Number of jobs available: 1
Region: North East
City/Town: Newcastle
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share
Salary Minimum: £33,000
Closing Date: 17/11/2024, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
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Candidate pack
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Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate to develop their technical expertise in groundwater resources, groundwater quality and/or contaminated land. In this role you will use an evidence led, risk based approach to protect and enhance the groundwater environment, deliver on our regulatory obligations and support incident response.
We are looking for an individual who enjoys problem solving as part of a team. As a technical officer your duties will require you to contribute across a variety of work streams. You will:
- contribute to the management of our groundwater level and quality monitoring networks
- provide technical responses to consultations for permits to abstract groundwater, to discharge to ground, or for waste & installations sites
- provide advice to local planning authorities on development proposals that may pose a risk to groundwater resources or quality and the risks posed to controlled waters from contaminated land
- provide technical advice and guidance to our customers on pollution incidents impacting on groundwater
The successful candidate will be expected to apply their existing knowledge and experience to the role but will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and knowledge. To support you in this role, we have a variety of tools and internal training available providing many development opportunities both technically and personally. This role offers an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to grow a career in hydrogeology and/or contaminated land.
We strive to reflect the communities we serve and welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.
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.
The team
The Groundwater & Contaminated Land Team work across the North East, working from the office in Newcastle. We provide technical advice on groundwater quality, groundwater resource and land contamination risks and issues, respond to environmental incidents, planning and permit consultations and liaise with various partners including the Coal Authority, water companies and academia to resolve historic and emerging environmental pressures.
Experience/skills required
- Qualified to degree level or possess equivalent knowledge/experience in a relevant discipline such as geology, hydrogeology, land contamination, geography, geochemistry or environmental science
- Excellent communicator with time management, data management and interpersonal skills, who can present verbal and written arguments to a wide range of audiences, with the ability to simplify technical detail
- Proficient at producing and interpreting data to develop evidence and solve technical issues
- Production/understanding of conceptual and/or numerical models
- Great team worker who can also work well independently
- Well-developed computer skills, ideally with the ability to use GIS which would be useful, but not essential
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Desire for professional development
Contact and additional information
We are based out of Tyneside House, Newcastle we currently adopt a hybrid working arrangement, split between home and office.
We do not accept CVs and so your answers to the below competencies will be used for selection. Please see the competency dictionary within the candidate pack – you may find it helpful to use the STAR approach to answering the questions.
We are planning to run an informal Q and A session on the 6th of November at 1430 regarding this role. If you wish to discuss the role further, then please contact Rachael Farrimond-Wight at Rachael.Farrimond-Wight@environment-agency.gov.uk for further details.
Interviews expected in December 2024.
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.
Please tell us how you have applied your technical expertise to make an important work decision and achieve key outcomes
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. Please provide an example of a time you delivered a successful piece of work in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
The team work alongside and share information with a wide range of different teams and stakeholders. Can you describe a time where you have been required to tailor your communication style to meet the different needs of stakeholders.
Competence 4: Data and Information Management
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.
Please give an example of when you have been responsible for gathering and using data or information to make an informed decision.
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.
