Marine Water Quality Officer - 32656

• Review reports and summarise key information for decision-making • Use data to inform water quality models • Apply sound records management principals We work collaboratively, sharing skills and building strong relationships with customers to ensure they understand and trust our advice. Incident response is part of the role. You’ll take on an incident management duty, with full training and support provided. This may include additional payment and flexible arrangements. • Interpret monitoring data and model outputs to support environmental protection • Summarise and communicate technical work and escalate challenges when needed • Build strong relationships across a dispersed team and with external partners • Use your initiative to contribute to the work of the team and wider team Knowledge of water quality and marine environment is desirable. A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is expected, and you may be working towards professional membership. You should be comfortable working in a virtual team and travelling for occasional national meetings. Training and development opportunities will be provided. Job Description The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Diversity is central to how we work and deliver for people and the environment. Are you passionate about the marine environment? Would you like to work with experts in marine water quality and water industry regulation? Can you use your initiative to solve problems and work collaboratively to achieve results? Our ambition is that by 2050, waters from catchment to coast are cleaner and thriving. We need a Marine Water Quality Officer to help make this happen. You’ll join the Marine team in Operations Catchment Services, applying technical expertise in marine environments, modelling, and data analysis to support evidence-based decisions. We assess the impact of discharges on water quality across key areas, including Nuclear New Build, major infrastructure projects, and the Water Industry National Environment Programme. We also model bathing water quality and nutrient loads in estuaries. We have 2 positions to backfill: one permanent and one fixed term for 6 months. As one of three Water Quality Officers, you will support our technical specialists to: • Provide timely answers to technical questions • Review reports and summarise key information for decision-making • Use data to inform water quality models • Apply sound records management principals We work collaboratively, sharing skills and building strong relationships with customers to ensure they understand and trust our advice. Incident response is part of the role. You’ll take on an incident management duty, with full training and support provided. This may include additional payment and flexible arrangements. The team We are a national team of marine water quality specialists within Operations Catchment Services. We work virtually using smart tools and meet in person when needed, offering flexibility on location. Training and mentoring will be provided. Experience/skills Required You should have experience in data analysis and ideally some knowledge of modelling software. Skills in tools such as Excel, Access, R, Power BI, GIS, and specialist packages like Mike or Cormix are an advantage. You will be able to: • Review complex reports and clearly communicate key issues to non-technical audiences • Interpret monitoring data and model outputs to support environmental protection • Summarise and communicate technical work and escalate challenges when needed • Build strong relationships across a dispersed team and with external partners • Use your initiative to contribute to the work of the team and wider team Knowledge of water quality and marine environment is desirable. A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is expected, and you may be working towards professional membership. You should be comfortable working in a virtual team and travelling for occasional national meetings. Training and development opportunities 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. 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 ben.evans@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. Competence 1 Data and Information Management Description Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. 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 QUESTION HERE: Please tell us about a time where you have used data to make an informed decision. What data analysis did you carry out and what decision did you make? Competence 2 Communicates Effectively Description Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing. Understands the needs of both the technical and management audience. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. QUESTION HERE: Describe a time when you have had to communicate technically complex information. What approach did you take and how did you know that the information was understood? Competence 3 Works in Teams Description Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals, especially as part of a dispersed team. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. QUESTION HERE: Provide an example of how you have worked co-operatively as part of a dispersed team to achieve a common goal. What was the role you played and how did working co-operatively improve the outcome? 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. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.