Senior Technical Adviser, Biosecurity - 22441

1
National
Various
Various
Staff Grade 6
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability
£46,374
Are you passionate about protecting our habitats and the biodiversity they support? The spread of invasive non-native species can have profound and irreversible effects on our environment and economy. This is a rare opportunity to perform a role that will be crucial in protecting our biodiversity and society from the harm these species can cause.

We need someone with the skills and knowledge to:
• be a national technical leader on invasive species management;
• realise the impact climate change is likely to have on biological invasions and have the insight to find solutions and implement them;
• provide the vision and technical leadership to motivate a national network of biosecurity champions;

The successful candidate will be a person with excellent skills in influencing behaviour and delivering outcomes. They will have the vision to recognise risks to our environment and the ability to identify and deliver the measures we need to protect us from them.

This is a national position that will engage with a broad range of Environment Agency operational teams, government agencies, environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and the water industry. You will need to be able to manage your time effectively and prioritise a broad range of tasks.
Invasive species management forms part of the portfolio of the Ecology & Ecosystems Management team. This is a highly experienced team, which also covers ecology, geomorphology, climate change. We’re dispersed across the country yet are close-knit and friendly.

The role is also part of a ‘virtual team’, a network of Environment Agency staff from across England who have volunteered to be part of our Invasive Species & Biosecurity Network.
You are adept at influencing behaviour and providing technical information in a prompt and appropriate format. You are a creative and strategic thinker who looks for innovative ways to drive improvement. You are passionate about protecting our habitats and the biodiversity they support.

In addition, you will:
• have exceptional technical expertise in invasive species management and the ability to deliver the behavioural changes necessary to deliver biosecurity;
• bring passion and emotional intelligence to help us win over hearts, as well as the powers of persuasion to help us win over minds;
• be able to translate a strategy into plans and actions, and then work through others to drive positive change;
• have strong knowledge of environmental legislation, and understand the role that invasive species management can play in helping us tackle the climate crisis;
• be naturally collaborative and able to demonstrate strong partnership working.
We’d love to inspire you to apply, so please get in touch with our recruiting manager: trevor.renals@environment-agency.gov.uk or 07881 453359.

We want to make our workforce as diverse as possible. Applications from people with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities are welcomed.

You will travel across England to site and national offices.

You will be part of a nationally dispersed team but with a base at one of the many Environment Agency offices. Please get in touch with the recruiting manager for more information.

Interviews are planned for 16-17th June. If you're unavailable for these dates we can usually accommodate an alternative date and you should still apply

A full driving licence is required.

22/05/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
Use this section to demonstrate your technical expertise, in particular that you're: Knowledgeable about the impact and management of invasive non-native species
Able to recognise the invasive non-native species that impact the water and riparian environment in GB
Familiar with biosecurity and how it is applied to the water environment
Experienced in delivering the behavioural change necessary to deliver biosecurity

Try to create a good structure so that your answer is clear – we recommend reading How to apply - Environment Agency (environmentagencycareers.co.uk) before you write anything!
Achieves Results
Use this section to provide examples of times when you have achieved some great results, demonstrating how you approached the work, dealt with resource or time pressures, or setbacks, etc.

Try to create a good structure so that your answer is clear – we recommend reading How to apply - Environment Agency (environmentagencycareers.co.uk) before you write anything!

Take a look at the capability definition and list below, but don’t worry if your example doesn’t tick every bullet point. The important thing is to show how you get results.

You set and deliver work to a high standard to meet targets. You prioritise and organise tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
- Maximises work output by setting goals and priorities tracking and measuring outcomes and taking swift remedial action when necessary.
- Can be relied upon to regularly exceed goals agreed
- Is tenacious and perseveres when others might give up and by doing so achieves the desired results
- Anticipates forth-coming issues and adjusts actions as necessary.
- Willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines when required; shows dedication and commitment
- Is resilient and performs well under pressure; responds positively to setbacks and develops alternative action
Influences and Persuades Others
Please demonstrate with an example(s) the ways that you work to influence and persuade others, and remember to tell us the outcomes.

Take a look at the capability definition and list below, but don’t worry if your example doesn’t tick every bullet point. The important thing is to show how you win people over.

Try to create a good structure so that your answer is clear – we recommend reading How to apply - Environment Agency (environmentagencycareers.co.uk) before you write anything!

Influencing and persuading others is about presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
• Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments
• Listens to other’s opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance
• Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments
• Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing.
• Seeks to achieve a “win-win” outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced.
• Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively.
• Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener’s mood and adjust accordingly
• Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Use this section to demonstrate with examples the actions you have taken to help shape the work of your company or organisation, to deliver the right balance of outcomes for people and wildlife. This might include how you have considered the broader political/governmental/legal landscape, and the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders/ customers. This might include steps you have taken to improve efficiency and effectiveness. But we're interested in what this means to you.

Try to create a good structure so that your answer is clear – we recommend reading How to apply - Environment Agency (environmentagencycareers.co.uk) before you write anything!
driving license
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.