Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Science
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 21/05/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30916.pdf – 184KB
Job description attachment 2
Research Scientist – Climate Impacts 30916 _Additional Information Pack.pdf – 1439KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30916.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30916.docx.pdf – 718KB
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.
Do you want to use your scientific skills to support the Environment Agency’s work and help build resilience to climate and environmental change?
We need to understand and prepare for a world of changing weather patterns, extreme events and habitat shifts. The journey to Net Zero will also alter our environment and we are at the forefront of thinking about what is needed to manage this transition.
We are looking for an experienced Research Scientist with the vision and drive to help meet these challenges.
This role will see you join the Climate Change and Resource Efficiency team within Research, part of the Environment Agency Chief Scientist’s Group.
You will use your knowledge of climate change science to understand impacts on the environment and translate insights in a helpful way for decision makers.
To do this you will:
- deliver research projects
- liaise with providers of climate data and information
- advise Environment Agency colleagues on the use of climate data and information
You will be familiar with the UK climate projections and their application to environmental impacts.
You will take responsibility and lead on aspects of climate impacts research, supporting and gaining experience from our existing research scientists. You will have opportunity to both undertake research and manage projects.
Effective communication and the ability to build great working relationships will be crucial.
The team
The Climate Change and Resource Efficiency Research team is part of the Environment Agency Chief Scientist’s Group, which provides the evidence and analysis to underpin our regulation and advice.
The 13 strong team has leading expertise in climate impacts and adaptation, molecular ecology and the management of waste. With strong links to academia and Central Government Departments, we commission and use scientific research to improve the way the Environment Agency tackles current and future challenges.
Experience/skills required
This is a scientific role undertaking research and providing technical support to others. Whether you developed your expertise through academic research or as a practitioner you will:
-Be a research scientist experienced in undertaking and managing research projects
-Be highly numerate with demonstrable skills in data analysis and interpretation of scientific information and research results
-Possess detailed understanding of science and management in a relevant environmental discipline
-Have an understanding of climate change science, and the use of climate change data and information
-Hold a relevant degree and likely to have a PhD, MRes, MSc or equivalent
It would be desirable if you are also:
-Familiar with UK climate information, and in providing adaptation advice
-A good communicator, comfortable providing scientific advice to non-specialists
-Able to work with a wide range of internal and external customers
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
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 EA Office base location, as a national role 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 stuart.allen@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications will be “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held using MS Teams, provisionally during late May or June 2025
We’ll hold a reserve list for 6 months. Depending on vacancies, reserve candidates may be offered an alternative post.
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.
Describe a piece of research you have undertaken recently to inform adaptation to climate change. What did you do and what was the outcome?
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
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 2: Data and Information Management
Description
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes
Give an example of data analysis you have undertaken to answer a research question. What methods and approaches did you use?
Competence 3: Builds and Sustains Relationships
Description
Develops and maintains effective working relationships.
Describe an occasion when you have needed to build a relationship with a new person to deliver a piece of work. How did you go about it and what was the outcome?
Competence 4: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing.
Give an example of a time when you have had to communicate complex information to a non-expert audience. What was the information and how did you go about it?
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.
