Groundwater and Contaminated Land Technical Officer - 24881

1
North West
Warrington
Richard Fairclough House
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time
Environment & Sustainability
£29,706
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic geoscientist to develop their technical expertise in groundwater resources, groundwater quality and contaminated land. In this role you will use an evidence led, risk based approach to protect and enhance the groundwater environment, deliver on our WFD obligations and support incident response.

We are looking for individuals who enjoy problem solving as part of a team. As a technical officer your duties will require you to contribute across a variety of work streams. You will:

- contribute to the management of our groundwater level and quality monitoring networks.
- provide technical responses to consultations for permits to abstract groundwater, to discharge to ground, or for waste & installations sites.
- provide advice to local planning authorities on development proposals that may pose a risk to groundwater resources or quality and the risks posed to controlled waters from contaminated land.
- review hydrogeological risk assessments.
- provide technical advice and guidance to our customers on pollution incidents impacting on groundwater.
- Working in a team to help deliver DEFRA’s 25-year environment plan

The successful candidate will be expected to apply their existing knowledge and experience to the role but will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and knowledge in other areas.

We have a variety of tools and internal training available providing many development opportunities both technically and personally. There are local and national technical specialists who can offer support and guidance.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to grow a career in hydrogeology.
Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire has one of the busiest Groundwater and Contaminated Land portfolios. We are a multi-functional team playing an important role in managing and protecting groundwater resources, groundwater quality and contaminated land.

Providing technical advice and guidance internal and external customers ensuring water resources, water quality and contaminated land regulation protects the environment, supports sustainable use of groundwater, helping deliver on our WFD obligations and promoting the enhancement of the natural environment.
We are looking for a competent and experienced geoscientist who is versatile, self-motivated and can quickly fit in and contribute to the work of our busy team.

You will have an understanding of the Water Framework Directive, Environmental Permitting Regulations, Water Resources Management, Contaminated Land Regulations and Town and Country Planning.
You will be qualified to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a Geoscience related discipline and possess proven ability/knowledge of hydrogeology, water resources, contaminated land and waste management.

Other key requirements for the role include a proficiency in GIS, data handling and records management. You will also need to demonstrate that you are well organized, able to work to tight deadlines and that you can manage your own work. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to the role.
In Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire we want to create a diverse workplace where individuals are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where we grow and learn together.

It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

We offer a fantastic benefits package including flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. See the candidate pack for more details.

The post is full-time although requests for other work patterns will be considered.

For more information please contact – Katie McAlinden, Groundwater & Contaminate Land Team Leader on 07787891123 or by email katie.mcalinden@environment-agency.gov.uk.

10/12/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

Tell me about a time when you had to take responsibility for delivery of a key business objective or project deliverable.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Describe a time when you have had to analyse a lot of information or data in order to come to a decision.
Scientific Knowledge
Applies scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

Please describe what you consider to be the main challenges in managing groundwater resources and/or groundwater quality. What are the likely environmental consequences of not managing groundwater in an environmental sustainable way.

In your answer please highlight any relevant legislation that is available to help the Environment Agency manage and protect groundwater.
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.