Environment Monitoring Officer - Ecology - 24970

1
East of England
Ipswich
Iceni House
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery, Science, Knowledge & Information Management
£29,706
We seek an experienced Environmental Monitoring Officer (Ecology) able to assist with delivering our programs of work.

You'll undertake laboratory analysis of macro-invertebrates samples to mixed taxonomic level, interpret and report this data and investigate pollution incidents.

You’ll have a good understanding of how water quality and quantity impact on ecological communities and an ability to communicate this information clearly to a range of audiences.

We need someone with:
• Proven practical experience and familiarity with fieldwork and laboratory work.
• An ability to analyse, interpret and report ecology data.
• Ability to provide training and assistance to junior staff members.
• Signed off as capable to analyse macro-invertebrate samples to mixed taxonomic level.
• Accredited aquatic-macrophyte surveyor, preferably with RHS accreditation.
• Experience in investigating the biological impact of pollution incidents.
• Sound understanding of biotic and abiotic interactions.
• Good communication skills.
• Knowledge of and confidence in liaising with internal and external teams and partners.

The Environment Agency take part in incident response. Our new Inclusive Incident Management Policy has been developed to support all new starters to find an incident role to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Full training will be provided.
The team is responsible for ensuring chemistry, ecology and fishery monitoring programs collect the information we need for a variety of legislative, national and local requirements. The team is comprised of officers skilled at monitoring fieldwork, laboratory work, and with an expertise in assessing this multi-functional monitoring data and turning it into evidence. This evidence informs the wider business and ultimately helps underpin environmental improvements.

For more info on working with us see https://environmentagencycareers.co.uk/
Ideally you will be qualified to at least degree level or have a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, environmental sciences, biology).

You must be trained in and have experience of:
• Identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates/plants
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Ecological survey work (such as macrophyte surveys, fish surveys, river habitat surveys)

Experience using Excel and Word is essential. You need to be able to work effectively on your own and within a team and be able to produce clear written work.

A full UK driving licence is essential.

You will be willing to undertake specialist training when necessary and there are fully funded opportunities to develop further academic/professional qualifications.

The candidate pack and generic role profile should be read along with the advert to understand the key accountabilities and skills needed.
In East Anglia we want to create a diverse workplace where individuals are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where we grow and learn together.

It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

We offer a fantastic benefits package including an attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. See the candidate pack for more details.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Ginns via: mark.ginns@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 07879 432583

Recruitment Agencies know all applications must be made via the system

04/01/2023, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses. You have up to 250 words so please do use them to tell us what we need to know about you. A copy of our "EA capability dictionary" can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.

Please give an example of when you have identified freshwater taxa (e.g. macro-invertebrates, plants, algae, fish) and reported the data to influence a decision.
Works in Teams
Give an example of when you have worked as part of a team to deliver a challenging piece of work. How did you work together effectively?
Data and Information Management
Give an example of when you have prepared an important report that was based on evidence collected in the field or laboratory where you had doubts about the quality and accuracy of the data. What actions did you take and why?
Communicates Effectively
Please describe when you have used a variety of communication skills effectively to convey ecological information and ideas clearly to others.
Driving Licence
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.