Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer/Chalk Hydroecology Coordinator (Analysis & reporting) - 24904

1
South East
Welwyn Garden City
Alchemy, Bessemer Road, AL7 1HE
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Full Time
Science
£37,462
We’re looking for an experienced freshwater ecologist to be the area lead for our major new programme of water resources chalk stream environmental monitoring. You will be experienced in all aspects of freshwater ecology surveying and data analysis and be able to coordinate national monitoring programmes to deliver data for evidence to manage the freshwater environmental impacts of chalk groundwater abstraction (including ephemeral reaches) and existing groundwater/stream support schemes. You’ll be part of a virtual team whose first task will be to design the monitoring network, using a combination of existing and new monitoring sites. You will also help interpret the data to provide accurate evidence and understanding to support environmental planning and decision making for positive environmental outcomes.

The role is part of a pan-area virtual team covering several Environment Agency Areas and you will support three Grade 4 pan-area posts who will be managed in other area teams but together will deliver nationally commissioned monitoring in all areas with chalk streams. You will need to spend some of your time in the lab processing macroinvertebrate samples. We’ll expect you to become an expert in identifying the invertebrates and plants found in ephemeral reaches of chalk streams and help to develop new ways of interpreting our monitoring data.
The post sits in the Hertfordshire & North London Area Analysis & Reporting team which collects and provides freshwater ecological and water quality data and reporting evidence to support and feed into all monitoring obligations tailored for delivery of our local and national environmental outcome plans. Our data is used by internal and external customers, and it delivers a vital service that underpins much of the Environment Agency’s statutory responsibilities relating to national legislation.
Extensive freshwater ecological field and desk-based experience is essential. You’ll be qualified to a higher education level in a relevant discipline and possess ability and/or knowledge of:-

•All aspects of freshwater ecological survey work and techniques, including freshwater macro-invertebrates, macrophytes and River Habitat Surveying
•Designing freshwater ecological monitoring programmes
•Understanding of the environmental influences on freshwater ecosystems, in particular issues around impacts from water resources activities, drought / dry weather and climate change
•Data analysis, modelling and interpretation using ecological and chemical metrics and indices for use in investigations and producing technical reports.
•Leading and coordinating national programmes of work
•Excellent communication skills to disseminate shared learning with internal colleagues and external partners
•Experience in training and mentoring for staff in all aspects of freshwater ecology

You must possess a full driving licence and be competent driving in the UK, you must also be able to swim confidently.
The role will be based in Welwyn Garden City, although travelling to field locations across the area is required and therefore the posts require a full UK driving licence to be held.

For further details please contact – Colette Sales, Analysis & Reporting Team Leader on 07919303061, email: Colette.sales@environment-agency.gov.uk .You can also download the candidate pack for more information.

We are fully committed to having an 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.

Diversity: it’s in our nature.

08/12/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Scientific Knowledge
Demonstrate, using examples and your experience in freshwater ecology, your ability to lead and plan comprehensive freshwater ecological local and national monitoring programmes aligning to water resource and outlining environmental outcomes.
Data and Information Management
Explain, using your experience, what type of freshwater data you have collected and what indices you have used to statistically analyse and interpret the condition of a freshwater waterbody. How have you managed the data and presented it?
Technical Skills
Describe any innovative modelling or data manipulation you have trialled. What were the outcomes?
Communicates Effectively
What types of communication have you employed to train and mentor colleagues learning about freshwater ecology and the application of this to water resources issues?
Leads People
Using examples from your own experience demonstrate how you have lead technical projects and coordinated the work across dispersed teams to deliver workloads accurately and within the required time frame.
Full 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.