Number of jobs available: 4
Region: East of England
City/Town: Bedford , Brampton , Chelmsford , Colchester , Ely , Ipswich , Norwich
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Science
Salary Minimum: £29,706
Job description
Water resources are under pressure. We need your help to manage them sustainably. Become a hydrologist at the Environment Agency and you can play your part in helping us confront the climate emergency through our long-term goals, namely: a nation resilient to climate change; healthy air, land and water; green growth and a sustainable future.
Your responsibilities will be varied and always rewarding. They include:
• managing water resources in drought incidents;
• producing weekly and monthly water situation reports;
• using river flow and groundwater data from multiple hydrometric stations to assess how much water is available to end users in different catchments;
• modelling and forecasting river flows;
• assisting with the management of water transfer schemes, including making decisions on whether to transfer water, how much to transfer, and for how long;
• quality assuring river flow data, ensuring it is fit for purpose;
• responding to abstraction licence and hydropower scheme applications;
• reviewing water company Water Resource Management Plans and Drought Plans.
Key to all this is building relationships with our customers – within the Environment Agency and outside in society – who are affected by how water resources are managed in this part of England.
The Environment Agency take part in incident response. Our new Inclusive Incident Management Policy has been developed to support all new starters to find an incident role to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Full training will be provided.
We have 2 Permanent positions and 2 Fixed Term (temporary) until March 2024.
Base locations are offices in Ipswich, Norwich, Colchester (Kelvedon), Chelmsford, Brampton (Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire), Ely or Bedford.
The team
The Hydrology & Operations Team covers East Anglia Area, spanning Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Kings Lynn, Ipswich, Norwich Colchester and Chelmsford.
We provide an integrated hydrology service, analysing, modelling, forecasting and reporting how much water is available for end users and the environment. We make decisions on when to operate our various water transfer schemes. We are also heavily involved in managing drought incidents.
For more info on working with us see https://environmentagencycareers.co.uk/
Experience/skills required
You are comfortable in using data and evidence to solve complex problems and are able to explain your decisions to wide-ranging customers.
You can manage your own workload and are happy to collaborate with others to produce the best result for the environment.
As well as receiving the support and training you need to do this, you will be eager to explore innovative ways of working to produce even better outcomes.
As you will be building relationships with both internal and external customers, you can demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
You’ll ideally have a good understanding of hydrology, demonstrated through applying different hydrological techniques to real world situations.
You may have a relevant degree (e.g. an earth science or numerical degree) or equivalent, or have previous experience in a role relating to water resources.
There are fully funded opportunities to develop further academic/professional qualifications.
Contact and additional information
In East Anglia 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 candidate pack for more details.
If you have any questions please contact recruiting managers Andrew Baker or Jon Lampard via:
andrew.baker@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 07798 636277
jon.lampard@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 07768 710735
Recruitment Agencies, applications must be made via the system.
Job description attachment 1
Candidate Pack – 24969.docx – 1066KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 24969.docx.pdf – 620KB
Job description attachment 2
Job Profile – 24969.pdf – 179KB
Closing Date: 04/01/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
Competence 1: Data and Information Management
Description
Definition: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
Question: Provide an example of when you have managed data (e.g. analysis, manipulation, interpretation) to make an informed decision which contributed to the delivery of an outcome.
Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses. You have up to 250 words so please do use them to tell us what we need to know about you. If you wish, you can use the STAR method to help structure your answers: Situation (what was the context), Task (What needed doing), Action (what you did), Result (what the outcome was). A copy of our “EA capability dictionary” can be viewed by searching online using any web browser.
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Definition: 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.
Question: Describe a situation where you have used your expertise and knowledge to influence others who have a different view to your own. How did you attempt to influence the individual / group?
Competence 3: Achieves Results
Description
Definition: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks to ensure timely achievement of results.
Question: Describe a time when you have had to manage and deliver multiple pieces of work with different deadlines.
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.
