Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Building/Site: All
Grade: Staff Grade 7
Post Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Role Type: Science
Salary Minimum: ÂŁ59,682
Job description
Are you an experienced research scientist?
Could you lead our water quality research to create a better place, protect, and enhance the environment, and contribute to sustainable development?
We’re strengthening our leadership team, so could you broaden our perspective and help us think differently?
We’re recruiting 5 roles into the Chief Scientists Group.
As an inquisitive leader, you’ll deliver in your area of expertise and through your small team of specialists to help tackle the water challenges. Your team are all experts in their field and cover topics including ecology, monitoring, fisheries, bathing waters, shellfish, nutrients and ecotoxicology.
Leading a research team in the Chief Scientist’s Group, you’ll oversee the work of the team within the wider Research group and:
develop and gather new knowledge for the Environment Agency
drive innovation across your team and more widely through the relationships you build. Key stakeholders will know the value of our work and be motivated to work with us
have expertise in aspects of water quality research, but also a broader understanding and interest in other areas and an ability to work in an inter-disciplinary manner/across scientific disciplines
work closely with other research teams and programme staff, liaising with colleagues in Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate and externally across Defra
link with, and influence academic partners in the UK and abroad, as well as the UK’s research councils
Knowledge of England’s land and water regulatory regime and an understanding of the Government’s water and environmental policies would be a distinct advantage.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel and overnight stays may be required.
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, so we’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given.
The team
You’ll be part the Research team within the Chief Scientist’s Group. Your colleagues are technical experts themselves and are used to delivering technical projects in-house or specifying and directing external contractors to deliver what we need. You’ll be supported by a Research Programme team.
In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation and secure resources.
Experience/skills required
You’ll have a PhD or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline with 6+ years of post-graduate/postdoctoral experience
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
reputation for water quality science and research
ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
leadership style to motivate technical experts across different disciplines
experience in producing technical reports or publications and a broad understanding of the research landscape in the UK and beyond
passion for acquiring and translating new knowledge into workable solutions for existing or future environmental challenges
communication skills to explain science to different audiences
ability to build and maintain relationships and networks
ability to identify new technical needs or opportunities including funding routes to support the work
commitment to developing yourself and those around you, a positive role model in an inclusive and trusting culture
Contact and additional information
We’re committed to our inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We offer workplace adjustments for workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions.
Join the role candidate call on 21/04/23 @12pm (see Additional Information Document)
For information about us and how to apply, please read the Candidate Pack and Additional information document.
To discuss the role, working patterns, base locations etc, please email alwyn.hart@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 07860452443
Applications will be “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held using MS Teams May/June23
If you agree to joining a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months, and may offer an alternative post.
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 25962.pdf – 178KB
Job description attachment 2
Additional Information Document.pdf – 318KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 25962.docx – 1867KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 25962.docx.pdf – 513KB
Closing Date: 26/04/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
It is your answers given to these questions that will be used for interview selection. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found on page 10 of the candidate pack. It is highly recommended that you read this before answering. Please refer to the EA Capability Dictionary here https://en.calameo.com/read/004433680aab41adf893b for guidance on how to support your answers.
Please consider the situation, task, action, and response when structuring your answer
Can you give an example where you have used your expertise to identify a research need and a way to fulfil that need, subsequently transferring or translating the results to wider users or audience?
Competence 2: Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
It is your answers given to these questions that will be used for interview selection. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found on page 10 of the candidate pack. It is highly recommended that you read this before answering. Please refer to the EA Capability Dictionary here https://en.calameo.com/read/004433680aab41adf893b for guidance on how to support your answers.
Please consider the situation, task, action, and response when structuring your answers.
Describe how you have delivered a successful piece of scientific work in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles
Competence 3: Networks
Description
Establishes and maintains a wide variety of internal and external contacts for the benefit of the Environment Agency.
It is your answers given to these questions that will be used for interview selection. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found on page 10 of the candidate pack. It is highly recommended that you read this before answering. Please refer to the EA Capability Dictionary here https://en.calameo.com/read/004433680aab41adf893b for guidance on how to support your answers.
Please consider the situation, task, action, and response when structuring your answers.
Describe a situation where you engaged successfully with other stakeholders in a new setting. How did you make and maintain contacts? What were the benefits or disbenefits?
Competence 4: Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
It is your answers given to these questions that will be used for interview selection. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found on page 10 of the candidate pack. It is highly recommended that you read this before answering. Please refer to the EA Capability Dictionary here https://en.calameo.com/read/004433680aab41adf893b for guidance on how to support your answers.
Please consider the situation, task, action, and response when structuring your answers.
Describe a situation where you inherited or had to assemble and lead a team to deliver a piece of science.
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.
