Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Knowledge & Information Management, Operational Delivery, Science
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 02/03/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30363.pdf – 177KB
Job description attachment 2
E&B Additional Information Pack.pdf – 1853KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30363.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30363.docx.pdf – 717KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
Are you looking to use your technical knowledge to shape the future of water regulation?
Our Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for environmental permit holders is an essential component of our permitting and regulatory approach. MCERTS sets out the framework for permit holders to meet the Environment Agency’s quality requirements for emissions monitoring.
We are recruiting a specialist to support the development, implementation and regular review of our MCERTS standards for monitoring water quality and effluent flow. As part of this role, you will:
-Help shape and update the content and technical detail of MCERTS standards, drafting documents as required
-Respond to queries from EA staff, operators and consultants on MCERTS standards for water monitoring and MCERTS certification of equipment and accreditation of test laboratories
-Be comfortable presenting technical information to a range of different audiences
-Represent the EA on MCERTS water standards with a variety of external groups, comprising regulators, stakeholders, certification bodies and UKAS
-Keep abreast of and influence international developments on water monitoring standards, cascading necessary information within the Environment Agency through appropriate briefings and/or presentations.
Our MCERTS team provides specialist advice on monitoring discharges from wastewater treatment and industrial processes. Our advisors have expertise in air, water and land monitoring. We manage the Environment Agency’s MCERTS schemes.
The team
You will be working in the MCERTS team, part of Monitoring and Assessment within the Chief Regulator’s Group.
We’re a dispersed team, working with a wide range of colleagues across the country, and part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills required
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
-ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures, actively encouraging others to consider diversity issues in their work.
You’ll provide technical support to others, having developed your expertise in an analytical laboratory, or working on water flow and continuous water quality monitoring. You’ll have a good understanding of:
-Water quality sampling and analysis to laboratory standards or flow monitoring and the use of continuous water monitoring equipment
-The role of MCERTS accreditation and certification standards in water monitoring
-The approach to regulation of wastewater processes
-Principles of quality assurance and traceability
You’ll also:
-Be a good communicator
-Produce technical documents to a high standard
-Work comfortably with a wide range of internal and external customers.
You’ll have a degree or equivalent in a scientific, environmental or engineering discipline.
We will offer a range of development opportunities and provide appropriate training.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. #LI-DNI
You’ll have an Environment Agency Office base location; the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact rupert.standring@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
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
Applies scientific knowledge (analytical chemistry, physics, or similar discipline) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.
A key requirement of the role is your knowledge of water quality sampling and analysis to laboratory standards; or flow monitoring and the use of continuous water monitoring equipment.
Please describe your experience and skills in one of these areas.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Please describe a time when you had to analyse some complex technical information to help resolve a problem.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Please provide examples of methods you have used when communicating a technical subject to an audience with non-technical knowledge. How did you ensure effective understanding, and how could you test that your methods worked?
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.
