Environmental Data Analyst (SG5) - 8271

We are recruiting two data analysts to support the development and implementation of a UK chemicals strategy. This forms part of our work to help manage the UK’s exit from the EU. As we leave we may not have the same access to EU mechanisms associated with environmental risk assessment and management of chemicals. We are looking at our own processes to ensure we are well positioned to communicate on current risks, identify & prioritise emerging risks to help direct our monitoring, as well as broader risk management activities.

Working closely with EA colleagues you will contribute to:
• compiling and presenting data to pilot a prioritisation system on chemicals;
• developing better environmental chemical indicators;
• developing approaches to gather/share information with third parties including Defra family, industry and NGOs;
• a Chemicals Evidence project to manage the collection and compilation of data and information to support implementation of a strategic approach to manage chemicals risks to water. This might for example include data QA & manipulation, trend analysis and risk mapping;
• developing longer term or agile monitoring programmes to identify emerging chemical priorities;
• international initiatives

You will be part of an Environment and Business Chemicals programme team tasked with planning EU Exit for chemicals regulation. You will work across E&B but particularly with colleagues working on chemicals evidence.

You should be a problem solver with flexible approach to assembling evidence and being able to present it in an accessible way. You should be self-motivated and comfortable working flexibly within a wider remote team. You will be thorough, accurate and methodical with attention to detail, good data manipulation and GIS skills. Additional useful capabilities would include: statistical knowledge and simple coding ability in addition to ability to manipulate data in XL, Access would help with flexibility in examining and presenting data and information. Good time management and organisational ability is needed to meet deadlines. You must be skilled at presenting your analyses to others, adjusting your style to the audience. You will need to be educated to degree level in environmental sciences or other appropriate scientific discipline.

Closing: 24th June 2018 at 23:55hrs

There are two posts looking for a more experienced analyst to lead the work with a more junior appointment to provide support:

1 x Grade 4 (£27,138)
1 x Grade 5 (£34,330)

One post will be permanent, the other will be temporary for 2 years with the possibility of becoming permanent in the future. It is office-based, the location is flexible but you will be working closely with a dispersed team with locations around the country but with hubs in Exeter, Bristol, Wallingford. The successful applicant may sometimes have to travel for meetings across the UK.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Roger Hoare on 07810683667 or roger.hoare@environment-agency.gov.uk Or Nick Cartwright on +442030254584 or email nick.cartwright@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Give an example of when you have had to take a decision or solve a complex problem in policy context (or similar)
• What was the problem?
• What made it complex?
• What did you learn?

Can you provide an example of a complex data management task you have undertaken, explain your approach to the problem and how you communicated the outputs.

Can you give us an example of when you have communicated a particularly complex issue or idea clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing?