanding of the legislation relevant to this role, giving examples where you have applied this knowledge to support decisions, to advise customers how achieve legal compliance or to support enforcement action.
Influences and Persuades Others
Give examples of occasions where you have used influencing techniques to persuade others to significantly change their point of view and contribute to your own goals, particularly in protecting the environment. What initial resistance did you overcome and what techniques did you use? Why did they come around to your point of view and how did this affect their own outcomes?
Providing technical advice on Planning Liaison consultations
Outline your experience in determining and issuing permissions for customers to undertake regulated activities? What is your understanding of regulated activities and their impact on the environment? Can you give examples where you achieved your objectives and more, when liaising with these customers?
Full UK Driving Licence will be required
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.
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.