Biodiversity Officer - 20260

2
East Midlands
Nottingham
Trentside Offices
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability
£28,785
We are looking for an experienced ecologist to join the Biodiversity and Geomorphology team, based in the East Midlands Area. You will provide expert advice and guidance on protected species conservation and habitat enhancements. The role holder will be a skilled influencer, able to integrate biodiversity improvements within engineering driven river maintenance projects.

Your work will help to deliver ecologically healthier natural systems that are more resilient to pressures such as climate change, achieving objectives set by legislative instruments such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and policies such as the 25 Year Environment Plan.

You will design and carry out protected species surveys and deliver a programme of Biodiversity Net Gain, working with natural processes to deliver measurable environmental outcomes. The role also involves providing advice on planning; flood risk and water resources applications to ensure ecological considerations are taken into account.

This role is as much about working with people as it is about working with nature. You will proactively engage staff across the business, communicating with colleagues internally and externally, in order to build trusted networks and strong partnerships, so that you jointly deliver more than one person could on their own.
You will be an integral part of the Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team, bringing ecological expertise to a friendly, inclusive and vibrant group of environmental professionals.

The team works strategically with other Environment Agency teams to identify and deliver environmental improvements. We work with internal and external partners to advise on mitigating environmental impacts and achieve improvements.
We are looking for an experienced ecologist (MCIEEM) with extensive survey experience mainly of badgers, bats, crayfish, otters and water voles. The successful candidate will be able to scrutinise ecological appraisals undertaken by others and influence others to adopt ecological enhancements. Experience of providing advice on riparian habitat restoration would be an advantage. Training on applying the Water Framework Directive can be provided if required.

You will be qualified to at least degree level in a relevant technical discipline, with a good understanding of riparian habitats and the species they support. You will have extensive experience designing and undertaking protected species surveys and be able to impart an understanding of related legislative drivers to a non-technical audience. You will need to be a self-starter, able to create opportunities for habitat improvements where others are not looking and seek novel approaches for biodiversity improvements.

You must have a full driving licence.
Although this post is office/ home based there will be a requirement to undertake site visits and fieldwork in the East Midlands Area.

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds including disabled, LGBT+, Black Asian and Minority Ethnic and neuro-diverse colleagues.

We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please clearly include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

The Environment Agency offer an extensive range of employee benefits including a generous pension contribution. There are also fully funded opportunities to develop further academic/professional qualifications.

Contact: Richard Bull on 07500 977275 or richard.bull1@environment-agency.gov.uk

12/12/2021, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
Giving a specific example of a piece of work you have delivered, describe how you prioritised your workload and how you met the final deadline.

• What was the work and timelines you were working to?
• Did you experience any setbacks and if so, what effect did this have?
• What did you do to rectify this situation?
• What was the outcome?
Communicates Effectively
Tell us about a time when you have had to explain complex technical information to a non-technical person.
• What was the situation?
• What was your approach?
• How did you decide which were the key messages that needed to be communicated?
• What difficulties did you face and how did you overcome these?
• How did you check understanding?
• What was the outcome?
Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder round to your point of view.

• What was the situation?
• Why was your stakeholder initially opposed to your views?
• What do you think was the key to your success?
• What have you learnt from this situation?
Diversity
Please describe what equality and diversity means to you.
Driving Licence
CIEEM
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.