Academic Internship: Developing the evidence narrative on the impacts of agriculture on the water environment - 8208

1
South East
Reading , Wallingford
Kings Meadow House, Red Kite House
Staff Grade 2
Internship
Full Time
Science
£18,102 pro-rata
In 2014 the Environment Agency produced a document on ‘Progressing towards Water Framework Directive objectives – the role of agriculture’. This was widely used as the definitive evidence base for stakeholder engagement, and quoted by environmental NGOs and farming organisations. The document has not been updated since, and many of the underlying datasets have more up-to-date data that can be used.
The intern would review and synthesise the current data so that the evidence is updated and presented in a way that is consistent with other narratives.
The intern will need to work across Environment Agency teams to identify the most up-to-date internal evidence sources, as well as sourcing evidence produced by the wider Defra family, including Natural England, Forestry Commission and the Rural Payments Agency, as well as other academic sources. This is an office-based role.
The intern would be based in the Agriculture, Risk and Evaluation (ARE) team. This is a dispersed team of technical specialists who lead on developing and collating evidence of agriculture’s impact on water quality and support the development and implementation of policies to mitigate that impact. The ARE team sits within the Environment and Business Directorate in the Environment Agency.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, as the role will require interaction with internal and external customers, and the presentation of findings both internally and to the wider Defra family.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, seeking out information, and to plan and organise own work to achieve short term results.
• Ability to collate, compile and analyse data – this may require reformatting existing data.
• Required to use standard IT packages efficiently to deliver work and able to learn specialised systems as required
Closing Date: 4th June 2018 at 23:55 hours

Please contact Rachael Dils, Senior Specialist, Research, Analysis and Evaluation, for further information:
rachel.dils@environment-agency.gov.uk
Mobile. 07775025909
This post will be based in either Reading or Wallingford. Interviews will take place in Reading w/c 11th June.

04/06/2018, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Up to 12 weeks. End date 28/09/2018
Scientific Knowledge
This post requires the ability to collate, evaluate and synthesise the existing evidence on the scale of the problem of agricultural water pollution into a clear justification for government intervention on farming. Therefore, a background knowledge of environmental and agricultural management is important, with a good understanding of current and potential future pressures on our water environment from farming activities.
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
This internship is a chance for you to apply the analytical skills, knowledge and experience you have gained whilst studying at university.
Environmental Awareness
The Environment Agency works to protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. Within England we’re responsible for regulating major industry and waste, treatment of contaminated land, water quality and resources, fisheries, inland river, estuary and harbour navigations, conservation and ecology and managing the risk of flooding. We are looking for a student who is passionate about these issues, and is looking for a career in environmental protection.
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.