Number of jobs available: 1
Region: North West
City/Town: Penrith , Preston
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA GHYLL MOUNT, CA11 9BP, DEFRA GRP EA LUTRA HOUSE, PR5 8BX
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 06/07/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 31239.pdf – 262KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 31239.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 31239.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies.
We’re looking for an individual to oversee the day-to-day operation of the hydrometric network, focussing on Data Quality delivery. This will involve supporting team members both on site and in the office, and networking with other H&T Areas and with National H&T. Liaison with local customers and external stakeholders.
You will be part of the Area H&T Leadership Team, which is two Team Leaders and two existing Technical Specialists covering Hydrometry, and Telemetry.
You will be an experienced hydrometrist who wants to make positive contribution to climate change, ensuring future generations inherit a healthier environment. The role of Technical Specialist will be pivotal to the delivery of our team’s work through: –
- Providing Technical Leadership in delivering Data Quality integrity
- Ensuring delivery of all Data Quality tasks and carrying out quality assurance
- Managing QAS checks and associated outcomes, NRFA, SDE overview, annual data checks and DIAP with results, data validation audits, leading the WISKI group
- Driving improvements through the data journey (acquisition through to reporting)
- National H&T and inter-Area H&T networking.
- Customer liaison and communicating technical information to other teams, internal stakeholders, and external customers
- Coaching and developing team members, ensuring Data Quality standards are met
- Representing the team as Senior User on H&T data projects
- Supporting Team Leadership (as part of the Area H&T Leadership Team) and delivering H&S Active Monitoring
- Contributing to drought and flood work. Network management. Fieldwork & Office work
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. Area Hydrometric Officer (AHO) is the duty role and attracts the IM rota payment.
The team
The Hydrometry & Telemetry Team is responsible for the operation of the hydrometric network of assets covering Cumbria & Lancashire, based in the main offices at Penrith & Preston.
Our key customers are Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM)and Water Resources (WR). External customers include the Met Office and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH).
The H&T service delivered underpins the Environment Agency’s statutory responsibilities relating to Flood Forecasting/Warning and Water Resources catchment management.
Experience/skills required
- Significant experience in Hydrometry & Telemetry (H&T)
- Considerable knowledge of H&T systems and data management (including WISKI and AIMS)
- Capable of taking responsibility for technical delivery of Area H&T priorities
- Role model outstanding health, safety and wellbeing behaviours
- The ability to lead and train colleagues with respect to technical knowledge
- Experience of communicating, in writing and verbal, both with key customers and team members
- Using your initiative will be key in managing your own workload to meet deadlines and directing others in a dynamic environment
The Agency is committed to supporting staff learning and development, and Health, Safety & Wellbeing, through courses and experiences. H&T has a strong culture of Health and Safety as it is an operational role managing the network of hydrometric sites.
Contact and additional information
You will cover the work across the whole of Cumbria & Lancashire which is two H&T teams operating as one. With offices at Preston, Penrith and a small office at Bridge End, Levens. Part of your time will be site focussed, with the requirement for days in the office will be agreed with your line manager.
For further information contact –
Steve Birtwistle steve.birtwistle@environment-agency.gov.uk
or Heather Black heather.black@environment-agency.gov.uk
An appropriate vehicle will be provided for field work. A full UK manual driving licence is required. Interviews are likely in July and will be held face to face, where in addition to competency-based questions, would include a presentation on a pre-provided question. This will be confirmed nearer the time.
Competence 1: Data and Information Management
Description
Description: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes
Question: Tell us about a work-related problem you have encountered that you have solved specifically using data and or analysis and interpretation skills
Competence 2: Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Description: Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Question: Provide an example of a time when you have delivered results through others to ensure that deadlines, objectives and outcomes were met. Please describe how you planned the work, monitored progress and how you overcame challenges to delivery.
Competence 3: H&T Instrumentation Operational Management
Description
Description: Knowledge of design, installation and maintenance of H&T operational monitoring equipment.
Question: Describe a time from your H&T experience where you have used technology or techniques to improve the quality & efficiency of data collection & successfully delivered this to a team. How were these technical outcomes communicated to the customers.
Competence 4: Works in Teams
Description
Description: Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals
Question: Explain what Technical Leadership is, describe when you have demonstrated this; identifying opportunities to improve the team’s performance & efficiency in conjunction with your line manager
Role specific license requirements: Full UK Manual Driving Licence
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.
