Number of jobs available: 1
Region: East of England
City/Town: Huntingdon , Ipswich , Norwich
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP DRAGONFLY HOUSE, NR3 1UB, DEFRA GRP EA BRAMPTON OFFICE, PE28 4NE, DEFRA GRP EA ICENI HOUSE, IP3 9JD
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Operational Delivery, Science
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 17/02/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
job profile – 30302.pdf – 136KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30302.docx – 2044KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30302.docx.pdf – 717KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We are seeking a fluvial geomorphologist.
In East Anglia we want to create a diverse workplace where people 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 jointly we all grow and learn together.
It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.
You will be the East Anglia Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology team’s geomorphology technical expert. You’ll work across East Anglia area, building a strong knowledge of the area’s river catchments and applying your skills to shape how our environment is managed.
You will use your geomorphology expertise to advise on a range of work areas, including:
- River and floodplain restoration (e.g. the new Environmental Land Management Schemes)
- Regulating new infrastructure developments through planning and permitting
- Flood and coastal erosion risk management activities
You’ll promote working with natural processes to improve resilience to climate change and achieve key environmental targets (e.g. the Water Framework Directive).
You will also be part of a vibrant community of more than 30 geomorphology practitioners. There will be opportunities to build your professional network and grow your skills amongst a supportive and highly experienced peer group across the Environment Agency.
The role involves a combination of office-based tasks and site work. You should expect occasional travel and overnight stays.
We’d aim to shape the job in a way that builds on your strengths and interests and reflects the developing needs of the Environment Agency.
We offer a fantastic benefits package including an attractive salary, flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. See the candidate pack for more details.
For more info on working with us see https://environmentagencycareers.co.uk/
The team
You’ll join the experienced Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team in East Anglia, which sits within Environment Management in Local Operations.
We provide high quality habitat and species management advice to a range of internal and external customers, using evidence, expertise, and innovation to protect and enhance the water environment.
Our FBG teams are based at the office locations of Brampton (Huntingdon, PE28 4NE), Ipswich (IP3 9JD) and Norwich (NR3 1UB).
Experience/skills required
You’ll have a relevant degree or equivalent experience in geomorphology or a related discipline (e.g. geology, river restoration).
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
- Technical knowledge of fluvial processes and geomorphology.
- an awareness of how it underpins flood and erosion risk and biodiversity.
- knowledge of relevant policies and legislation which applies to the protection and management of England’s rivers.
- Ability to communicate clearly and influence decision making.
- Experience providing technical leadership on real-world issues.
A full UK driving licence is required.
We welcome applicants with experience in related fields or relevant transferable skills. Our geomorphologists come from a wide range of backgrounds, so if you’re unsure whether you have the necessary skills or experience please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a chat.
Depending on the experience of the applicant, we can consider appointment at Grade 5 (£41,617) or Grade 4 (£33,000).
Contact and additional information
You’ll be based at one of the offices listed. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, though some travel and overnight stays may be required.
You’ll have an incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find an incident role which suits needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.
Any queries, please contact Dr Ian Hirst at ian.hirst@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams at the start of March.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
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. See Candidate pack for more details and a link to our capability dictionary.
This is about how you apply scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Please tell us why and how your scientific knowledge and experience of applying that knowledge makes you a good candidate for this role. Please use real life examples, telling us about your technical knowledge of fluvial processes and morphodynamics, and where possible how you have applied that knowledge to real-world issues.
We recommend structuring your answer clearly using the Situation Task Action Result (STAR) approach. Please carefully consider the characteristics and requirements of the role in your answer.
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Please tell us how you influence and persuade others when applying the science of geomorphology. We are interested in how you present a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Please use real examples if possible, and carefully consider the characteristics and requirements of the role in your answer.
Competence 3: Achieves Results
Description
Please tell us how you get things done and achieve great results. We are interested in how you plan, organise and prioritise to achieve results, getting things done in good time, and how you manage and adapt when things don’t quite go to plan.
Please use real examples if you can, ideally based on applied geomorphology experience, and consider the characteristics and requirements of the role in your answer.
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.