Fish Health, Ageing and Species - Technical Officer 2 - 9920

4
East of England, National
Brampton
Brampton Office
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Full Time
Science, Other
£22,792
This is an exciting opportunity to join a hard working and high achieving national team, contributing to the protection and development of fisheries across England.
We are looking for a Technical Officer 2 to join the Fish Health, Ageing and Species team within National Fisheries Services, Brampton. You will help ensure delivery of our services to area operational teams and external fishery customers. This will include working within both fish ageing, in support of the National Fisheries Monitoring Programme and WFD, and fish health, conducting health checks, working in our diagnostic laboratories, and supporting fish disease incident investigations.
National Fisheries Services provide front line fisheries services to internal and external customers across a wide range of fisheries disciplines.
The Fish Health, Ageing and Species team provide national operational services and technical advice for fish health, ageing and non-native fish species. We are primarily a laboratory and office based team, with post mortem work, scale ageing and report writing being integral to our role. Parasitology, microbiology, histology and molecular diagnostics are also fundamental disciplines.
A strong background in fish ecology, fish disease, fish ageing, fisheries management and/or laboratory work is preferable, with an interest in freshwater fisheries and the environment being essential. Experience within any of our core disciplines (primarily parasitology, microbiology, histology and molecular diagnostics) would also be of benefit.
As the successful candidate, you will be self motivated and organised with excellent attention to detail. You should be able to prioritise demanding seasonal workloads, be comfortable working to tight deadlines, and have a pragmatic approach to achieving objectives. You will also be an excellent communicator at all levels, and in multiple forms. A strong team ethic is essential, as is an ability to work independently.
Closing Date: 3rd March 2019 at 23:55 hours

This permanent post will be office and laboratory based, situated within the National Fisheries Laboratory, Brampton, Cambridgeshire.

For more information please contact Amy Reading at amy.reading@environment-agency.gov.uk

03/03/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
We are a small, national team that covers a number of highly specialist areas of work. We have a high output and busy seasonal peaks. As such, the successful candidate will be able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and within tight deadlines, whilst ensuring their work is of the highest standard. An ability to multi-task is essential.
Communicates Effectively
The Fish Health, Ageing and Species team has a varied customer base which includes internal Environment Agency staff, fishery owners, anglers, partner organisations and academic institutions. In order to communicate effectively it is vital that the successful candidate is able to recognise what style and level of communication is required for different customers and to adapt this accordingly.
Works in Teams
We are a small team with a strong work and team ethic. This is essential to achieving results, and an ability to work alongside others, understand and respond to work pressures, and support colleagues as and when required is integral to the role. Effective communication within the team is vital.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
The team has a varied customer base, with a multitude of external and internal customers. Rapid and effective responses are required, and it is important that individuals take personal responsibility for meeting customer needs in a professional, timely and courteous manner. Managing customer expectations is essential, as is an ability to prioritise workloads and manage conflicting priorities.
Scientific Knowledge
The Fish Health, Ageing and Species team provide technical services on a wide range of subjects, including fish disease, fish ageing, and fisheries management. It is important that the successful applicant has an existing understanding or an interest in developing skills in relation to these areas, with knowledge of fish biology, fish ecology and fisheries management being integral to this.
Health Safety & Wellbeing
Much of the Fish Health, Ageing and Species team’s work is conducted within a laboratory environment. As such, use of personal protective equipment, an awareness of hazards, and an ability to follow safe working practices is essential. Your behaviour should reduce risks to the health and safety of yourself and others.
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.