Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer (Citizen Science) - 26709
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer (Citizen Science) - 26709
Number of jobs available
1
Region
South West
City/Town
Blandford Forum , Bridgwater
Grade
Staff Grade 5
Post Type
Permanent
Working Pattern
Full Time
Role Type
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Salary Minimum
£37,462
Job description
We are the Environment Agency. We work to create better places for people and wildlife.
The monitoring of our freshwater environment is essential to identify changes and inform environmental improvements. An exciting opportunity has arisen to help inform and influence the way in which we use citizen science data to achieve better outcomes for people and wildlife.
You will lead on developing close working relationships with existing organisations collecting water quality data through citizen science. You will need to understand how citizen science data can be used to drive outcomes, whilst ensuring data collected is of high quality with consistent standards.
You will be passionate about working in partnership to bring about environmental improvements and have a flair for influencing others to collaborate to achieve these. Knowledge and experience of freshwater monitoring and an appreciation of the challenges associated with data collection and interpretation a distinct advantage.
You will work closely with the Bristol Avon and Dorset catchment partnerships and with area Environment Agency teams to coordinate citizen science within the wider Wessex area. You will also contribute to a national working group, sharing learning and best practice to help the Environment Agency develop an effective and consistent approach.
The post holder can be based at either Blandford or Bridgwater and is offered on a fulltime basis.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
We are a friendly team of ecologists and water quality and data scientists. Analysis & Reporting teams provides a vital service in collecting, analysing and interpreting biological and water quality data, turning this into evidence to support the Environment Agency's responsibilities and ambition to create a better place. Our work includes water chemistry, ecology and fisheries.
For more information about working for the Environment Agency and what we do visit our careers page environmentagencycareers.co.uk
Experience/skills required
We are seeking someone with exceptional communication and influencing skills, able to build positive and productive relationships with a diverse range of partners with differing priorities. Experience in the delivery of citizen science programmes and/or freshwater monitoring and data collection will enable you to hit the ground running.
You'll be qualified to a higher education level in a relevant discipline with the following capabilities: -
• Ability to communicate to a wide variety of stakeholders using different techniques.
• Experience in partnership working with the ability to identify key players to focus collaboration work in order to achieve your goals.
• Planning citizen science and/or monitoring programmes.
• Knowledge of freshwater ecological and chemical monitoring techniques and their ability to identify environmental harm.
• Using data and evidence to influence and effect change for positive environmental outcomes.
• Using innovative ways of monitoring the environment.
Must possess full driving licence and able to swim confidently.
Contact and additional information
We are an area wide team covering Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Bristol. The post holder can be based in either Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will an expectation to travel throughout the area, as a result the post holder must have a full driving license. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required.
We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce which reflects communities we serve and welcome applications regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or marital status.
If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Fiona White Fiona.white@environment-agency.gov.uk
Job description attachment 1
Candidate pack
Closing Date:
18/06/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required
Basic Check
Competence 1
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
• Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments.
• Listens to other's opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance .
• Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments.
• Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing.
• Seeks to achieve a "win-win" outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced.
• Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively.
• Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener's mood and adjust accordingly.
• Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.
Provide an example(s) where you have brought a group of people round to an agreed way forward. What did you do to achieve this and what was the end result?
Competence 2
Data and Information Management
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
• Ensures that activities are carried out and documentation completed according to the relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
• Accurately and safely collects, enters and maintains data in line with Environment Agency procedures and stores data, or material, for subsequent analysis safely.
• Anticipates requirements for data or information and/or identifies future reporting requirements and puts in place the means to meet these.
• Examines and tests out sources and validity of data/information before using; makes clear the status or reliability of material used. Undertakes more data gathering where necessary.
• Produces factually accurate reports, both verbal and written using data and statistics supported by tools, databases and specialised software.
• Prepares and presents findings in a logical and well-structured manner that can be readily accessed and understood by a wide audience.
• Is fully aware of all documentation applicable to roles & responsibilities. Knows how to find out if unsure.
Please detail your experience of collecting and analysing citizen science data, or a similar type of data. How have you used this data to answer a question?
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.
• Recognises the concept of both internal and external customers and treats both equally well.
• Identifies and addresses the needs of customers, delivering what is promised and ensuring that they are satisfied with the outcomes.
• Takes personal responsibility to meet customer needs; is polite, courteous and professional
• Ensures customers receive consistent and clear messages supported by accurate and timely information.
• Regularly monitors and measures customer satisfaction and looks for ways to improve customer service
• Anticipates and balances the needs of a range of customers with conflicting priorities.
• Keeps customers informed and manages expectations .
• Handles complaints effectively, defuses anger and tension and resolves problems
Provide an example(s) of a time that you have provided excellent customer service.
Competence 4
Achieves Results
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating 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.
• Maximises work output by setting goals and priorities tracking and measuring outcomes and taking swift remedial action when necessary.
• Can be relied upon to regularly exceed goals agreed.
• Is tenacious and perseveres when others might give up and by doing so achieves the desired results.
• Anticipates forth-coming issues and adjusts actions as necessary.
• Willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines when required; shows dedication and commitment; "goes the extra mile."
• Is resilient and performs well under pressure; responds positively to setbacks and develops alternative action.
Describe an example of when you have delivered a piece of work in a timely manner, explaining the risks involved, communication methods used and people you interacted with. Were there any issues which impacted the work? How did you deal with them?
Role specific license requirements
Full UK 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 for more information.