Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Building/Site: All
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Role Type: Science
Salary Minimum: £37,462 pro-rata
Job description
Do you have a strong scientific background in Hydrology & Water Quality?
Could you broaden our perspective and help us think differently?
We’re recruiting 5 roles into the Chief Scientists Group (see Additional information document for details).
In this role you will:
Design, plan and deliver studies to address gaps in understanding ranging from the response of catchment processes and receptors to future changes, to understanding the effectiveness of regulatory and other strategies for protecting people and the environment in light of future changes
use your scientific skills to deliver work in your specialist area and other related topics
maintain your specialist expertise sharing that knowledge and information with colleagues in ways they can benefit from
contribute to the development of new research ideas, manage projects, undertake analysis, share results in formal papers, reports and through targeted briefings
contribute ideas through the wider team and provide peer review to other projects where your skills can be helpful
This is a fixed term assignment until the end of December 2023. A varied role with the opportunity to apply and develop your knowledge of water quality in a catchment context, considering a wide range of potential environmental and anthropogenic pressures.
You’ll join a multi-disciplinary team of scientists delivering scientific evidence to improve our understanding of how water quality might change in the future and how best to manage and protect it for future generations.
We’re a dispersed team and work with a wide range of technical and project teams across the country.
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 join our Land Team within the Air, Land and Water Research team, within our Chief Scientists Group which is part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate.
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. We set direction, priorities, and shape our organisation’s approach to delivering environmental outcomes and better regulation
Experience/skills required
You’ll be educated to higher degree level (PhD, MRes, or MSc), in a relevant scientific discipline.
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
experience of working collaboratively with inputs from a number of scientific disciplines
experience (3 years+) applying knowledge in a research environment
balance of scientific and personal/business skills delivering new knowledge and capabilities to the Environment Agency
experience of delivering research directly, or through commissions/collaborations with others in consultancy, universities and research organisations
data handling / manipulation, statistical analysis and experience of data analysis tools such as R, Python and ArcGIS
communication skills to effectively explain science to different audiences
ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
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 – 25965.pdf – 177KB
Job description attachment 2
Additional Information Document.pdf – 318KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 25965.docx – 1867KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 25965.docx.pdf – 513KB
Closing Date: 26/04/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
Length of contract: 9 months
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
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.
Applies scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
How have you used scientific knowledge in your specialist area to help decision makers?
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description
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.
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
How have you communicated complex and uncertain science to non-specialists?
Competence 3: Achieves Results
Description
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.
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
Please can you describe a time when you developed a scientific solution to a known evidence gap?
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.
