HYDROGEOLOGIST
UKRI – NERC – BGS
This role will be based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham
Appointment will be at UKRI Pay Band C
Pay Band C starting salary is £25,702 to £27,938 per annum (depending on qualifications and experience)
Full-time – 37 hours a week
A range of flexible working options may be available (including a small amount of hybrid/remote working, although much of the role will be site based). However, we recommend that at least for the first six months the new post holders maximise their opportunity to develop relationships with their peers, colleagues, and team members through on-site attendance
Permanent appointment
About the role
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated hydrogeologist to join BGS’ Environmental Change, Adaptation and Resilience (ECAR) area to work with our world-leading team of researchers in groundwater science.
BGS hydrogeologists provide data, services, advice and information to governments, regulators, academics, industry, water users and the public that informs and underpins decisions on how groundwater resources are managed and sustained. In partnership with UK and international researchers and stakeholders, we also undertake long-term research, including field investigations, to characterise and understand key groundwater processes essential to its management and protection.
As an early-career scientist, you will have the opportunity to broaden your experience and skills through work on a variety of groundwater resources projects, mostly in the UK but with occasional international opportunities, through training in a range of field techniques (including logging and hydraulic testing), and in the use of industry-standard software. BGS also encourages staff to work towards chartered status.
You will develop your reporting skills by contributing to data analysis, written reports and publications. You will have the opportunity to present results at project, national, and international meetings, and you will develop your professional networks through providing support for colleagues in the preparation of new commercial contracts and grants.
About you
You will be an early-career MSc Hydrogeology graduate with a BSc in a related subject to 2:1 or higher; you may have some additional work experience in hydrogeology or a related field.
You will be numerate with strong analytical capabilities (e.g. R, Python, MATLAB, ArcGIS) that are needed for the interpretation and presentation of hydrogeological data. Previous experience of using basic hydrogeological modelling software such as MODFLOW will also be an advantage.
You will have a full driving licence for UK driving and will be keen to travel within the UK and internationally.
You must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as you will be expected to contribute to the dissemination of project results in a range of forms. These include technical reports, presentations, posters and journal papers, as well as communications with colleagues and external stakeholders.
You will have good time-management skills. You will be able to work effectively as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment, but also able to work on tasks independently when required. Activities will involve periods of fieldwork, desk work and some laboratory-based work.
Please also refer to the specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.
About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to inform government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites: a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham, and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations, has close links with 40 universities, and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.
We will actively seek to avoid discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, sex or sexual orientation, being trans or a member of the non-binary community, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave or religion.
The British Geological Survey has achieved Bronze status for Athena SWAN – a scheme that recognises an organisation’s dedication and progress in developing a diverse and broad workforce; we are also committed to the Disability Confident framework and, as part of UKRI, are members of Inclusive Employers.
What we offer
A great benefits package is also offered, including a very generous pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time.
We also offer the ‘Bike to Work’ scheme, free car parking, health and wellbeing support and sports/social clubs.
All staff have access to a platform of learning and development opportunities and where appropriate to the role, technical/specialist training.
BGS provides a range of flexible working options including flexible working patterns, compressed hours and home working so if you have a need for flexibility, please raise this in the recruitment process when your needs, balanced with the requirements of the role, will be fully considered.
Please note that any internal BGS staff applying for this post would, if successful, be appointed to new UKRI Terms and Conditions and pay (if not already on them).
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application addressing the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 20 February 2023. Interviews will be held in March 2023
Skills Specification – Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist ‘S’ and Interview ‘I’ Stage
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- BSc (Hons) 1st or 2:1 in a relevant science subject (e.g. Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Civil Engineering)(S)
- MSc in Hydrogeology (S)
- Full driving licence and willingness to drive in the UK (S)
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Broad knowledge of hydrogeology and its application to environmental problems (S, I)
- Basic knowledge of UK hydrogeology (S,I)
Desirable
- Knowledge of water-resources management in UK (S,I)
- Basic knowledge of groundwater resource management in international development (S,I)
EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Practical hydrogeological field experience (S,I)
- Evidence of technical report writing (S,I)
- Use of GIS software for spatial presentation and/ or analysis of groundwater-related data and information (S,I)
Desirable
- Professional experience in a related industry or academic environment (S,I)
- Experience of running groundwater-related model code or software (S,I)
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Excellent level of numeracy including evidence of data/statistical analysis (e.g. R, Python, Matlab, MS Office Applications) (S,I)
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written (S,I)
- Strong organisational and time-management skills and the ability to deliver time-critical reports (S,I)
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Essential
- Self-starter – initially under supervision(S,I)
- Willingness to do fieldwork periodically(S,I)
- Good team worker(S,I)
MOTIVATION
Essential
- Demonstrates a keen interest and some understanding of the work of BGS, NERC and UKRI (I)
- Displays an enthusiasm for their science / their role and a desire to develop this further (S,I)
- Demonstrates an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (I)
About The British Geological Survey (BGS)
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
How to Apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
About UKRI
Launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
