Environmental Monitoring Officer

1

North West

Preston

Lutra House

Staff Grade 3

Permanent

Full Time, Part Time/Job Share

Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery, Science, Analytical

£25,042

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate applicant to help produce, analyse and report data on the ecological health of the aquatic environment in Cumbria and Lancashire. Applicants must have an interest and preferably experience in the practical and theoretical aspects of freshwater ecology.

You will carry out a range of tasks, including:

• Analysing invertebrates samples
• Taking invertebrate samples
• Assisting with plant and transitional estuary surveys
• Using a range of databases to enter and extract data
• Analysing data and writing reports
• Analysing, interpreting and reporting sometimes complex datasets of ecological, habitat, water chemistry and faecal bacteria data
• Helping to establish monitoring requirements for the Area’s local monitoring commission
• Involvement in high profile projects such as inland bathing waters

Training in survey techniques and identification will be available, although some experience is desirable.

You will have an office/laboratory base, but homeworking will be permitted where this fits in effectively with work delivery. You will also be expected to undertake fieldwork across the Cumbria and Lancashire area if required. You should also be willing to undertake specialist training where necessary.

The A&R team are a friendly and supportive team who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data. We turn data into evidence and provide this to client teams across the Environment Agency and to external organisations. This information is used to assess the status of our environment; to direct and inform management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others activities.

You will be qualified to at least degree level or have a minimum of two years’ experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, environmental sciences, biology). This experience can have been gained in a voluntary capacity.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of:

• Identification of macroinvertebrates/freshwater plants
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Ecological survey work (such as macrophyte surveys, saltmarsh surveys, river habitat surveys)

Experience using Excel and Word is desirable.

You need to be able to work effectively on your own and within a team and be able to produce clear written work.

You must have a driving licence and able to swim confidently.

You will be willing to undertake specialist training when necessary.

The Environment Agency take part in incident response. Our new Inclusive Incident Management Policy has been developed to support all new starters to find an incident role to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Full training will be provided.

Everyone starting in a new role with the Environment Agency will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed to succeed.

For any questions relating to this role, please contact: adam.rooke@environment-agency.gov.uk or rebecca.ramsden@environment-agency.gov.uk

Your answers will be used to determine interview selection. Please download the candidate pack to assist your application.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve and welcome all applications.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in May 2023.