Overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist to help create, analyse and report data on the ecological health of the aquatic environment in the Wessex.
Responsibilities
You will carry out a range of tasks, including:
* Analysing invertebrate samples to mixed-taxon level
* Using a range of databases to enter and extract data
* Analysing and reporting on multi-functional data to drive environmental outcomes
* Working with internal teams and external stakeholders to influence and deliver projects with environmental benefits
* Conducting ecological surveys in rivers and lakes
* River Habitat Surveys (RHS)
* Responding to pollution incidents
As a team 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 our management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others’ activities.
You should be willing to undertake specialist training where necessary.
Location and Travel
After initial training at Blandford, the post holder can be based in either Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and deliver field work across Wessex. As a result the post holder must have a full driving licence.
There is some flexible home working included; however, it is expected that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days/week.
Incident Response
Participation in incident response is expected, including drought, pollution and flooding.
The Team
You’ll join our Analysis and Reporting Team. We are a friendly and supportive team of environmental scientists and ecologists who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data.
Experience and Skills
We require you to be able to demonstrate experience of the following:
* Freshwater ecological survey work
* An understanding of how water quality influences freshwater ecosystems
* Analysis, interpretation and reporting of ecological data to produce clearly written work
* Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate scientific information clearly to both a technical and non-technical audience
* Working proactively on your own and effectively within a team including mentoring others
Desirable skills:
* Experience in identification of macroinvertebrates to mixed-taxon level
* Experience in macrophyte identification
* Knowledge of water quality issues impacting chemistry
It is expected that the person filling this role will:
* Encourage a positive health, safety & wellbeing culture
* Work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
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