Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Environment Team at the Water Management Alliance (WMA) – a group of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) responsible for managing flood risk and land drainage across the region.
The role is based in Stewartby, Bedfordshire and will primarily support the Upper Ouse Water Management Board (a WMA Member IDB). Some travel may be required across the wider WMA catchments (predominantly to Norfolk, Suffolk and South Lincolnshire) including to the WMA’s Head Office in King’s Lynn.
Salary & Benefits
* £30,000–£35,000 (dependent on experience)
* Car allowance
* Local Government Pension Scheme
About the Role
As an Environmental Officer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that WMA’s activities protect and enhance the natural environment, specifically focusing on the Upper Ouse Water Management Board in Bedfordshire.
Working closely with Operational and Technical (Catchment) Services, you will work with the WMA’s Environmental Manager to provide ecological advice to support the daily activities of the Board such as watercourse maintenance and water level management activities. You will also lead projects identified within the Board’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
The role focuses primarily on proactive engagement with the operation teams, both prior to and during delivery of watercourse maintenance and small to medium‑scale watercourse improvement projects, including:
* Culvert replacements
* Watercourse restorations
* Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes
You will ensure works and projects:
* Prevent environmental harm
* Minimise ecological disturbance
* Enhance biodiversity wherever possible
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Relevant degree in ecological or environmental subject OR significant relevant industry experience
* Eligibility to apply for full membership with a professional accreditation body, most likely CIEEM
* Full membership with a professional accreditation body, most likely CIEEM
Desirable
* Licence holder for 1 or more protected species (e.g. Bat, GCN, Water vole etc.)
* ACSCs card for site and construction work
* Associate membership with a professional accreditation body, most likely CIEEM
Experience
Essential
* Minimum of two years relevant work experience working in an ecological role
* Experience of undertaking Protected Species Surveys (Water voles, reptiles, bats, badgers)
* Experience of producing Habitats Regulation Assessments and Water Framework Directive Assessments
* Experience working under protected species licences, notably Water Vole and Badger licences
Desirable
* Experience of being Ecological Clerk of Works (ECOW)
* Experience working with land drainage engineering techniques and water management
Skills/Knowledge
Essential
* A full and valid driving licence
* A knowledge of a wide range of environmental legislation
* The ability to interpret and apply technical information (e.g. technical plans for proposed projects)
* Ability to prioritise effectively and organise workload to meet deadlines
* Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex material, as well as having a methodical approach to work, demonstrating an attention to detail as well as accuracy in record keeping
* Ability to competently use computer software such as Microsoft packages
* Well-developed written and spoken communication skills (including letter writing, presentation skills and interpersonal communication)
* Ability to work well with others at all levels both internally and externally
* Ability to work independently
* Be resilient and persuasive, with the ability to deal with challenges and questions confidently
* Creative problem‑solving skills with an ability to identify areas for development and improvement
Desirable
* An understanding of GIS software
* Understanding of ISO14001:2015 and ISO9001:2015
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