Groundwater Ecology Advisor - 24279
1
National
All
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Operational Delivery, Science
£36,389
In this new role you will work at the cutting edge of groundwater ecology. Working alongside hydrogeologists and molecular microbiologists to shed light on the role of stygofauna in providing ecosystem services, and their sensitivity to environmental changes. You will lead the design and operation of the first groundwater ecology monitoring network in England to help us understand the national distribution of stygofauna.
Ideally, you will have professional experience in ecological monitoring in the water environment. You will also have an interest in innovative techniques based on molecular microbiology to improve monitoring of stygobites distribution and relative abundance.
Key responsibilities:
• Leading on the design and operation of the first groundwater ecology network in England;
• Providing technical leadership across the EA for groundwater ecology monitoring;
• Delivering training to ensure consistency of operations across Areas during groundwater ecology monitoring and reporting;
• Working closely with colleagues at the National Laboratory Service, groundwater specialists in Head Office and Areas, and Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment colleagues;
• Supporting the National Laboratory Service in the development of eDNA characterisation of groundwater ecology samples;
• Preparing and delivering a pilot of eDNA monitoring programme in groundwater to best utilise this innovative monitoring technique.
Ideally, you will have professional experience in ecological monitoring in the water environment. You will also have an interest in innovative techniques based on molecular microbiology to improve monitoring of stygobites distribution and relative abundance.
Key responsibilities:
• Leading on the design and operation of the first groundwater ecology network in England;
• Providing technical leadership across the EA for groundwater ecology monitoring;
• Delivering training to ensure consistency of operations across Areas during groundwater ecology monitoring and reporting;
• Working closely with colleagues at the National Laboratory Service, groundwater specialists in Head Office and Areas, and Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment colleagues;
• Supporting the National Laboratory Service in the development of eDNA characterisation of groundwater ecology samples;
• Preparing and delivering a pilot of eDNA monitoring programme in groundwater to best utilise this innovative monitoring technique.
The NCEA Operations team, are part of National Monitoring – Fish and Ecology. We are a dedicated team of experts who are responsible for the implementation of a large monitoring programme (12 national networks) and increasing capacity of the EA’s laboratories. The programme includes monitoring at a diverse range of habitats including streams, lakes, rivers, groundwater and estuarine and coastal environments.
The post holder will be a leading Groundwater ecologist, with a strong track record in delivering monitoring programmes in aquatic ecology.
You will be able to demonstrate:
• Strong interpersonal and team-working skills;
• An ability to effectively engage colleagues ensuring they are equipped with the guidance, training, systems and technical advice to support consistent and effective implementation of the groundwater ecology network;
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude that delivers quality outcomes;
• Innovative thinking in how to manage risk, deliver change efficiently, and improve processes using new monitoring techniques.
You will be able to demonstrate:
• Strong interpersonal and team-working skills;
• An ability to effectively engage colleagues ensuring they are equipped with the guidance, training, systems and technical advice to support consistent and effective implementation of the groundwater ecology network;
• A proactive, self-motivated attitude that delivers quality outcomes;
• Innovative thinking in how to manage risk, deliver change efficiently, and improve processes using new monitoring techniques.
Interviews for this post will be held using Microsoft Teams.
As a national role the location is flexible. Travel to various Environment Agency offices may be required as part of the role.
Our team promotes an inclusive culture and we welcome all applicants, especially colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+ or Black Asian and Minority Ethnic. Part time and job share applications also encouraged.
A reserve list will be held for this role for up to 6 months.
For an informal discussion about the role contact Elena Armenise, Senior Advisor – Groundwater Quality on +447795307741 or Adam Akers, Senior Officer – NCEA (+447471003891).
As a national role the location is flexible. Travel to various Environment Agency offices may be required as part of the role.
Our team promotes an inclusive culture and we welcome all applicants, especially colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+ or Black Asian and Minority Ethnic. Part time and job share applications also encouraged.
A reserve list will be held for this role for up to 6 months.
For an informal discussion about the role contact Elena Armenise, Senior Advisor – Groundwater Quality on +447795307741 or Adam Akers, Senior Officer – NCEA (+447471003891).
29/09/2022, 23:55 hours
Basic Check
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.
Question: Describe a time when you introduced a new or improved method or process. What were the key challenges you had to overcome?
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.
Question: Describe a time when you introduced a new or improved method or process. What were the key challenges you had to overcome?
Scientific Knowledge
Description
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Question: Describe how you would apply your scientific knowledge to develop a groundwater ecology monitoring network.
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Question: Describe how you would apply your scientific knowledge to develop a groundwater ecology monitoring network.
Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Tell us about a situation where your communication skills contributed to delivering a positive outcome. How did you adapt your style to that specific audience/ situation? What was the outcome?
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Tell us about a situation where your communication skills contributed to delivering a positive outcome. How did you adapt your style to that specific audience/ situation? What was the outcome?
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Question: Tell us about a time when you have harnessed resources of other people/teams to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures. How did you motivate your team? How did you deal with setbacks?
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Question: Tell us about a time when you have harnessed resources of other people/teams to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures. How did you motivate your team? How did you deal with setbacks?
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.
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.