Biodiversity Technical Specialist - 10609

1
East of England
Colchester , Ipswich , Norwich
Dragonfly House, Iceni House, Rivers House Kelvedon
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability
£34,879 pro rata
An opportunity has arisen in East Anglia for a biodiversity Technical Specialist to lead discussions with the companies on their Nuclear New Build (NNB) proposals for Sizewell C and Bradwell B. This role will provide technical input to the projects on ecological/biodiversity matters, specifically with regard to:
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Water Framework Directive
• SSSI and Habitats Directive sites
• Eels Directive
• Priority and protected species and habitats

The role is essential if we are to ensure that the project adequately addresses all ecological issues (and regulatory needs) and minimises impacts on, and where possible enhances, the environment during construction and operation. You will need to be competent, capable, authoritative, accountable and persuasive in order to deliver the best possible environmental outcomes and ensure high standards of environmental protection.

Requirements:
• Highly knowledgeable in ecological legislation
• Capable of interpreting complex matters
• Able to find innovative solutions to unique challenges
• Organised and priority driven
• Works collaboratively to build and sustain relationships, with colleagues, customers, stakeholders, and professional partners; to provide timely and professionally packaged advice and guidance to the nuclear new build developer, so achieving protection for people and wildlife.
Based in the Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team, you will work alongside highly skilled and motivated staff, engaging with partners at all levels, to deliver environmental gain. You will specifically achieve these aims within the Nuclear New Build (NNB) project response team.

PLEASE NOTE - there is an expectation that you will work from the Ipswich Office 2 to 3 days each week, with flexibility to work from another office for the remaining days.
Expected skills and experience include:
• Competent understanding of the Water Framework Directive, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Eels Regulations and Habitats Regulations
• Good all-round ecological expertise
• Capable of representing the Environment Agency in the role of spokesperson at public meetings and with local stakeholders and industry
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision and have developed leadership qualities
• Knowledge of the political and economic drivers that could affect our ability to deliver environmental outcomes within the context of a substantial new nuclear power station project and associated developments
• A flexible, positive and enthusiastic attitude with excellent interpersonal skills to build - and maintain - relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Effective at communicating, influencing and negotiating
• Highly organised
• Ability to work in a high pressure/workload environment, managing multiple work streams at the same time

A full UK driving licence is essential.
Closing Date: 28th April 2019 at 23:55

This is a fixed term assignment until 31/03/2021 - INTERNAL CANDIDATES PLEASE NOTE you must ensure you seek agreement from your line manager to apply for this role.

The grade rate is £34,879 and hours are 37 per week.

The Environment Agency offer an extensive range of employee benefits.

As an Agency, we take part in incident response, you may be asked to participate depending on your role and circumstances.

A generic role profile is included - the advert provides you with details of key accountabilities and skills needed

If you have any questions concerning this post please contact Trev Bond via trev.bond@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 0203 02 58510.

28/04/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Until 31/03/2021
Achieves Results
Considering the Job Description, and understanding this role as the person who will be the EA's key technical commentator for ecological issues for the proposed Nuclear Power stations, please provide (from your working career) an example of where you have achieved positive results for the environment.
Builds and Sustains Relationships
Considering the Job Description, and understanding this role as the person who will be the EA's technical commentator for biodiversity/ecological issues for the proposed new Nuclear Power stations, and the key interface between the EA, the new nuclear build organisation, Natural England and the wider Defra Group on ecological matters, please provide (from your working career) an example of how you have built and sustained relationships to deliver the best possible environmental outcome.
Legislative Knowledge
Please provide an example, or examples (preferably from your working career), where you have applied your knowledge of wildlife/environmental legislation to protect the environment and/or deliver ecological enhancements. Consider how these examples may be most relevant to the types of challenges you might expect to encounter when considering a significant infrastructure project - such as a new nuclear power station.
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.